Psalm 68 23

Psalm 68:23 kjv

That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

Psalm 68:23 nkjv

That your foot may crush them in blood, And the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies."

Psalm 68:23 niv

that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."

Psalm 68:23 esv

that you may strike your feet in their blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe."

Psalm 68:23 nlt

You, my people, will wash your feet in their blood,
and even your dogs will get their share!"

Psalm 68 verses

Psalm 68 23 Meaning

This verse vividly describes the absolute and violent triumph of God over His adversaries. It portrays God's decisive victory, where His judgment is so thorough that His very "foot" is metaphorically stained by the blood of the defeated, and even scavenging dogs consume the remains of the wicked. It underscores the totality of divine vengeance against those who oppose His righteous reign.

Psalm 68 23 Context

Psalm 68 is often interpreted as a grand processional psalm celebrating Yahweh's triumphal march from Sinai into Canaan, establishing His dwelling in Zion. It recalls God's past victories as a mighty warrior, His care for the vulnerable (orphans, widows), and His supreme authority over all creation and nations. Verse 23, therefore, sits within this broader context of divine victory, assurance of justice, and the complete subjugation of those who defy God's sovereign rule and oppress His people. It expresses the consequence for all who resist the coming of His kingdom. Historically, it reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine kingship, where the god's power was demonstrated through overwhelming military success. It can also anticipate eschatological victories.

Psalm 68 23 Word analysis

• thy foot (Hebrew: ragel - רֶגֶל): The foot represents treading, authority, dominion, and possession (e.g., Deut 11:24). For God, it symbolizes His direct intervention, decisive action, and conquest.
• may be dipped (Hebrew: timchaṣ - תִּמְחַץ, derived from māḥaṣ): This word signifies more than a gentle dip; it means "to strike through," "to crush," "to wound," or "to pierce." It denotes violent, overwhelming force, suggesting the enemy is utterly crushed and broken, allowing for a thorough saturation in blood.
• in the blood (Hebrew: b'dam - בְּדָם): Blood is a powerful biblical symbol, often representing life itself (Lev 17:11). Here, however, in the context of judgment and battle, it signifies violent death, carnage, and the total destruction of enemies. It paints a gruesome picture of the consequences of opposing the Almighty.
• of thine enemies (Hebrew: ʾōyəḇeḵā - אוֹיְבֶיךָ): Refers to adversaries, those who oppose God and His people, seeking to hinder His purposes or oppress His chosen. This is God's personal and active triumph over His foes.
• and the tongue (Hebrew: ûlěšôn - וּלְשֹׁון): The tongue is the organ for tasting and lapping. Its involvement indicates a thorough, almost ceremonial, act of consumption.
• of thy dogs (Hebrew: kĕlābeḵā - כְּלָבֶיךָ): In ancient Israel, dogs were largely wild, scavenger animals, considered unclean (Lev 11:26). Their licking the blood signifies the utter dehumanization and disgrace of the enemies; they are reduced to mere carcasses for carrion, illustrating complete victory and utter devastation without honorable burial. This amplifies the finality and ignominy of the defeat.

• That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies: This phrase portrays a personal, direct, and overwhelming divine judgment. It emphasizes God's active involvement in the downfall of His foes, trampling them underfoot, much like one might press grapes in a winepress (Isa 63:3). The image conveys total subjugation and a visceral depiction of triumph.
• and the tongue of thy dogs in the same: This phrase intensifies the grim picture of judgment. It signifies the complete consumption and desolation of the defeated. The use of dogs highlights the absolute lack of honor or proper burial for the enemies, reduced to fodder for scavengers. It serves as a stark warning and a testament to the unsparing nature of God's final justice.

Psalm 68 23 Bonus section

• The anthropomorphic imagery of God's "foot" being "dipped" suggests a very direct and tangible involvement of God in judgment, even though God is Spirit. This is a common biblical literary device to communicate divine action in human terms for comprehension.
• The "dogs" belonging to God ("thy dogs") could suggest that even the scavengers are agents, albeit unconscious ones, in fulfilling God's complete judgment, bringing His wrath to its absolute conclusion by consuming the very last vestiges of the enemies. This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of divine control, extending even to the lowliest of creatures in executing justice.
• This verse provides a powerful backdrop for understanding New Testament passages concerning Christ's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and evil (e.g., Col 2:15, Rev 20:10-15), demonstrating that the judgment initiated by God in the Old Covenant is ultimately fulfilled in the Lord Jesus' final and complete victory.

Psalm 68 23 Commentary

Psalm 68:23 presents a powerful and unflinching vision of divine retribution. It underscores God's sovereignty as a conquering King who utterly defeats those who oppose His righteousness and oppress His people. The verse is not merely descriptive but declarative, affirming the inevitable and comprehensive nature of God's justice. It serves as both a comfort to the righteous, assuring them of God's defense, and a dire warning to the wicked of the absolute consequences of their defiance. The imagery of treading enemies underfoot and their remains consumed by scavengers paints a picture of ultimate humiliation and destruction, leaving no doubt about the finality of God's triumph. This reflects a key aspect of God's character revealed throughout Scripture: His holiness demands justice against evil.