Psalms 18–50
Psalm 18:1-50
Psa.18.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבד: VERB,qal,inf
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- השירה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- ביום: PREP
- הציל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אותו: PRON,3,m,sg
- מכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- איביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:1 (quotation): Almost verbatim duplicate: David ‘spoke to the LORD the words of this song’ on the day the LORD delivered him—Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22 present the same thanksgiving song of deliverance.
- Psalm 59:1 (thematic): Another Davidic psalm tied to Saul’s pursuit (‘when Saul sent and watched the house to kill him’)—both express plea/thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies and specifically from Saul.
- 1 Samuel 24:1-22 (thematic): Narrative backdrop for the superscription: episodes where David is pursued by Saul but spared/delivered (e.g., David’s encounter in the cave), illustrating the historical occasion of the song.
- Psalm 144:1 (thematic): Like Psalm 18, this Davidic song praises God as deliverer and warrior who readies the psalmist for battle—shared themes of divine rescue, strength, and victory over enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the director; to the servant of the LORD, David—who spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
- For the leader; to the servant of the LORD, of David, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
Psa.18.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארחמך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חזקי: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 28:7 (verbal): Uses the same wording 'The LORD is my strength' (and my shield), echoing the declaration of God as personal strength and protector.
- Psalm 118:14 (verbal): 'The LORD is my strength and my song' repeats the formula of God as the psalmist's strength and source of deliverance and praise.
- Isaiah 12:2 (verbal): Confesses trust in Yahweh with the explicit phrase 'the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song,' paralleling reliance on God as strength.
- Habakkuk 3:19 (verbal): 'The LORD God is my strength'—a personal affirmation of divine strength, with the image of God enabling steadfastness and motion like a deer.
- Nahum 1:7 (thematic): Describes Yahweh as a stronghold/ refuge in times of trouble, thematically parallel to calling God one's strength and protector.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will love you, O LORD, my strength.
- I love you, O LORD—my strength.
Psa.18.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- סלעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff_1cs
- ומצודתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,suff_1cs
- ומפלטי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,suff_1cs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- צורי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אחסה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מגני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- וקרן: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישעי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משגבי: NOUN,m,sg,suff_1cs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:3 (quotation): Nearly identical wording — David’s song of deliverance (2 Samuel 22) is the source parallel to Psalm 18, repeating ‘The LORD is my rock…my fortress…my deliverer.’
- Psalm 18:2 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same psalm: verse 2 lists the same set of divine metaphors (rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn of salvation, stronghold).
- Psalm 144:2 (verbal): Uses a very similar cluster of images — 'my lovingkindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield' — echoing the language of God as protector and deliverer found in Ps 18:3.
- Luke 1:69 (allusion): Speaks of God raising 'a horn of salvation' for David’s house; echoes the metaphor 'horn of my salvation' in Ps 18:3 and applies it messianically to God’s saving work.
- Psalm 31:3 (thematic): Declares 'For you are my rock and my fortress,' sharing the central rock/fortress motif of God as refuge and stronghold found in Ps 18:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
- The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge—my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psa.18.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מהלל: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- אקרא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- איבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss=1s
- אושע: VERB,niphal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:4 (quotation): Almost verbatim repeat of David's song in 2 Samuel 22:4: a call on the LORD who is to be praised and the promise of salvation from enemies (the same royal thanksgiving/song).
- Psalm 55:16-17 (verbal): ‘As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me’ echoes the action of calling on God and receiving salvation from distress/enemies found in Ps 18:4.
- Psalm 118:5 (thematic): ‘I called upon the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me’ — similar theme of crying out to the LORD and being delivered/rescued from trouble or foes.
- Psalm 34:4 (thematic): ‘I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears’ — parallels the motif of seeking the LORD by call/prayer and receiving deliverance from threatening circumstances/enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- I call on the LORD, who is to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.
- I call upon the LORD, who is to be praised; and I am delivered from my enemies.
Psa.18.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אפפוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חבלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- ונחלי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- בליעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבעתוני: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22.5 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely a near-duplicate of David's song in 2 Samuel 22; this line corresponds almost word-for-word, using the same 'cords of death' and 'torrents/streams' imagery.
- Ps.116.3 (verbal): Uses the same phraseology—'the cords of death surrounded me'— echoing the language of peril and near-death entanglement found in Ps 18:5.
- Jonah 2:5-6 (thematic): Jonah's prayer describes being surrounded by the waters/the depths and brought up from the pit—parallel imagery of overwhelming floods/depths and divine rescue.
- Ps.88.6 (thematic): Depicts being laid in the lowest pit and engulfed by darkness/the depths, thematically similar to the deathly entrapment and overwhelming torrents of Ps 18:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
- The cords of death encompassed me; torrents of wickedness overwhelmed me.
Psa.18.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חבלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סבבוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- קדמוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מוקשי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
Parallels
- 2 Sam 22:6 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel: David’s song in 2 Samuel 22 repeats the image of being surrounded by the cords of Sheol and the snares of death (direct quotation of the same verse).
- Ps 116:3 (verbal): Uses very similar language — “the cords of death encompassed me” / “the pains of Sheol laid hold on me” — echoing the same imagery of enclosure by death/Sheol.
- Jonah 2:6 (allusion): Jonah’s prayer describes going down to the bars/gates of the grave (Sheol) and being shut in, a related image of confinement by the realm of death that the psalmist evokes.
- Ps 30:3 (thematic): Speaks of God rescuing the speaker from the grave/the pit; thematically linked as a contrast to the psalmist’s depiction of being surrounded by the snares of death and later being delivered.
Alternative generated candidates
- The cords of Sheol were round about me; the snares of death confronted me.
- The snares of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death met me.
Psa.18.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בצר: PREP
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אקרא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשוע: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- ישמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מהיכלו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- קולי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1
- ושועתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- תבוא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- באזניו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:7 (quotation): Nearly identical wording—Psalm 18 is a poetic repetition of David’s song in 2 Samuel 22; both speak of crying to Yahweh in distress and God hearing from his temple/ears.
- Psalm 86:7 (verbal): Same basic formula—'in the day of my trouble I will call/cry to you' with the expectation that God will answer; echoes the theme of calling and divine response.
- Psalm 34:4 (thematic): Expresses the same motif of calling/seeking the LORD in distress and being heard/delivered—common psalmic theme of prayer in trouble and divine rescue.
- Jonah 2:2 (thematic): Jonah’s prayer likewise stresses crying out in affliction and God’s hearing; parallels the motif of a desperate cry being received by God.
Alternative generated candidates
- In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God; from his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came into his ears.
- In my distress I called on the LORD, and to my God I cried for help; from his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came into his ears.
Psa.18.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותגעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותרעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ומוסדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ירגזו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויתגעשו: VERB,hithpael,impf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- חרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:8 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel — 2 Samuel 22 is the original/near-identical poetic source of Psalm 18, including the image of the earth and mountains trembling in God's anger.
- Nahum 1:5 (verbal): Uses similar language of mountains and hills trembling/melting before God's presence, portraying divine wrath with seismic imagery.
- Habakkuk 3:6 (thematic): Describes God making the earth tremble and the eternal mountains to move — a theophanic, earthquake motif parallel to Psalm 18:8.
- Exod.19:18 (thematic): Mount Sinai quakes and is wrapped in smoke when God descends — an earlier theophany that parallels the psalm's description of the earth and mountains convulsing at God's anger.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the earth reeled and trembled; the foundations of the mountains shook and were moved, because he was angry.
- Then the earth reeled and trembled; the foundations of the mountains shook and were moved, because his anger was kindled.
Psa.18.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באפו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+pr:3,m
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מפיו: PREP+NOUN+PRON,3,m,sg
- תאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- גחלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בערו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:9 (quotation): Near-verbatim parallel: David’s song in 2 Samuel repeats the same imagery of smoke from his nostrils and fire from his mouth (Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22 are largely identical).
- Exodus 19:18 (verbal): Describes Sinai ‘altogether in smoke’ because the LORD descended in fire; echoes the motif of smoke and consuming fire accompanying God’s presence.
- Isaiah 66:15 (thematic): Depicts the LORD coming in fire and chariots like a whirlwind—similar theme of divine appearance accompanied by fire and consuming judgment.
- Psalm 97:3 (thematic): ‘A fire goes before him and burns up his enemies round about’—comparable theme of God’s presence issuing forth consuming fire against foes.
- Revelation 11:5 (verbal): Uses the striking image of ‘fire proceeding from their mouth’ (of the two witnesses); a later apocalyptic echo of the motif of fire issuing from the mouth as a divinely empowered destructive force.
Alternative generated candidates
- Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; coals were kindled by it.
- Smoke rose from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; coals were kindled by it.
Psa.18.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויט: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וערפל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:10 (verbal): Parallel song of David (2 Sam 22) with nearly identical language and imagery of God riding/descending on cherub/wings — direct verbal parallel to Ps 18:10.
