Psalms 144:1
Psalms 144:1 in Multiple Translations
Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight:
Praise be to the God of my strength, teaching my hands the use of the sword, and my fingers the art of fighting:
Praise the Lord—he is my rock. He trains me for battle, he gives me skill for war.
A Psalme of David. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth mine hands to fight, and my fingers to battell.
By David. Blessed [is] Jehovah my rock, who is teaching My hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands to war, and my fingers to battle—
A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight;
I will extol thee, O God my king: and I will bless thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.
I praise Yahweh, who is like an overhanging rock under which I ◄get refuge/am protected►! He trains my hands so that I can use them to fight battles; he trains my fingers so that I can shoot arrows in a war.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 144:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 144:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/דָוִ֨ד
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ
יְהוָ֨ה
צוּרִ֗/י
הַֽ/מְלַמֵּ֣ד
יָדַ֣/י
לַ/קְרָ֑ב
אֶ֝צְבְּעוֹתַ֗/י
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
לְ/דָוִ֨ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Qal-Inf-c
יְהוָ֨ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צוּרִ֗/י
tsûwr
H6697
rock
N-ms | Suff
הַֽ/מְלַמֵּ֣ד
lâmad
H3925
to learn
Art | V-Piel
יָדַ֣/י
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
לַ/קְרָ֑ב
qᵉrâb
H7128
battle
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֝צְבְּעוֹתַ֗/י
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
finger
N-fp | Suff
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 144:1
לְ/דָוִ֨ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
יְהוָ֨ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צוּרִ֗/י
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
N-ms | Suff
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
הַֽ/מְלַמֵּ֣ד
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
Art | V-Piel
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
יָדַ֣/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לַ/קְרָ֑ב
qᵉrâb
H7128
"battle"
Prep | N-ms
A battle or war, often referring to a hostile encounter between two or more groups, like the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6:1-27. This word emphasizes the intensity and conflict of the encounter.
Definition: battle, war Aramaic equivalent: qe.rav (קְרָב "war" H7129)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: battle, war. See also: 2 Samuel 17:11; Psalms 68:31; Psalms 55:19.
אֶ֝צְבְּעוֹתַ֗/י
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
"finger"
N-fp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.
Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Psalms 144:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 144:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
- Sermons on Psalms 144:1
Context — Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock
1Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
2He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. 3O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:34 | He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 22:35 | He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. |
| 3 | Psalms 18:2 | The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. |
| 4 | Psalms 44:3–4 | For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. |
| 5 | Ephesians 6:10–11 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 10:4 | The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:24 | Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. |
| 8 | Psalms 60:12 | With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 32:30–31 | How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. |
| 10 | Psalms 18:31 | For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? |
Psalms 144:1 Summary
This verse means that God is our strength and protection, and He equips us for the spiritual battles we face. Just like a soldier trains for war, God trains and prepares us to stand against the enemy and trust in His power. As seen in Jeremiah 33:3, God invites us to call to Him and He will answer, giving us the strength and guidance we need. By recognizing God as our Rock, we can trust in His stability and protection, and seek His empowerment for the challenges we face, just as David did in Psalms 18:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God trains my hands for war?
This phrase is a metaphor for God equipping and empowering us for spiritual battles, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, where we are called to put on the full armor of God to stand against the enemy.
Is this verse promoting violence or aggression?
No, this verse is not promoting physical violence, but rather spiritual warfare, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, where we are called to tear down strongholds and arguments against God's truth.
What is the significance of God being my Rock?
God being our Rock, as seen in Psalms 144:1, is a symbol of His stability, strength, and protection, as also seen in Psalms 18:2, where David calls God his Rock and salvation.
How can I apply this verse to my daily life?
We can apply this verse by recognizing our dependence on God for strength and guidance, and seeking His empowerment for the spiritual battles we face, as seen in Philippians 4:13, where we are told we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some spiritual battles I am currently facing, and how can I trust God to equip me for them?
- In what ways can I surrender my hands and fingers to God, allowing Him to work through me?
- How does recognizing God as my Rock and fortress impact my daily life and decision-making?
