Psalm - 18:38



38 I will strike them through, so that they will not be able to rise. They shall fall under my feet.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Psalm 18:38.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
I will break them, and they shall not be able to stand: they shall fall under my feet.
I crushed them, and they were not able to rise: they fell under my feet.
I will give them wounds, so that they are not able to get up: they are stretched under my feet.
I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them; neither did I turn back till they were consumed.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

I have wounded them - I have so weakened them - so entirely prostrated them - that they were not able to rally again. This does not refer so much to wounds inflicted on individuals in the hostile ranks as to the entire host or army. It was so weakened that it could not again be put in battle array. The idea is that of successful pursuit and conquest.
They are fallen under my feet - I have completely trodden them down - a common mode of denoting entire victory, Psalm 119:118; Isaiah 25:10; Lamentations 1:15; Daniel 8:13; Luke 21:24.

I have wounded them, that they were not able to rise,.... Which was not only true of the Amalekites, but of all with whom David engaged in war;
they are fallen under my feet; either dead, or become subject and tributaries to him; as the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites; see 2-Samuel 8:1. This, with Psalm 18:37, may very well be accommodated to David's antitype, and be expressive of the entire victory he has obtained over all his and his people's enemies; he wounded the heads over many countries, Psalm 110:6. Satan and his principalities and powers, whose head is broke, whose works are destroyed; yea, he himself, which had the power of death, so as not to be able to rise more against Christ, who has led captivity captive: he has also finished and made an end of sin, and overcome the world; nor did he turn back from this work he engaged in until he had made a complete conquest; and moreover he has likewise made his people more than conquerors, through him, over these same enemies; so that the words are also applicable to them.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


Discussion on Psalm 18:38

User discussion of the verse.






*By clicking Submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.