Psalms 18:40
Psalms 18:40 in Multiple Translations
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I put an end to those who hated me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me.
By you their backs are turned in flight, so that my haters are cut off.
You made my enemies run away; I destroyed all my enemies.
And thou hast giuen me the neckes of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.
As to mine enemies — Thou hast given to me the neck, As to those hating me — I cut them off.
You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of my enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
You caused my enemies to run away (OR, you enabled me to put my foot on my enemies’ necks after I captured them and forced them to lie on the ground); I have gotten rid of all those who hated me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:40
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 18:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּאַזְּרֵ֣/נִי
חַ֭יִל
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
תַּכְרִ֖יעַ
קָמַ֣/י
תַּחְתָּֽ/י
וַ/תְּאַזְּרֵ֣/נִי
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
חַ֭יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
תַּכְרִ֖יעַ
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
קָמַ֣/י
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal | Suff
תַּחְתָּֽ/י
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | 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 18:40
וַ/תְּאַזְּרֵ֣/נִי
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
חַ֭יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
תַּכְרִ֖יעַ
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
קָמַ֣/י
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal | Suff
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
תַּחְתָּֽ/י
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:40
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
- Sermons on Psalms 18:40
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
38I crushed them so they could not rise; they have fallen under my feet.
39You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.
40You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.
41They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer. 42I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 21:12 | For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them. |
| 2 | Psalms 94:23 | He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them. |
Psalms 18:40 Summary
This verse, Psalms 18:40, reminds us that God is our protector and defender, and that He gives us the strength and power to overcome our enemies. When we trust in God, we can face life's challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that He is with us and for us (Romans 8:31). This doesn't mean that we'll never face difficulties or opposition, but that God will empower us to overcome them, as seen in Philippians 4:13. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can live with freedom and joy, knowing that He is our rock and our salvation (Psalms 18:2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to make my enemies retreat before me?
This phrase, found in Psalms 18:40, signifies God's empowerment and protection over His people, allowing them to overcome their adversaries, as seen in Exodus 23:22 where God promises to be an enemy to those who oppose His people.
How can I put an end to those who hate me?
According to Psalms 18:40, it is God who enables us to overcome our enemies, and this is not necessarily about taking revenge, but rather about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as taught in Romans 12:14-21.
Is this verse promoting violence or aggression towards others?
No, this verse is about the confidence and security that comes from trusting in God's power and protection, as emphasized in Psalms 23:4, where David trusts in God's presence and guidance even in the face of danger.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By recognizing that God is our ultimate source of strength and protection, we can face life's challenges with courage and faith, knowing that He is with us and for us, as stated in Hebrews 13:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm facing enemies or opposition, and how can I trust God to make them retreat before me?
- In what ways can I put my trust in God's power and provision, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities?
- How can I balance the desire for self-protection with the command to love my enemies, as taught in Matthew 5:44?
- What does it mean for me to 'put an end' to those who hate me, and how can I do this in a way that honors God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and protection in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:40
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies,.... Either to slay them, or to trample or put a yoke upon them; or rather the sense is, thou hast made them to fly before me, to turn their necks or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:40
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 18:40
Either, 1. That I might smite or behead them. Or, 2. That I might put my yoke upon their necks, or bring them into subjection. Or rather thus, Thou hast made them turn their backs to me, i.e. flee away from me; for so this very phrase is used and rendered, ,12, and elsewhere. So far are they mistaken, that say this Hebrew word oreph is only used for the neck, and not for the back. That I might destroy them; that I might have opportunity to destroy them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
Psalms 18:40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.Ver. 40. Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies] sc. To chop them off at my pleasure; or to cut the throats.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
(40) Thou hast also given.—Literally, and as to mine enemies, thou gavest to me the back, which either means “turned to flight so that only their backs were visible” (Jeremiah 18:17 and Psalms 21:12), or alludes to the common symbolism of defeat—trampling on an enemy’s neck.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
Verse 40. The necks of mine enemies] Thou hast made me a complete conqueror. Treading on the neck of an enemy was the triumph of the conqueror, and the utmost disgrace of the vanquished.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:40
40. Yea mine enemies hast thou made to turn their backs unto me, And as for them that hated me, I cut them off. The first line means that his enemies were put to flight before him Exodus 23:27), not (as the A.V. seems to imply) that he planted his foot on their necks in token of triumph (Joshua 10:24).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:40
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies - Their necks to tread upon, as the result of victory; or their necks to be subject to me, as the neck of the ox is to his owner.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:40
40. Given me the necks of mine enemies—To “turn the neck” in battle is to be put to flight. See Joshua 7:8, where “backs” should read necks, so elsewhere.
Sermons on Psalms 18:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Evil Men in the Plan of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and desiring Jesus above all else. He discusses the upcoming difficult days that the world will face and reminds th |
|
His Dreadful Threatenings! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the inseparable connection between sin and its consequences, asserting that the wages of sin is death as stated in Romans 6:23. He argues that a just and r |