- What are some ways I can practically take refuge in God, as mentioned in Psalms 144:2, and trust in His protection and care?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:1
Blessed [be] the Lord my strength,.... The author and giver of his natural strength of body, and of the fortitude of his mind, and of all the spiritual strength he had, to exercise grace, to bear up
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:1
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: Psalms 144:1-15.-Blessed be Yahweh, my strength, in subduing my enemies (Psalms 144:1-2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
Psalms 144 THE The matter of this Psalm is partly gratulatory for mercies received, and partly petitionary for further blessings. It seems to have been composed after Saul’ s death, and in the beginning of David’ s reign, when he was exposed to many perils, both from his own rebellions subjects, and from the Philistines and other foreign enemies, yet so that lie had a good prospect and assurance of a more complete and established felicity. David, blesseth God for his mercy to him in his wars and government, confesseth his own and man’ s nothingness, ; prayeth that he would deliver him from his powerful enemies, , and promiseth to praise him, . The happiness of that kingdom whose God is the Lord, . Who has given me that skill in military conduct, and that dexterity in the management of my weapons, which was wholly unsuitable to and much above my education and former course of life.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
Psalms 144:1 « [A Psalm] of David. » Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight:A Psalm of David] The Greek addeth, against Goliath; and the Chaldee, for the hurtful sword, Psalms 144:10, hath Goliath’ s sword. Ver. 1. Blessed be the Lord my strength] See Psalms 18:1, and observe how this psalm suiteth with that. Which teacheth my hands] Used to the hook and harp, and not to the sword and spear; but God hath apted and abled them to feats of arms, and warlike exploits. It is God that giveth skill and success, saith Solomon, Proverbs 8:1-36, wisdom and ability, saith Daniel, Daniel 2:19-23 And as in the spiritual warfare, so here, our weapons are mighty through God, 2 Corinthians 10:4, who promiseth that no weapon formed against his people shall prosper, Isaiah 54:17.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
(1) Strength.—Rather, rock. Comp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 18:46. LXX. and Vulg., “my God.” Which teacheth.—See Psalms 18:34. More literally, “Who traineth my hands for war, My fingers for fight.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
PSALM CXLIV The psalmist praises God for his goodness, 1, 2. Exclamations relative to the vanity of human life, 3, 4. He prays against his enemies, 5-8; and extols God's mercy for the temporal blessings enjoyed by his people, 9-15. NOTES ON PSALM CXLIV The Hebrew, and all the Versions, attribute this Psalm to David. The Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and Arabic, term it, A Psalm of David against Goliath. The Syriac says, "A Psalm of David when he slew Asaph, the brother of Goliath." Calmet thinks, and with much probability, that it was composed by David after the death of Absalom, and the restoration of the kingdom to peace and tranquillity. From a collation of this with Psalms 18:1-50, of which it appears to be an abridgment, preserving the same ideas, and the same forms of expression, there can be no doubt of both having proceeded from the same pen, and that David was the author. There is scarcely an expression here of peculiar importance that is not found in the prototype; and for explanation I must refer generally to the above Psalm. Verse 1. Teacheth my hands to war] To use sword, battle-axe, or spear.
And my fingers to fight] To use the bow and arrows, and the sling.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:1
1, 2. Praise of Jehovah the Giver of victory.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:1
Blessed be the Lord my strength - Margin, as in Hebrew, “my rock.” See the notes at Psalms 18:46, where the same expression occurs in the Hebrew.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 144:1
1. My strength—Hebrew, My rock, but clearly in a broad and figurative sense.
Sermons on Psalms 144:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Godly Home) Part 6 - Bible Pictures of Promise by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of vision and the pictures of promise found in the Bible. The sermon begins by discussing Psalm 144, which is a unique Psalm writte |
|
The Secret of a Happy Life by J.C. Ryle | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of finding true happiness and the misconceptions surrounding it. It emphasizes that true happiness comes from the grace of God and li |
|
|
07. Pictures of Promise in the Bible by Denny Kenaston | This sermon delves into Psalms 144, exploring the unique combination of war and a burden for the home that David expressed in his writing. It emphasizes the importance of God's inv |
|
The Overcoming Grace of God by Timothy Williams | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Psalm 144:1, which states that the Lord teaches us how to fight and stand firm against the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that the Lord teac |
|
Time for War by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting Psalm 144:1-5, where David praises God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer. The preacher then reflects on the reality of war and the |
|
|
2. Bible Pictures of a Godly Home by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of having a vision for raising godly children, emphasizing the need for a vision written upon the heart by God's finger. He highlights |
|
Commentary on Psalm 136-150 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a profound commentary on Psalms 136-150, emphasizing the enduring mercy of God as a central theme throughout the psalms. He highlights the importance of gratit |