Psalms 94:18 — Word Study
WLCאִם־ אָ֭מַרְתִּי מָ֣טָה רַגְלִ֑י חַסְדְּךָ֥ יְ֝הוָ֗ה יִסְעָדֵֽנִי׃
BSAIfʼim [when, at the moment] I sayʼâmar■ [speak, utter] My footregel [step, path] is slippingmôwṭ■ [shaking, wavering] Your loving devotionchêçêd [kindness, mercy, faithful love] O LORDYᵉhôvâh [exalted, sovereign, Yehovah] supports meçâʻad▸ [holds up, comforts, sustains]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אִם־ | if | Particle |
| אָ֭מַרְתִּי | I said | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| מָ֣טָה | it has slipped | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| רַגְלִ֑י | foot my | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| חַסְדְּךָ֥ | covenant loyalty your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| יְ֝הוָ֗ה | O Yahweh | Noun proper |
| יִסְעָדֵֽנִי׃ | it supported me | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me. |
| KJV | When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. |
| ASV | When I said, My foot slippeth; Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, held me up. |
| YLT | If I have said, 'My foot hath slipped,' Thy kindness, O Jehovah, supporteth me. |
| WEB | When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your loving kindness, Yahweh, held me up. |
| BBE | If I say, My foot is slipping; your mercy, O Lord, is my support. |
Where they part company is יְ֝הוָ֗ה — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence begins with a conditional clause, followed by the main assertion of God's support, creating a clear structure of doubt followed by reassurance.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 94:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Reflection on God's Supportgenerated
Psalm 94:18 is part of a larger meditation on God's help in times of trouble. The psalmist recalls moments of personal struggle and expresses confidence in God's loving support, highlighting the relationship between human vulnerability and divine faithfulness. This theme resonates throughout the psalm, as seen in the preceding and following verses, which emphasize God's role as a helper and comforter in distress.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 17:5 | My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped. |
| 2 | Psalm 37:23–24 | The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. |
| 3 | Psalm 38:16 | For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.” |
| 4 | Psalm 119:116–117 | Sustain me as You promised, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope. |
| 5 | Psalm 121:3 | He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יְ֝הוָ֗ה, Yah.wehgenerated
The name יְהוָ֗ה (Yahweh) is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as 'the LORD'. It signifies God's eternal and self-existent nature, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. The use of this name in the psalm underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people, as well as His active involvement in their lives.
In this verse, the psalmist calls upon Yahweh, recognizing Him as the source of support during moments of weakness. This invocation highlights the psalmist's reliance on God's covenant loyalty, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around a conditional statement introduced by אִם ('if'), leading into a personal declaration of the psalmist's experience. The main verb אָ֭מַרְתִּי ('I said') anchors the sentence, with the subsequent phrases elaborating on the psalmist's feelings of instability and God's supportive response.
The word order emphasizes the psalmist's expression of doubt before shifting to the assurance of God's loving devotion. This structure highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine strength.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, יְ֝הוָ֗ה is rendered as κύριε (kurie), meaning 'Lord'. This choice reflects a common practice in Greek translations to convey reverence and authority, aligning with the understanding of God as sovereign.
The Greek term βοηθεῖ (boēthei) is used for 'supports', indicating a direct action of assistance, similar to the original Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 94:18 expresses a moment when the psalmist feels unstable, saying, 'My foot is slipping.' In that moment, he acknowledges that it is God's loving devotion that supports him. This verse highlights the relationship between human vulnerability and God's faithful love.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist is expressing a feeling of instability or doubt in his life, indicating a moment of weakness.
God's loving devotion refers to His kindness and faithfulness, which provides comfort and strength during times of trouble.
The name 'Yahweh' signifies God's personal relationship with His people and His active role in their lives, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness.
We can learn that even in moments of doubt or instability, we can rely on God's loving support and faithfulness.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I feel my 'foot is slipping' and how can I seek God's support?
- How can I remind myself of God's loving devotion during difficult times?
- What does it mean for me personally to call upon Yahweh in my struggles?
- How can I share the assurance of God's support with others who are feeling unstable?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers, like Augustine, quoted this verse to illustrate God's support in times of personal struggle and the importance of confession.
"If I said, My foot has slipt; Your mercy, O Lord, held me up" [Psalms 94:18]. See how God loves confession.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 94 →
The one who arranged the contest helps the contestant. God, you see, does not watch you in the ring in the same way as the populace watch a charioteer; they know how to shout, they do not know how to help.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 94 →
All the same, you must not think that you are in every respect or immediately going to be strong or … going to fail utterly by despairing.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 94 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 94:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWhen I said, my foot slippeth,.... There is no ground for me to stand upon; all is over with me; there is no hope nor help for me; I am just falling into ruin and destruction: such will be the
Read John Gill on Psalms 94 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWhen I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. Here he explains Psalms 94:17.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 94 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleMy foot slippeth; I am now upon the point of falling into mischief and utter destruction.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 94 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.Ver. 18. When I said, My foot slippeth] I stand on a precipice, and shall be down, Hypotyposis est. Thy mercy, O Lord, held me] I have subsisted merely by a miracle of thy mercy, by a prop of thine extraordinary pity and patience.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 94 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. When I said, My foot slippeth] When I found myself so weak and my enemy so strong, that I got first off my guard, and then off my centre of gravity, and my fall appeared inevitable, - Thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.] יסעדני yisadeni, propped me. It is a metaphor taken from any thing falling, that is propped, shored up, or buttressed. How often does the mercy of God thus prevent the ruin of weak believers, and of those who have been unfaithful!
