Psalms 83:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The enemies plan to seize the sacred places where God is worshipped.
The Context of Psalms 83:12
The enemies aim to desecrate God's sanctuaries and interrupt worship.
What Does Psalms 83:12 Mean?
Houses of God means temples and sanctuaries—the places where Israel meets and worships God. To take them in possession is to desecrate and occupy them, to claim them as spoil. This reveals that the conflict is not merely political but spiritual: the enemies seek to destroy Israel's ability to worship.
This statement shows why the psalmist appeals to God rather than relying on political negotiation. The threat is to God's honor and to Israel's covenant relationship with Him. What is at stake is not just territory or wealth but the continuance of worship itself.
Psalms 83:12 in the Original Language
bayit (בַּיִת), 'houses' — dwellings or sanctuaries where God's presence is invoked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 83:12
What does Psalms 83:12 mean?
The enemies plan to seize the sacred places where God is worshipped.
What is the context of Psalms 83:12?
The enemies aim to desecrate God's sanctuaries and interrupt worship.