Psalms 18:16
Psalms 18:16 in Multiple Translations
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
He sent from on high, he took me; He drew me out of many waters.
He sent from on high, he took me, pulling me out of great waters.
He reached down his hand from above and grabbed hold of me. He pulled me out of the deep water.
He hath sent downe from aboue and taken mee: hee hath drawen mee out of many waters.
He sendeth from above — He taketh me, He draweth me out of many waters.
He sent from on high. He took me. He drew me out of many waters.
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
It was as though he reached down from heaven and grabbed me and pulled me up out of the deep ocean.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:16
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 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֤רָא֨וּ
אֲפִ֥יקֵי
מַ֗יִם
וַֽ/יִּגָּלוּ֮
מוֹסְד֪וֹת
תֵּ֫בֵ֥ל
מִ/גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣
יְהוָ֑ה
מִ֝/נִּשְׁמַ֗ת
ר֣וּחַ
אַפֶּֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֵּ֤רָא֨וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֲפִ֥יקֵי
ʼâphîyq
H650
channel
N-mp
מַ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וַֽ/יִּגָּלוּ֮
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מוֹסְד֪וֹת
môwçâdâh
H4146
foundation
N-cp
תֵּ֫בֵ֥ל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
מִ/גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
rebuke
Prep | N-fs | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ֝/נִּשְׁמַ֗ת
nᵉshâmâh
H5397
breath
Prep | N-fs
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אַפֶּֽ/ךָ
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:16
וַ/יֵּ֤רָא֨וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֲפִ֥יקֵי
ʼâphîyq
H650
"channel"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a channel or stream, and can also mean a strong or mighty thing. It appears in various forms, such as a brook or river, and is used to describe a powerful object or hero. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural features like streams and valleys.
Definition: 1) channel 2) ravine 3) of hollow bones (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: brook, channel, mighty, river, [phrase] scale, stream, strong piece. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:16.
מַ֗יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַֽ/יִּגָּלוּ֮
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
מוֹסְד֪וֹת
môwçâdâh
H4146
"foundation"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a foundation or base, like the starting point of a building. It appears in Psalm 11:3 and is also used in Proverbs 8:29 to describe the earth's foundation. This concept is key to understanding God's creation.
Definition: foundation Another spelling of mo.sad (מוֹסָד "foundation" H4144)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: foundation. See also: Deuteronomy 32:22; Isaiah 24:18; Psalms 18:8.
תֵּ֫בֵ֥ל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
מִ/גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
"rebuke"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
A rebuke is a stern warning or correction, often given to someone who has done wrong. It is a way of reproof, aiming to guide the person back to the right path.
Definition: a rebuke, reproof
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: rebuke(-ing), reproof. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Proverbs 13:8; Psalms 18:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
מִ֝/נִּשְׁמַ֗ת
nᵉshâmâh
H5397
"breath"
Prep | N-fs
This word means breath, spirit, or wind, and is used in Genesis and other Old Testament books to describe God's breath and the breath of living things. It is related to the idea of divine inspiration and intellect, and is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breath, spirit 1a) breath (of God) 1b) breath (of man) 1c) every breathing thing 1d) spirit (of man) Aramaic equivalent: nish.ma (נִשְׁמָא "breath" H5396)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: blast, (that) breath(-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 32:8; Psalms 18:16.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אַפֶּֽ/ךָ
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
- Sermons on Psalms 18:16
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
14He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
15The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed, at Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
16He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.
17He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. 18They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 22:17 | He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. |
| 2 | Psalms 144:7 | Reach down from on high; set me free and rescue me from the deep waters, from the grasp of foreigners, |
| 3 | Psalms 57:3 | He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. |
| 4 | Jonah 2:5–6 | The waters engulfed me to take my life; the watery depths closed around me; the seaweed wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath me barred me in forever! But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God! |
| 5 | Psalms 18:43 | You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. |
| 6 | Psalms 40:1–3 | I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. |
| 7 | Exodus 2:10 | When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and explained, “I drew him out of the water.” |
| 8 | Psalms 32:6 | Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near. |
| 9 | Revelation 17:15 | Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. |
Psalms 18:16 Summary
[Psalms 18:16 is a beautiful picture of God's love and power in our lives. When we are in trouble or feeling overwhelmed, God can reach down and rescue us, just like He did for the psalmist. This verse reminds us that God is always with us and wants to help us, as seen in Hebrews 13:5 where it says 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' We can trust in His love and power to save us from any 'deep waters' we may be facing.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'reached down from on high' in Psalms 18:16?
