2 Samuel 22:41
New International Version
You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.

New Living Translation
You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me.

English Standard Version
You made my enemies turn their backs to me, those who hated me, and I destroyed them.

Berean Standard Bible
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.

Berean Literal Bible
And You have given me the necks of my enemies—of those who hated me—and I destroyed them.

King James Bible
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

New King James Version
You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me.

New American Standard Bible
“You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, And I destroyed those who hated me.

NASB 1995
“You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, And I destroyed those who hated me.

NASB 1977
“Thou hast also made my enemies turn their backs to me, And I destroyed those who hated me.

Legacy Standard Bible
You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, And I destroyed those who hated me.

Amplified Bible
“You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me [in retreat], And I destroyed those who hated me.

Berean Annotated Bible
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.

Christian Standard Bible
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I annihilate those who hate me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I annihilate those who hate me.

American Standard Version
Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me.

Contemporary English Version
You made my enemies run, and I killed them.

English Revised Version
Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, that I might cut off them that hate me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and I destroyed those who hated me.

Good News Translation
You make my enemies run from me; I destroy those who hate me.

International Standard Version
You made my enemies turn and run— that is, those who hate me— and I destroyed them!

NET Bible
You make my enemies retreat; I destroy those who hate me.

New Heart English Bible
You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thou hast also given me the necks of my enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.

World English Bible
You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And my enemies—You give to me the neck, "" Those hating me—and I cut them off.

Berean Literal Bible
And You have given me the necks of my enemies—of those who hated me—and I destroyed them.

Young's Literal Translation
And mine enemies -- Thou givest to me the neck, Those hating me -- and I cut them off.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the neck of mine enemies wilt thou give to me Those hating me, and I will cut them off.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
My enemies thou hast made to turn their back to me: them that hated me, and I shall destroy them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You have caused my enemies to turn their back to me; they have hatred for me, and I shall destroy them.

New American Bible
My foes you put to flight before me; those who hated me I destroyed.

New Revised Standard Version
You made my enemies turn their backs to me, those who hated me, and I destroyed them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thou hast also made mine enemies to bend their necks to me, that I might silence those that hate me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the necks of my enemies you have converted to me and I shall stop my haters
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me; Yea, them that hate me, that I might cut them off.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou hast caused mine enemies to flee before me, even them that hated me, and thou hast slain them.

Additional Translations ...



Context
David's Song of Deliverance
40You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me. 41You have made my enemies retreat before me; I put an end to those who hated me. 42They looked, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but He did not answer.…

Cross References
You have made my enemies retreat before me;

Psalm 18:40
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.

Exodus 23:27
I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

Deuteronomy 28:7
The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.
I destroyed those who hated me.

Deuteronomy 7:10
But those who hate Him He repays to their faces with destruction; He will not hesitate to repay to his face the one who hates Him.

Psalm 21:8-9
Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You. / You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them.

Psalm 18:37-38
I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed. / I crushed them so they could not rise; they have fallen under my feet.
Joshua 10:24-25
When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. / “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.”

Psalm 44:5
Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

Isaiah 63:3
“I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained.

Micah 7:10
Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame—she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets.

Luke 20:43
until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Corinthians 15:25
For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.

Hebrews 1:13
Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?

Hebrews 10:13
Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet,


Treasury of Scripture

You have also given me the necks of my enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

necks

Genesis 49:8
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Exodus 23:27
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Joshua 10:24
And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

I might

Psalm 21:8,9
Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee…

Luke 19:14,27
But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us…

2 Thessalonians 1:8,9
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: …

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Backs Cut Destroy Destroyed Enemies Flight Foes Givest Hate Hated Haters Hating Neck Necks Turn Turned
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Backs Cut Destroy Destroyed Enemies Flight Foes Givest Hate Hated Haters Hating Neck Necks Turn Turned
2 Samuel 22
1. David's psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance and blessings












You have made my enemies retreat before me;

David credits God with giving him victory over Saul, the Philistines, and the nations that opposed Israel. His enemies were forced to flee because the Lord established David’s rule and defended him in battle.

Psa 18:40 You have made my enemies retreat before me;…
Exo 23:27 I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion…
Deu 28:7 The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you…

I destroyed those who hated me.

God’s deliverance enabled David to overcome those who sought his death and resisted his kingship. These victories secured Israel during David’s reign and displayed God’s judgment against persistent enemies of His anointed king.

Deu 7:10 But those who hate Him He repays to their faces…
Psa 21:8-9 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies;…
Psa 18:37-38 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;…

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of praise, David is reflecting on God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout his life, particularly in battles against his enemies.

2. Enemies
These are the adversaries that David faced throughout his life, including King Saul, the Philistines, and other hostile nations or individuals who opposed him.

3. God's Deliverance
The overarching event in this passage is God's intervention in David's battles, granting him victory over his enemies.

4. Israel
The nation over which David was king, often facing threats from surrounding nations and internal strife.

5. Song of Praise
This chapter is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for His deliverance and protection, paralleling Psalm 18.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Battles
Recognize that God is in control of all circumstances, including the battles we face, whether physical or spiritual.

Trust in God's Deliverance
Like David, we should trust in God's ability to deliver us from our enemies and challenges.

Gratitude for God's Faithfulness
Cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's past deliverances, which strengthens our faith for future challenges.

Spiritual Warfare
Understand that our battles are not just physical but spiritual, and we must rely on God's strength and armor.

Victory Through God
Acknowledge that true victory comes through God's power and not our own strength or abilities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 22:41?

2. How does 2 Samuel 22:41 demonstrate God's power over our enemies today?

3. What does "You made my enemies retreat" reveal about God's protection?

4. How can we apply David's trust in God to our daily battles?

5. Connect 2 Samuel 22:41 with Romans 8:31 on God's support for believers.

6. In what ways can we seek God's help against spiritual adversaries?

7. How does 2 Samuel 22:41 reflect God's role in battles and victories?

8. What historical context surrounds 2 Samuel 22:41?

9. How does 2 Samuel 22:41 align with the theme of divine justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 22?


2 Samuel 22:41 celebrates the Lord’s decisive, hands-on deliverance: God initiates, enemies retreat, the servant acts, and hostility is silenced. The verse invites every follower of God to trust His power, engage courageously, and rest in the certainty that the victory He ordains cannot be overturned.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You have made
תַּ֥תָּה (tat·tāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

my enemies
וְאֹ֣יְבַ֔י (wə·’ō·yə·ḇay)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

retreat
עֹ֑רֶף (‘ō·rep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6203: The nape, back of the neck, the back

before me;
לִּ֖י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

I put an end
וָאַצְמִיתֵֽם׃ (wā·’aṣ·mî·ṯêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6789: To put an end to, exterminate

to those who hated me.
מְשַׂנְאַ֖י (mə·śan·’ay)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8130: To hate


Additonal Resources
2 Samuel 22:41 Blue Letter Bible
2 Samuel 22:41 Bible Gateway
2 Samuel 22:41 Bible.com

2 Samuel 22:41 NIV
2 Samuel 22:41 NLT
2 Samuel 22:41 ESV
2 Samuel 22:41 NASB
2 Samuel 22:41 KJV

2 Samuel 22:41 Study Bible
2 Samuel 22:41 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 22:41 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 22:41 French Bible
2 Samuel 22:41 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 22:41 You have also made my enemies turn (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)

2 Samuel 22:40
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