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 94 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. The A.V. misses the picturesqueness of the tenses. When I said, My foot hath slipped, thy lovingkindness, Jehovah, was supporting me. I gave myself up for lost, but the right hand of love had hold of me all the time. Cp. Psalms 38:16; Psalms 18:35.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 94 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleWhen I said, My foot slippeth - I can no longer stand. My strength is gone; and I must sink into the grave. The original here is, “If I say, My foot slippeth,” etc.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 94 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.
When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your loving kindness, Yahweh, held me up.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your loyal love, O Lord, supports me.
Tyndale line
When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
When I said, My foot slippeth; Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, held me up.
When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
When I said, My foote slideth, thy mercy, O Lord, stayed me.
Strictly literal
When I said, My foot slippeth, thy loving-kindness, O Jehovah, held me up.
If I have said, 'My foot hath slipped,' Thy kindness, O Jehovah, supporteth me.
If I have said, “My foot has slipped,” || Your kindness, O YHWH, supports me.
When I said, My foot hath slipped: thy kindness, O Lord, sustained me.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, held me up.
Simplified
I shouted out, “My foot's slipping!” and your trustworthy love, Lord, kept me from falling.
If I say, My foot is slipping; your mercy, O Lord, is my support.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads, "If I say, 'My foot is slipping,' Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all 7 words match in a word-by-word correspondence, although the order and structure differ. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q84) also align closely with the Masoretic Text, containing the same key phrases, though three words are partly restored, indicating that the overall message is consistent across these ancient witnesses.
אִם־ אָ֭מַרְתִּי מָ֣טָה רַגְלִ֑י חַסְדְּךָ֥ יְ֝הוָ֗ה יִסְעָדֵֽנִי׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
אם אמרתי מטה רגל׳י חסד׳ך יהוה יסעד׳ני
4 words on the leather — 3 partly restored.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 94:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj — ParticleHTc
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
מוֹט (mot) is a Hebrew verb meaning to totter, shake, or slip. It has various forms, including Qal (to totter), Niphal (to be shaken), Hiphil (to dislodge), and Hithpael (to be greatly shaken). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to instability and movement, but do not specify any particular Old Testament verses.
[מוֹט] vb. totter, shake, slip
Qal totter, slip
Niph. be shaken, moved, overthrown
Hiph. dislodge, let fall, drop
Hithpo‛l. be greatly shaken
base
H4131 [מוֹט] totter, shake, slip
4131 mowt mote
a primitive root; to waver; by implication , to slip, shake,
fall:--be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in
decay, X exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-)moved, be
ready, shake, slide, slip.
מוֹט (mot) — to shake.
1) to totter, shake, slip
1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip
1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown
1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop
1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
רֶ֫גֶל (regel) means 'foot' and can refer to a foot or leg in various contexts, including anthropomorphic references to God and other beings. It also implies steps or paces. The word is derived from a root meaning related to walking, and it appears in multiple forms, such as feet and paces.
רֶ֫גֶל 247 n.f. foot
foot
three times (feet, paces)
base
H7272 רֶ֫גֶל foot . foot
. three times (feet, paces)
7272 regel reh'-gel
from 7270; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a
step; by euphem. the pudenda:--X be able to endure, X
according as, X after, X coming, X follow,
((broken-))foot((-ed, -stool)), X great toe, X haunt, X
journey, leg, + piss, + possession, time.
see HEBREW for 07270
רֶ֫גֶל (re.gel) — foot.
1) foot
1a) foot, leg
1b) of God (anthropomorphic)
1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table
1d) according to the pace of (with prep)
1e) three times (feet, paces)
Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp1bs
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) primarily means kindness or goodness, often referring to the kindness of people towards one another, especially towards the needy. It can also denote God's lovingkindness and mercy. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning of shame or reproach. The entries reflect a range of uses, from human interactions to divine attributes.
חֶ֫סֶד 247 n.m. goodness, kindness
of man:
kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
(rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
lovely appearance
of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
base
חֶ֫סֶד n.m. shame, reproach
base
H2617a חֶ֫סֶד goodness, kindness . of man: . kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
. (rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
. lovely appearance
. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
H2617b חֶ֫סֶד shame, reproach
2617 checed kheh'-sed
from 2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety:
rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty:--favour,
good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful
(kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
see HEBREW for 02616
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.
goodness, kindness, faithfulness
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.
a reproach, shame
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
סָעַד (sa'ad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to support, sustain, or strengthen. It encompasses various forms of support, including emotional and physical, and is used in contexts like comforting or upholding. The Aramaic equivalent is סְעַד (H5583). There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
סָעַד vb. support, sustain, stay
base
H5582 סָעַד support, sustain, stay
5582 ca`ad saw-ad'
a primitive root; to suport (mostly figurative):--comfort,
establish, hold up, refresh self, strengthen, be upholden.
סָעַד (sa.ad) — to support.
1) to support, sustain, stay, establish, strengthen, comfort
1a) (Qal) to support, sustain
1a1) to sustain, stay (of heart)
1a2) to support, uphold (of throne)
Aramaic equivalent: se.ad (סְעַד "to support" H5583)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqi3ms/Sp1bs