Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 76:12

"He will cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth." — Psalms 76:12 (ASV)

He shall cut off ... —Literally, lop off, as a vinedresser prunes a vine. For the image see Joel 3:13; Isaiah 18:5; Revelation 14:17 and following.

Spirit — that is, the life.