- Psalm 104:3 (verbal): Speaks of God making the clouds his chariot and walking on the wings of the wind — similar verbal imagery of clouds/wind as God’s vehicle or footing.
- Nahum 1:3 (thematic): Describes the LORD’s movement in storm and says ‘the clouds are the dust of his feet,’ echoing the motif of clouds/obscurity under God’s feet.
- Exodus 19:16-18 (thematic): Account of divine descent on Sinai amid thunder, lightning, thick cloud, and smoke — a related tradition of God coming down with cloud/darkness underfoot.
Alternative generated candidates
- He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.
- He bowed the heavens and came down; thick clouds were under his feet.
Psa.18.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כרוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וידא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כנפי: NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:11 (quotation): Nearly identical wording; 2 Samuel 22 is a close duplicate of Psalm 18 and reads 'He rode on a cherub and flew; he sped on the wings of the wind.'
- Ps.104:3 (verbal): Uses the same motif of divine locomotion: 'He makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind,' echoing the 'wings/wind' imagery.
- Exod.19:4 (thematic): God 'carried you on eagles' wings' — a related theme of God bearing or moving by wings, highlighting divine transport/protection by flight.
- Deut.32:11 (thematic): The eagle imagery ('like an eagle that stirs up its nest... he spread his wings and took him') parallels the idea of God moving swiftly on wings to deliver.
- Ezek.1:4-14 (allusion): Visionary description of cherubim with multiple wings and swift, wind‑like movement; resonates with the 'rode on a cherub' and winged divine presence motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- He rode on a cherub and flew; he swept on the wings of the wind.
- He rode upon a cherub and flew; he swept on the wings of the wind.
Psa.18.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חשך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m
- סביבותיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m
- סכתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m
- חשכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עבי: ADJ,m,sg
- שחקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:11-12 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely identical to 2 Samuel 22; these verses reproduce the same imagery—darkness and thick clouds encircling God (direct verbal parallel).
- Psalm 97:2 (verbal): Uses similar wording and theme—'clouds and thick darkness are round about him'—echoing the motif of divine presence veiled in darkness and dense clouds.
- Job 26:8-9 (verbal): Speaks of God’s use of clouds and thick waters—'He binds up the water in his thick clouds' and 'He covers the face of his throne, and spreads his cloud upon it'—parallel imagery of clouds and concealment.
- Nahum 1:3 (thematic): Portrays God’s presence associated with storm and cloud—'the LORD has his way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet'—related theme of divine majesty manifest in clouds/darkness.
Alternative generated candidates
- He made darkness his hiding place, his canopy around him—dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
- He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
Psa.18.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מנגה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נגדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- עברו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- ברד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגחלי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22.13 (quotation): Direct parallel/doublet of Ps 18:13 in David’s song in 2 Samuel 22; same theophanic image of coals/flames kindled before the LORD.
- Ps.29.7 (verbal): Describes the LORD’s voice as flashing/bringing forth flames of fire—similar verbal imagery of fire accompanying God’s manifestation.
- Exod.19.16-18 (structural): The Sinai theophany (thunder, lightning, thick cloud, smoke, and fire on the mountain) supplies the same constellation of phenomena—hail, fire, and divine brightness—used in Ps 18.
- Isa.30.30 (thematic): Portrays the LORD’s coming with a mighty voice and a devouring flame of fire—thematic parallel to fire/brightness kindled before God in Ps 18:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed; hailstones and coals of fire.
- At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed; hailstones and coals of fire.
Psa.18.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירעם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועליון: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- קלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ברד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגחלי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:14 (quotation): Nearly identical wording and context—YHWH thunders from heaven and the Most High utters his voice, with hailstones and coals of fire (Ps 18 is largely parallel to 2 Sam 22).
- Exodus 9:23-24 (verbal): Describes hail and fire from heaven as a divine judgment (the plague of hail), echoing the image of heavenly hail and fire accompanying God's voice/anger.
- Psalm 29:3-9 (thematic): Recurrent theme of 'the voice of the Lord' thundering over the waters and affecting earth and mountains—shared thunderous, majestic imagery of God's voice in nature.
- Psalm 11:6 (verbal): Speaks of God 'raining coals' (fire) on the wicked—similar diction and judicial/hostile imagery of fire from heaven as God's punishment.
- Revelation 16:21 (allusion): Apocalyptic scene of great hailstones from heaven as divine judgement; echoes the motif of hail/fire from God accompanying wrath and cosmic disturbance.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice; hailstones and coals of fire.
- The LORD thundered in the heavens; the Most High gave forth his voice—hailstones and coals of fire.
Psa.18.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חציו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3ms
- ויפיצם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וברקים: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- ויהמם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:15 (quotation): Nearly verbatim parallel: David's song in 2 Samuel 22 uses the same imagery—God 'sent out his arrows' and flashed lightning to scatter/rout the enemies.
- Habakkuk 3:11 (verbal): Uses closely related language pairing God's arrows with dazzling light ('at the light of thy arrows...'), echoing the motif of arrows and lightning as divine weapons.
- Zechariah 9:14 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD's arrow going 'like lightning,' a compact image linking arrows and lightning as instruments of God's action, paralleling Psalm 18:15.
- Exodus 19:16-19 (thematic): Describes a Sinai theophany with thunder, lightning and fire—a structural parallel in which God's appearance in storm-like phenomena functions as divine judgment/assault, comparable to the imagery of arrows and lightning scattering foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- He sent out his arrows and scattered them; lightning, and he routed them.
- He sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.
Psa.18.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אפיקי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויגלו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- מוסדות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מגערתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מנשמת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אפך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:17 (quotation): The same victory song in 2 Samuel 22 repeats the line almost verbatim—God 'sent from above' and 'drew me out of many waters'—showing Ps 18 and 2 Sam 22 are the same poetic confession of deliverance.
- Jonah 2:3-7 (thematic): Jonah's prayer describes being surrounded by the 'waters' and the 'deep' and God bringing him up from the watery pit—parallel imagery of rescue from overwhelming waters.
- Psalm 77:16-19 (thematic): This psalm depicts the waters and depths trembling at God's presence and recounts God's path through the sea—echoing the motif of cosmic waters responding to God's power and deliverance.
- Nahum 1:4-5 (thematic): Nahum portrays God rebuking the sea, drying up rivers and shaking mountains—similar language of God controlling waters and earth in the act of judgment/deliverance found in Ps 18:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- The channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
- The channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
Psa.18.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ממרום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקחני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ימשני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ממים: PREP
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:17 (verbal): Nearly identical wording to Psalm 18; David’s song in 2 Samuel recounts God sending from on high and drawing him out of many waters (direct verbal parallel).
- Psalm 40:2 (thematic): Speaks of God lifting the psalmist out of a miry pit and setting his feet on a rock—parallel rescue imagery of deliverance from overwhelming danger.
- Jonah 2:5-7 (verbal): Jonah describes the waters closing over him and God bringing his life up from the deep/pit; similar language of being engulfed by waters and divine rescue.
- Psalm 69:1-2 (thematic): The psalmist laments that waters have come in unto his soul and he sinks in deep mire—comparable imagery of perilous waters and a plea for divine deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- He sent from on high and took me; he drew me out of many waters.
- He sent from on high and took me; he drew me out of many waters.
Psa.18.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יצילני: VERB,hif,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מאיבי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,1s
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשנאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אמצו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:18 (quotation): Nearly verbatim parallel: David’s victory song in 2 Sam. 22 repeats Psalm 18’s language about rescue from a mighty enemy who hated him.
- Psalm 31:8 (thematic): Both verses express divine rescue from the power or will of enemies (not handing over to enemies; being delivered into a broad place).
- Psalm 34:19 (thematic): Shared motif of the righteous experiencing many troubles but the LORD delivering them from those afflictions/enemies.
- Psalm 40:2 (thematic): Similar theme of God’s rescuing intervention—drawing the psalmist up from peril (pit/destruction) and establishing him, paralleling deliverance from overwhelming foes.
Alternative generated candidates
- He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
- He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
Psa.18.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יקדמוני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,suff1s
- ביום: PREP
- אידי: NOUN,m,sg,poss1s
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למשען: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:20 (quotation): Nearly identical verse in 2 Samuel 22 (Psalm 18 and 2 Sam. 22 are largely parallel); same wording about being brought into a large place and delivered.
- Ps.118:5 (verbal): Uses the same image and near-verbal formula — 'I called; the LORD answered me and set me in a large place' — echoing the 'brought me forth into a large place' rescue language.
- Ps.31:8 (verbal): Similar wording and metaphor: 'Thou hast set my feet in a large room' (or 'a large place'), paralleling the motif of God enlarging the speaker's space by deliverance.
- Ps.34:17 (thematic): The broader theme of God rescuing the righteous in response to their cry — 'The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles' — parallels the deliverance motif of Ps.18:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- He lifted me up on the day of my trouble; the LORD became my support.