This phrase symbolizes God's mighty power and willingness to intervene in our lives, much like He did for Moses in Exodus 3:8 when He came down to rescue the Israelites from slavery.
What are the 'deep waters' that God drew the psalmist out of?
The 'deep waters' likely represent a time of great trouble or distress, similar to the experience of Jonah in Jonah 2:3-6 when he was swallowed by a whale and then rescued by God.
How can I experience God's rescue like the psalmist did in Psalms 18:16?
To experience God's rescue, we must come to Him in humility and faith, just like the psalmist did, and trust in His power and love, as seen in Romans 5:8 where it says 'God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.'
Is this verse only for the psalmist or can it apply to my life too?
While this verse was written by the psalmist about his own experience, the principles of God's rescue and love can apply to our lives as well, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 where it says God 'comforts us in all our troubles' so we can comfort others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'deep waters' in my life that I need God to rescue me from, and how can I trust in His power to save me?
- How has God 'reached down from on high' in my life in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- What are some ways I can 'reach out' to others who may be struggling in their own 'deep waters', and how can I share God's love with them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of God's rescue in Psalms 18:16 to my daily life, and how can it give me hope and confidence in His love?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:16
He sent from above,.... Either his hand, as in Psalms 144:7; he exerted and displayed his mighty power in raising Christ from the dead; or he sent help from his sanctuary; as in Psalms 20:2; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:16
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
He sent angels, or assistance otherwise.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
Psalms 18:16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.Ver. 16. He sent from above, he took me] He rescued me as by a hand reached me from heaven. Deus εκμηχανης, or, he sent his angels to secure me. He drew me out of many waters] As he had once done Moses, Exodus 2:10, who there hence also had his name. Musaeus, for the same cause, calleth him υδχογενης, water spring.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
(16) He drew me.—By an exquisite transition from the real to the figurative the poet conceives of these parted waters as the “floods of affliction” (Psalms 18:5), from which Jehovah has rescued him by means of the very storm which was sent, in answer to his prayer, to overwhelm his enemies. Render at once more literally and forcibly, “He laid hold of me and drew me out of great waters.” The conception undoubtedly is that the “gates of death” are under these floods, and those being now parted, the sufferer can be reached and rescued. Psalms 18:17-19 show trifling variations between the two copies of the psalm.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
Verse 16. He drew me out of many waters.] Here the allusion is still carried on. The waters thus poured out were sweeping the people away; but God, by a miraculous interference, sent and drew David out. Sometimes waters are used to denote multitudes of people; and here the word may have that reference; multitudes were gathered together against David, but God delivered him from them all. This seems to be countenanced by the following verse.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:16
16–19. The deliverance which was the object of Jehovah’s manifestation of His power.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:16
He sent from above - He interposed to save me. All these manifestations of the divine interposition were from above, or from heaven; all came from God. He took me - He took hold on me; he rescued me.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:16
16. He sent from above—See the full expression, Psalms 144:7. The dawn of the psalmist’s deliverance breaks from on high.
Sermons on Psalms 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Return Unto Thy Rest O My Soul by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God waits for the cry of His people, when they come to the realization that they cannot fulfill their own promises to Him. The speaker e |
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The Inward Shout of Faith by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the power of faith in God's ability to work miracles in our lives. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises, acknowledge their insufficiency, and r |
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Your Savior Has Come by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon transcript titled "Your Savior Has Come," Basilius Schlink encourages listeners who may be on the verge of despair to find hope in Jesus. He compares Jesus to a skil |
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The Cross and the World (Continued) by L.E. Maxwell | L.E. Maxwell emphasizes the transformative power of the Cross, illustrating how believers are rescued from the depths of the world and called to rescue others. He highlights the ne |
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The Christian's Assurance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound assurance found in Romans 8:28, illustrating how God orchestrates all circumstances for the good of those who love Him. He reassures believers tha |
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Deliverance From Deep Waters. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the theme of deliverance in his sermon 'Deliverance From Deep Waters,' drawing from Psalm 18:16. He illustrates how David, Christ, and every Christian exp |
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Why Did God Deliver You in the Past? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that our afflictions are a testament to God's love and delight in us, as seen in Psalm 18. He encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities |