Psalms 18:29
Psalms 18:29 in Multiple Translations
For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall.
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
For by thee I run upon a troop; And by my God do I leap over a wall.
By your help I have made a way through the wall which was shutting me in; by the help of my God I have gone over a wall.
With you, I can charge down a troop of soldiers; with you, my God, I can climb a fortress wall.
For by thee I haue broken through an hoste, and by my God I haue leaped ouer a wall.
For by Thee I run — a troop! And by my God I leap a wall.
For by you, I advance through a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
You enable me to be strong, with the result that I can run and attack a line of enemy soldiers; with your help I can ◄scale/climb up► the walls that surround my enemies’ cities.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:29
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 18:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אַ֭תָּה
תָּאִ֣יר
נֵרִ֑/י
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱ֝לֹהַ֗/י
יַגִּ֥יהַּ
חָשְׁכִּֽ/י
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַ֭תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
תָּאִ֣יר
ʼôwr
H215
to light
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
נֵרִ֑/י
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms | Suff
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱ֝לֹהַ֗/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
יַגִּ֥יהַּ
nâgahh
H5050
to shine
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
חָשְׁכִּֽ/י
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:29
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.
תָּאִ֣יר
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
נֵרִ֑/י
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms | Suff
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
יְהוָ֥ה
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.
אֱ֝לֹהַ֗/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יַגִּ֥יהַּ
nâgahh
H5050
"to shine"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to shine or glitter, and is often used to describe God's light, as seen in Psalm 104:2 where God stretches out the heavens like a curtain, shining with his glory.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to enlighten 1b2) to cause to shine
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (en-) lighten, (cause to) shine. See also: 2 Samuel 22:29; Psalms 18:29; Isaiah 9:1.
חָשְׁכִּֽ/י
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:29
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
- Sermons on Psalms 18:29
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
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. 31For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 22:30 | For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:10–13 | 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. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 | But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. |
| 4 | Revelation 3:21 | To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. |
| 5 | Colossians 2:15 | And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. |
| 7 | Psalms 144:10 | to Him who gives victory to kings, who frees His servant David from the deadly sword. |
| 8 | Psalms 44:6–7 | For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 23:2 | So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” |
| 10 | Psalms 144:1 | Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. |
Psalms 18:29 Summary
This verse, Psalms 18:29, means that with God's help, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. It's like having the power to charge into battle or climb over a huge wall. The psalmist is saying that because God is with him, he feels strong and able to do things he couldn't do on his own (as seen in Jeremiah 32:17, where God says 'Nothing is too difficult for You'). This is a great reminder for us to trust in God's power and presence in our lives, just like it says in Romans 8:31, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'charge an army' in Psalms 18:29?
In this context, 'charging an army' is a metaphor for overcoming overwhelming challenges, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:1, where God promises to be with His people in battle. With God's help, the psalmist feels empowered to tackle even the most daunting tasks.
How can I apply the idea of 'scaling a wall' to my own life?
The image of scaling a wall, as in Psalms 18:29, represents overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This idea is similar to what is written in Philippians 4:13, where Paul says 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
What is the significance of saying 'with my God I can' in this verse?
The phrase 'with my God I can' highlights the psalmist's dependence on God for strength and ability. This is reminiscent of Isaiah 41:10, where God says 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
How does this verse relate to trust in God?
Psalms 18:29 demonstrates the psalmist's trust in God's power and presence. This trust is essential for the Christian life, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises us to 'trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.'
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'armies' or challenges in my life that I feel overwhelmed by, and how can I trust God to help me overcome them?
- What 'walls' do I need to scale, and what steps can I take to start climbing, knowing that God is with me?
- In what ways do I need to acknowledge my dependence on God, saying 'with my God I can' as I face my daily struggles?
- How can I apply the concept of God's enabling power in my life, just like the psalmist did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:29
For by thee I have run through a troop,.... Or, "I have run to a troop": to meet one (f) with courage and intrepidity, as some interpret it (g); or, as others (h), "I have run after a troop": that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:29
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 18:29
By thee I have broken through the armed troops of mine enemies. I have sealed the walls of their strongest cities and castles, and so taken them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
Psalms 18:29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.Ver. 29. For by thee have I run through a troop] Though but a little man, yet by God’ s help he achieved great matters, did great exploits. Homo tricubitalis, saith a Father concerning Paul; Et coelum ascendit: so here. Some render it, Currebam accinctus: I ran well appointed (Bucholcer); and they interpret it of his victory over Goliath, whom he ran upon and cut off his head, after that he had hurled at him with as good a force; Perinde ac si fundae suae tunicis non lapillum, sed Deum ipsum induisset ae implicuisset, saith one; as if he had got not a stone, but God himself, into the bought of his sling. And by my God have I leapt over a wall] That is, I have stormed a walled town, or fort, with very little ado; being no less valiant and venturous than Alexander the Great was among the Indians; but upon far better grounds, because in the strength of God, as at the fort of Zion.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
(29) Better with the verbs in the present— “For by thee I scatter a troop, By thee I scale walls.” A graphic reminiscence of warlike exploits. Some, however, read from Samuel “break down,” instead of “leap over.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
Verse 29. I have run through a troop] This may relate to some remarkable victory, and the taking of some fortified place, possibly Zion, from the Jebusites. See the account 2 Samuel 5:6-8.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:29
29. For by thee I run after a troop, And by my God I leap over a wall. The language is general, but it seems to contain a reminiscence of two memorable events in David’s life: the successful pursuit of the predatory ‘troop’ of Amalekites which had sacked Ziklag (1 Samuel 30; in Psalms 18:8; Psalms 18:15; Psalms 18:23 the same word troop is used of the Amalekites): and the capture of Zion, effected with such unexpected ease that he seemed to have leapt over the walls which its defenders boasted were impregnable (2 Samuel 5:6-8). The rendering run after is preferable to break (A.V. marg.). The point is the speed of the pursuit, not the completeness of the defeat.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:29
For by thee I have run through a troop - Margin, broken. The word troop here refers to bands of soldiers, or hosts of enemies.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:29
29. Run through a troop—Charged through a troop. The term is military. Job 15:26; Job 16:24. Leaped over a wall—Scaled the wall of a besieged city, or, as the Chaldee, “taken a fort.” Joe 2:7
Sermons on Psalms 18:29
| Sermon | Description | |
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Running Through the Paper Wall by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of breaking through the barriers that hinder us from fulfilling God's calling in our lives. Drawing from Hebrews 12 and Psalms 18, the speaker |
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A Thief in a Parking Lot by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and understanding our authority in Christ to push back the powers of darkness. It encourages believers to stand firm, put |
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Epistle 207 by George Fox | George Fox encourages believers to focus on the eternal seed of God, Christ Jesus, which transcends all earthly sufferings and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of living in |
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A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and |
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Power Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their experience of watching a movie about the United Nations and reflecting on the horrors of the world. They then share a childhood dream th |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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A Warning to America by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention and righteousness in a land plagued by defilement and darkness. It highlights the power of prayer and the need f |