Psalms 18:32
Psalms 18:32 in Multiple Translations
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
The God that girdeth me with strength, And maketh my way perfect?
God puts a strong band about me, guiding me in a straight way.
God makes me strong and keeps me safe.
God girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way vpright.
God! who is girding me [with] strength, And He maketh perfect my way.
the God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
God is the one who enables me to be strong and who keeps me safe on the roads that I walk on.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:32
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 18:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
מִ֣י
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ
מִ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וּ/מִ֥י
צ֝֗וּר
זוּלָתִ֥/י
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
מִ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֣י
bilʻădêy
H1107
beside
Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
צ֝֗וּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
N-ms
זוּלָתִ֥/י
zûwlâh
H2108
exception
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | 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 18:32
כִּ֤י
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.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֱ֭לוֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
מִ/בַּלְעֲדֵ֣י
bilʻădêy
H1107
"beside"
Prep | Prep
This word means except or without, like in a phrase saying something is not included. The Bible uses it to show exclusion or exception, like in a rule or a law that does not apply to everyone.
Definition: apart from, except, without, besides
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, not (in), save, without. See also: Genesis 14:24; Psalms 18:32; Isaiah 36:10.
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.
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
צ֝֗וּר
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
N-ms
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.
זוּלָתִ֥/י
zûwlâh
H2108
"exception"
Prep | Suff
This word means exception or removal, like scattering something away, and is used in phrases like except or besides. The KJV translates it as beside, but, only, or save. It is often used to make exceptions in biblical commands.
Definition: 1) a removal, a putting away prep 2) except, besides, with the exception of, with removal of conj 3) except that
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, but, only, save. See also: Deuteronomy 1:36; 2 Kings 24:14; Psalms 18:32.
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:32
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
- Sermons on Psalms 18:32
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
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?
32It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.
33He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. 34He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 45:5 | I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, |
| 2 | Psalms 28:7 | The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 22:33 | God is my strong fortress and He makes my way clear. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 3:5 | Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. |
| 5 | Psalms 91:2 | I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” |
| 6 | Psalms 93:1 | The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD has clothed and armed Himself with strength. The world indeed is firmly established; it cannot be moved. |
Psalms 18:32 Summary
[Psalms 18:32 tells us that God is the one who gives us the strength we need to face life's challenges. He not only gives us strength, but also guides us and makes our way clear, as we see in Proverbs 3:6. This means we can trust Him to help us navigate life's ups and downs, and we can have confidence that He will give us the strength we need to overcome them (Philippians 4:13). By trusting in God's strength and guidance, we can live a life that honors Him and brings us joy.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to arm me with strength?
According to Psalms 18:32, God gives us the strength we need to face challenges, as seen in other scriptures like Philippians 4:13 where it says 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
How does God make my way clear?
God makes our way clear by giving us wisdom and guidance, as stated in Proverbs 3:6, which says 'in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.'
Is this verse only for King David or can it apply to me?
Although King David wrote this verse, the principle applies to all believers, as seen in verses like Romans 8:37, which says 'in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.'
What is the relationship between God's strength and my efforts?
While we are called to put in effort, it is God who gives us the strength to do so, as seen in Colossians 1:29, which says 'To this end I labor, striving with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.'
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need God to arm me with strength and make my way clear?
- How can I trust God to guide me when the path ahead seems uncertain?
- What are some ways I can practically submit to God and allow Him to direct my steps?
- How does remembering God's past faithfulness help me trust Him with my current challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:32
[It is] God that girdeth me with strength,.... For battle, as in Psalms 18:39; with strength of body and fortitude of mind; both which are from the Lord, and were in David; and were acknowledged by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:32
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 18:32
That girdeth me with strength; that gives me strength both of mind and body for battle. It is a metaphor taken either from a military girdle, or from a common girdle, wherewith their loose garments were girt about them, whereby they were rendered fitter for any action. Perfect, i.e. perfectly plain and smooth, and clear from impediments, as pioneers use to prepare the way for the march of an army. He guided me in all my counsels and enterprises, so that I neither miss my way, nor stumble in it, nor come short of my end.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
Psalms 18:32 [It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.Ver. 32. It is God that girdeth me with strength] It is a metaphor, saith Vatablus, either from a soldier’ s belt, which buckleth his armour close to him, and maketh him more steady; or else from the reins themselves, in which the Scripture sometimes placeth strength and vigour. God did all for David; and hath here the glory of all his valour and victories. And maketh my way perfect] i.e. Completeth and prospereth all my designs and enterprises. For want hereof many attempt much, but effect little or nothing. Antiochus, king of Syria, was called Magnus for undertaking much and performing little. Guicciardin saith of Charles VIII, in his expedition to Naples, that he came into the field like thunder and lightning, but went out like a snuff; more than a man at first, and less than a woman at last.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
(32) The verse should run on closely from the last. The italics spoil it. Girdeth.—The importance of the girdle in a country where the dress was loose and flowing is shown by many passages of Scripture. It is essential to the warrior as here (comp. Ephesians 6:14, and the Greek expression, “to be girt” = to be armed), but also for all active exertion. Way.—Here, not of conduct, but the military path, the march. Notice the variation in Samuel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
Verse 32. God - girdeth me with strength] The girdle was a necessary part of the Eastern dress; it strengthened and supported the loins; served to confine the garments close to the body; and in it they tucked them up when journeying. The strength of God was to his soul what the girdle was to the body. I need not add, that the girdle was also an ornamental part of the dress, and from it the sword was suspended. And maketh my way perfect.] He directs me so that I do not go astray; he blesses me in my undertakings; and by him the issue of my labours is crowned with prosperity.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:32
32. It is God] R.V., The God [El] that girdeth me with strength. Cp. Psalms 18:39; Psalms 93:1; 1 Samuel 2:4. maketh my way perfect] Removing the obstacles which might have hindered me from the complete accomplishment of the career He has marked out for me. Observe the analogy between the perfection of God’s way (Psalms 18:30) and His servant’s. Cp. Matthew 5:48 for a higher development of the same thought. The traditional reading (Qrç) in 2 Sam. is, “God is my strong fortress, and guideth my way in perfectness”; while the written text (Kthîbh) has, “he guideth the perfect in his way”: but the exact meaning is obscure. A simpler word has apparently been substituted in the text of the Psalm.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:32
It is God that girdeth me with strength - Who gives me strength.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:32
32. Girdeth— “The figure of girding is significant, because, in the Oriental dress, the girdle is essential to all free and active motion.”—Alexander. My way perfect—Upright before God.
Sermons on Psalms 18:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Final Warning to the Indulgent Church by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not just agreeing with the truth of God, but embracing it fully, pouring out our lives for His glory and the benefit of others. Drawing fro |
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God Is My Strength and Power - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of fearing and serving the Lord with all our heart and soul, highlighting the requirements God has for us. It delves into the |
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The Necessity of Weakness by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the necessity of weakness in the Christian walk, drawing from the life of the apostle Paul and the story of David and Goliath. It highlights how God's streng |
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How Clean Are Your Hands? by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean hands and righteousness before God, highlighting how God rewards those who walk in integrity and keep His ways. Throug |
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His Bow Abode in Strength by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the true strength given by God to His faithful, like Joseph, is not mere bravado but a genuine, divine empowerment. This strength enables believers to |
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Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers |
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To All Such as Complain They Want Power by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the necessity of yielding subjection to God's power that works in us, emphasizing that God requires repentance, faith, and obedience from us for salv |