Psalms 3:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist calls on God to act, recalling how He defeated enemies before.
The Context of Psalms 3:7
A prayer combining direct petition with memory of God's past deliverance.
What Does Psalms 3:7 Mean?
The psalmist shifts to direct petition: 'Arise, O LORD; save me.' This is not passive waiting but active prayer. He calls God to stand up and deliver him—to move from heaven to action on his behalf.
The final clauses recall God's past victories. 'Smote upon the cheek bone' and 'broken the teeth' are vivid images of decisive defeat of enemies. The psalmist anchors his petition in what God has already done, asking Him to act again as He has acted before.
Psalms 3:7 in the Original Language
hikita (הִכִּיתָ), 'hast smitten' — past tense, recalling previous victories God won on behalf of the psalmist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 3:7
What does Psalms 3:7 mean?
The psalmist calls on God to act, recalling how He defeated enemies before.
What is the context of Psalms 3:7?
A prayer combining direct petition with memory of God's past deliverance.