Psalms 18:3

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Psalms 18:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

King James Version KJV

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

American Standard Version ASV

I will call upon Jehovah, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I will send up my cry to the Lord, who is to be praised; so will I be made safe from those who are against me.

Free Bible Version FBV

I call for help from the Lord who should be praised, and he saves me from those who hate me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I will call vpon the Lord, which is worthie to be praysed: so shall I be safe from mine enemies.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The 'Praised One' I call Jehovah, And from my enemies I am saved.

World English Bible WEB

I call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.

Translation for Translators T4T

I called out to Yahweh, who deserves to be praised, and he rescued me from my enemies.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:3

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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 18:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB יְהוָ֤ה סַֽלְעִ֥/י וּ/מְצוּדָתִ֗/י וּ/מְפַ֫לְטִ֥/י אֵלִ֣/י צ֭וּרִ/י אֶֽחֱסֶה בּ֑/וֹ מָֽגִנִּ֥/י וְ/קֶֽרֶן יִ֝שְׁעִ֗/י מִשְׂגַּבִּֽ/י

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

סַֽלְעִ֥/י çelaʻ H5553 crag N-ms | Suff

וּ/מְצוּדָתִ֗/י mâtsûwd H4686 net Conj | N-cs | Suff

וּ/מְפַ֫לְטִ֥/י pâlaṭ H6403 to escape Conj | V-Piel | Suff

אֵלִ֣/י ʼêl H410 god N-ms | Suff

צ֭וּרִ/י tsûwr H6697 rock N-ms | Suff

אֶֽחֱסֶה châçâh H2620 to seek refuge V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

בּ֑/וֹ Prep | Suff

מָֽגִנִּ֥/י mâgên H4043 shield N-cs | Suff

וְ/קֶֽרֶן qeren H7161 horn Conj | N-cs

יִ֝שְׁעִ֗/י yeshaʻ H3468 salvation N-ms | Suff

מִשְׂגַּבִּֽ/י misgâb H4869 high refuge N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:3

יְהוָ֤ה 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.

סַֽלְעִ֥/י çelaʻ H5553 "crag" N-ms | Suff

This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.

Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.

וּ/מְצוּדָתִ֗/י mâtsûwd H4686 "net" Conj | N-cs | Suff

Matsud is a fortress or strong hold, like a castle or net, used for protection and capture, as mentioned in Psalm 31:4. It is a place of safety and security.

Definition: 1) net, prey, net prey 1a) net 1b) prey

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place. See also: 1 Samuel 22:4; Job 39:28; Psalms 18:3.

וּ/מְפַ֫לְטִ֥/י pâlaṭ H6403 "to escape" Conj | V-Piel | Suff

To escape means to slip out of a difficult situation, like the Israelites did when they left Egypt, as told in Exodus 14. The word can also mean to deliver or save someone, often used to describe God's actions in the Bible. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away 1a) (Qal) to escape 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bring into security, deliver 1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth 1b3) to be delivered 1b4) to slip away 1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. See also: 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 37:40; Psalms 17:13.

אֵלִ֣/י ʼêl H410 "god" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.

Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)

Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.

צ֭וּרִ/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.

אֶֽחֱסֶה châçâh H2620 "to seek refuge" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.

בּ֑/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

מָֽגִנִּ֥/י mâgên H4043 "shield" N-cs | Suff

A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.

Definition: shield, buckler

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.

וְ/קֶֽרֶן qeren H7161 "horn" Conj | N-cs

In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.

Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.

יִ֝שְׁעִ֗/י yeshaʻ H3468 "salvation" N-ms | Suff

Refers to salvation or deliverance, like in Psalm 119:123 where the writer asks for salvation from God, and can also mean prosperity or victory.

Definition: 1) deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, welfare 1a) safety, welfare, prosperity 1b) salvation 1c) victory

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: safety, salvation, saving. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 51:14; Psalms 12:6.

מִשְׂגַּבִּֽ/י misgâb H4869 "high refuge" N-ms | Suff

Misgab refers to a high place or tower that provides defense and refuge, like a fortress. It is also the name of a place in Moab, mentioned in Jeremiah 48:1. The KJV translates it as Misgab.

Definition: 1) high place, refuge, secure height, retreat 1a) stronghold 1b) refuge (of God)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Misgab. See also: 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 59:18; Psalms 9:10.

Study Notes — Psalms 18:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 18:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:3
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:3
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:3
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:3
Sermons on Psalms 18:3

Context — The LORD Is My Rock

1I love You, O LORD, my strength. 2The 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.

3I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

4The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. 5The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 91:15	When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
2	Psalms 145:3	Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.
3	Psalms 62:8	Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah
4	Romans 8:31–39	What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
5	Luke 1:71	salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,
6	2 Samuel 22:4	I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.
7	Psalms 55:16	But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
8	Psalms 96:4	For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
9	Psalms 28:1–2	To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit. Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.
10	Nehemiah 9:5	Then the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting: Blessed be Your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

Psalms 18:3 Summary

Psalms 18:3 tells us that when we call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, we will be saved from our enemies. This means that no matter what challenges or dangers we face, we can trust in God's power and love to protect and deliver us, as seen in other verses like Deuteronomy 31:6 and Isaiah 41:10. By recognizing the LORD's worthiness to be praised, we can have confidence in His ability to save us. This verse reminds us that our salvation and protection come from God, and we should always look to Him for help, just as it says in Hebrews 4:16 to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to call upon the LORD?

