Psalms 80:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist laments that God has removed Israel's protection, leaving her vulnerable to enemies.
The Context of Psalms 80:12
Abrupt shift from past blessings to present devastation.
What Does Psalms 80:12 Mean?
The sharp 'why' signals a stark reversal. From the peak described in verse 11, the psalm plunges into the present reality: God has broken down the hedges (walls, defenses) that protected the vine. The protection that once secured her now lies in ruins.
'All they which pass by the way do pluck her' describes complete exposure and humiliation. Travelers—including enemies and enemies—now freely take what they will. What was once sacred and protected has become common prey. This is not gradual decline but deliberate destruction.
Psalms 80:12 in the Original Language
Hedges (גְדֵרִים, gedeirim) — enclosures, walls, fences that protect and demarcate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 80:12
What does Psalms 80:12 mean?
The psalmist laments that God has removed Israel's protection, leaving her vulnerable to enemies.
What is the context of Psalms 80:12?
Abrupt shift from past blessings to present devastation.