Psalms 18:28
Psalms 18:28 in Multiple Translations
For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness.
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
For thou wilt light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness.
You, O Lord, will be my light; by you, my God, the dark will be made bright for me.
You light my lamp! Lord, my God, you light up my darkness!
Surely thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God wil lighten my darkenes.
For Thou — Thou lightest my lamp, Jehovah my God enlighteneth my darkness.
For you will light my lamp, LORD. My God will light up my darkness.
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
You give light to my soul/spirit; you take away the darkness of my soul.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:28
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 18:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אַ֭תָּה
עַם
עָנִ֣י
תוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
וְ/עֵינַ֖יִם
רָמ֣וֹת
תַּשְׁפִּֽיל
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַ֭תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עַם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
עָנִ֣י
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
תוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
וְ/עֵינַ֖יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd
רָמ֣וֹת
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal
תַּשְׁפִּֽיל
shâphêl
H8213
to abase
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:28
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַ֭תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עַם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עָנִ֣י
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
תוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/עֵינַ֖יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
רָמ֣וֹת
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
תַּשְׁפִּֽיל
shâphêl
H8213
"to abase"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To humble or abase oneself, to lower one's expectations or pride. In the Bible, it can mean to bring someone or something down, like in Proverbs 29:23, where a person's pride is humbled.
Definition: 1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased 1a) (Qal) to be or become low 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate 1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement 1b3) to make low, sit down
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er). See also: 1 Samuel 2:7; Isaiah 2:17; Psalms 18:28.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:28
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
- Sermons on Psalms 18:28
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
26to the pure You show Yourself pure, but to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd.
27For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes.
28For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness.
29For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall. 30As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 22:29 | For You, O LORD, are my lamp; the LORD lights up my darkness. |
| 2 | Job 29:3 | when His lamp shone above my head, and by His light I walked through the darkness, |
| 3 | Isaiah 42:16 | I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. |
| 4 | Matthew 4:16 | the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” |
| 5 | Luke 1:79 | to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” |
| 6 | 1 Peter 2:9 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:27 | The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. |
| 8 | Psalms 112:4 | Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. |
| 9 | Isaiah 62:1 | For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch. |
| 10 | Psalms 132:17 | There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one. |
Psalms 18:28 Summary
This verse means that God helps us by giving us guidance and hope, even when things seem dark and uncertain. He is like a lamp that shines in the darkness, showing us the way forward. Just like a lamp helps us see where we're going, God's presence in our lives helps us understand what to do and gives us the strength to do it, as seen in Psalms 119:105. By trusting in God's light, we can overcome any obstacle and find peace in Him, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'light my lamp' in Psalms 18:28?
This phrase means that God brings guidance, wisdom, and understanding into our lives, just as a lamp lights the way in the darkness, as seen in Psalms 119:105, where it says 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path'
How does God 'light up my darkness'?
God illuminates our lives by giving us hope, comfort, and peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as promised in Isaiah 41:10, where it says 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand'
Is this verse only for the psalmist, or can it apply to me too?
This verse can apply to anyone who has a personal relationship with God, as seen in John 8:12, where Jesus says 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'
How can I experience God's light in my life?
We can experience God's light by reading and obeying His word, as seen in Psalms 119:130, where it says 'The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas of darkness in my life where I need God's light to shine?
- How has God illuminated my path in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- What are some ways I can 'follow' God's light, as mentioned in John 8:12, in my daily life?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's light, even when I don't understand my circumstances?
- How can I share God's light with others who may be struggling in darkness?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle,.... Or lamp (d): in 2 Samuel 22:29, it is, "Thou [art] my lamp, O Lord"; which may either design outward prosperity, and the flourishing condition of David's kingdom;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Here follows the fourth section of the psalm.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
Or, thou dost light, or hast lighted, my candle, i.e. given me safety, and comfort, and prosperity, and glory, and posterity also; all which are oft signified by a candle or a light, as 29:3 132:17, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
Psalms 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.Ver. 28. For thou wilt light my candle] Or, Thou hast lighted my candle, that is, thou hast bettered my condition, which seemed to be put out in obscurity. The wicked man’ s is, Job 18:6; Job 21:17 Proverbs 13:9. The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness] He hath, and yet still will turn my grief into joy, as Esther 8:17, and meanwhile direct and comfort me in mine afflictions; as a candle is a great comfort in the dark, though it doth not make day where it comes, as the sun doth,
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
(28) For thou wilt.—Better, Thou makest bright my lamp. In Samuel, “It is thou Jehovah who art my lamp.” This obvious metaphor is common in Hebrew, as in all literature. Light is an emblem of prosperity, happiness, or life itself. (Comp. Job 18:6; Job 21:17; Proverbs 13:9, &c). It happens to be used very frequently of David and his family (1 Kings 11:36; 1 Kings 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19). Comp. Psalms 132:17.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
Verse 28. For thou wilt light my candle] Thou wilt restore me to prosperity, and give me a happy issue out of all my afflictions. By the lamp of David the Messiah may be meant: thou wilt not suffer my family to become extinct, nor the kingdom which thou hast promised me utterly to fail.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:28
28–30. These general principles of God’s dealing with men are confirmed by David’s own experience.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle - Margin, lamp. The word lamp best expresses the idea. In the Scriptures light is an image of prosperity, success, happiness, holiness, as darkness is the image of the opposite.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:28
28. Light my candle—Or, lamp; a figure denoting joyfulness, prosperity.Job 29:3. On the contrary, “the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” Proverbs 13:9; Job 21:17
Sermons on Psalms 18:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Spiritual Laws by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the importance of stabilizing our faith in God during times of trouble, encouraging us to apply Christian philosophy to our daily lives. He highlights the |
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Countless Treasures! by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the countless treasures found in the Bible, highlighting how the Scriptures are often heard without interest or understanding by many, leading to danger |
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Willed Blindness by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot preaches about the consequences of deliberate deception and the danger of holding onto darkness within ourselves, which can lead others away from the light of Jesu |
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Wait for Light by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on the importance of patience and waiting on the Lord, emphasizes the soul's calm endurance in seeking God's light before taking action. She highlig |
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He Will Give Light by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance that even in the darkest times, the Lord's light will shine upon us, bringing hope and dispelling fear. Just as Paul Gerhardt's hy |
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How to Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit by Al Henson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of acknowledging our spiritual blindness in order to be led by God. He emphasizes that being man-centered rather than God-cente |
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Isaiah (Part 6) - the Character of the Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming amount of information and messages they receive from God while meditating on scriptures. They describe how these messages s |