To call upon the LORD means to ask for His help, guidance, and salvation, as seen in Psalms 18:3, and is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as encouraged in Romans 10:13 and Jeremiah 33:3.

Why is the LORD worthy to be praised?

The LORD is worthy to be praised because of His power, love, and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalms 18:3, and is a theme repeated throughout Scripture, such as in Psalms 145:3 and Revelation 4:11.

How can I be saved from my enemies?

According to Psalms 18:3, calling upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, is a key to being saved from our enemies, and this concept is reinforced in other passages like Exodus 14:13-14 and 2 Timothy 4:18.

Is this verse only for King David or can it apply to me?

Although Psalms 18:3 was written by King David, its principles and promises can apply to all believers, as seen in Hebrews 13:5-6, where God's presence and help are promised to those who trust in Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can call upon the LORD in my daily life, and how can I make this a consistent practice?
How does recognizing the LORD's worthiness to be praised impact my relationship with Him and my trust in His salvation?
In what ways can I apply the concept of being saved from my enemies, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, to my current circumstances?
What are some specific areas of my life where I need to trust in the LORD's power and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalms 18:3?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:3

I will call upon the Lord,.... In prayer, for fresh mercies, and further appearances of himself, and discoveries of his grace and favour; [who is worthy] to be praised; for the perfections of his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:3

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised , [ mªhulaal (H1984)] - literally, 'the praised Lord.'

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:3

Or, I did call— and was saved. For the future tense is commonly used for that which is past. And this seems best to agree with the whole context, which is to praise God for mercies already received.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:3

Psalms 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.Ver. 3. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised] Or, is the proper object of praises, because he is good and doth good, Psalms 119:68. David vows to praise him, 1. By loving him entirely. 2. By trusting in him steadfastly, Psalms 18:1 3. By calling upon him continually, here, and Psalms 116:2-3, which psalm is very like to this (in the beginning especially) both for matter and method. So shall I be saved, &c.] He hath often proved the power of prayer, especially when he came ready prepared to praise God for the return of prayer; and thence he is bold to promise himself all good.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:3

(3) Presents a trifling verbal variation from Samuel.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:3

Verse 3. I will call upon the Lord] When he was conscious that the object of his worship was such as he has pointed out in the above nine particulars, it is no wonder that he resolves to call upon him; and no wonder that he expects, in consequence, to be saved from his enemies; for who can destroy him whom such a God undertakes to save?

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:3

3. Not merely a resolution or expression of confidence for the future (I will call … so shall I be saved); but the expression of a general conviction of God’s faithfulness to answer prayer; whensoever I call … then am I saved &c. Cp. Psalms 56:9. This conviction is based on experience, and illustrated by what follows (Psalms 18:6). worthy to be praised] Cp. Psalms 48:1, Psalms 96:4, Psalms 113:3, Psalms 145:3. Jehovah is the one object of Israel’s praise (Deuteronomy 10:21), and on Israel’s praises He sits enthroned (Psalms 22:3). The keynote of worship is Hallelujah, ‘praise ye Jah,’ and the Hebrew title of the Psalter is Tehillim, i.e. Praises.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:3

I will call upon the Lord - The idea here is, that he would constantly call upon the Lord. In all times of trouble and danger he would go to him, and invoke his aid.

Sermons on Psalms 18:3

	Sermon	Description
	It's Time to Call Off the Party by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an unbroken faith in every promise that God has made. He encourages listeners to look to Jesus as their example, who
	Prayer That Changes Things by Herald Weitsz	In this sermon, Eddie Leo from Indonesia emphasizes the importance of the 49-day encounter as a remedy for spiritual struggles. He highlights the efforts made by Mark Hodges to ref
	Concerning Mortal Sins, Pardonable Sins, and Sins of Omission by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite	St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite preaches about the importance of understanding the different categories of sins - mortal, pardonable, and sins of omission. Mortal sins corrupt the love
	Starts Discussion of Second Commandment (Not to Take the Name of the Lord in Vain) by Martin Luther	Martin Luther delves into the importance of honoring God's Name and the Second Commandment, emphasizing that all works must be done in faith to truly honor and magnify God's glory.
	A Consolation in Affliction by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about finding consolation in affliction by acknowledging God's kindness and faithfulness towards His people. Despite the challenges and heavy afflictions fac
	When All Hope Is Lost, Call on Me by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgency of calling on God when all hope seems lost, drawing from Psalm 91:15 to illustrate that God promises to answer those who seek Him in times of t
	A Higher Source by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody emphasizes the necessity of relying on God as our higher source for deliverance, using the example of Moses, who initially failed in his own strength to free the Israeli