- He brought me forth in the day of my deliverance; the LORD became my support.
Psa.18.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוציאני: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- למרחב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחלצני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חפץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:20 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel — 2 Samuel 22 is the original/parallel version of Psalm 18; both read that God brought the speaker into a broad place and delivered him because He delighted in him.
- Ps.31:8 (verbal): Uses the same imagery and language — 'set my feet in a large/broad place' (KJV/MT) conveying release from confinement into spacious safety.
- Ps.40:2 (thematic): Portrays the same salvation motif — God lifts the speaker out of a pit/miry clay and places him on stable ground, analogous to being brought into a broad place.
- Ps.4:1 (thematic): Speaks of God enlarging/relieving the speaker in distress (KJV: 'thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress'), thematically parallel to being brought out into a broad place as deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
- He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psa.18.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יגמלני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כצדקי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1,sg
- כבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ישיב: VERB,hifil,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:21 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely a repetition of 2 Samuel 22; this verse has nearly identical wording there—God repays David according to his righteousness.
- Psalm 62:12 (verbal): Expresses the same principle of divine recompense: 'For you will render to a man according to his work,' echoing God rewarding according to righteousness.
- Job 34:11 (verbal): Affirms the idea that God repays people according to their deeds—'he repays a man according to his work'—a parallel statement about divine retribution/reward.
- Romans 2:6 (thematic): New Testament parallel: 'God will repay each person according to what they have done,' reflecting the same theological principle of God rendering to individuals according to righteousness or deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness he repaid me.
- The LORD repaid me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me.
Psa.18.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- שמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- דרכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- רשעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,comm,sg
- מאלהי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,constr
Parallels
- Psalm 18:20–21 (structural): Immediate context in the same psalm: David links keeping God’s ways to receiving God’s reward—continues the theme of righteous conduct and divine vindication.
- Job 23:11–12 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel—Job declares he has 'kept his way' and 'not turned aside,' echoing the language of faithfulness to God's path.
- Psalm 119:1 (thematic): Beatitude about those whose way is blameless and who walk in the law of the LORD—shares the theme of walking faithfully in God’s ways.
- Psalm 26:3 (verbal): Speaks of walking in God's truth and having steadfast confidence before God—uses the imagery of walking/keeping God's ways similar to Ps 18:22.
- Psalm 101:2–3 (thematic): A vow of upright conduct ('I will walk within my house with a perfect heart'; 'I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes')—reflects the commitment to live according to God's ways found in Ps 18:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.
- For I have kept the way of the LORD and have not wickedly forsaken my God.
Psa.18.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- כל: DET
- משפטיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לנגדי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUF,1,com,sg
- וחקתיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אסיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Job 23:12 (verbal): Job insists he has not departed from the words/commandments of God's mouth—a close verbal and ethical parallel to refusing to put God's statutes away.
- Psalm 119:16 (verbal): "I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word" echoes the commitment to keep God's regulations continually before oneself.
- Psalm 40:8 (thematic): "I delight to do thy will... thy law is within my heart" parallels the theme of internalizing and faithfully keeping God's statutes.
- Deuteronomy 6:6 (thematic): The command that God's words be upon the heart and constantly remembered resonates with the psalmist's claim not to cast off God's statutes.
Alternative generated candidates
- All his statutes were before me, and his rules I did not put away from me.
- For all his ordinances were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.
Psa.18.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואהי: VERB,qal,impf,1,ms,sg
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואשתמר: VERB,qal,impf,1,ms,sg
- מעוני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:24 (verbal): Almost word-for-word parallel to Psalm 18:24; both are part of the same victory-song attributed to David and state blamelessness and keeping from sin.
- Psalm 26:1 (verbal): David's plea begins with a claim of integrity — 'I have walked in mine integrity' — echoing the assertion of being blameless and guarding against iniquity.
- Psalm 101:2–3 (thematic): Expresses a personal resolve to live uprightly and to avoid evil influences ('walk within my house with a perfect heart; I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes'), paralleling the commitment to be blameless and keep from sin.
- Psalm 119:1 (thematic): Blessing on the 'undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD' connects the idea of blamelessness with faithful obedience and avoidance of sin.
- Proverbs 20:7 (thematic): Affirms the blessing or moral worth of one who 'walks in his integrity,' aligning with Psalm 18:24's emphasis on integrity and abstaining from iniquity.
Alternative generated candidates
- I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my sin.
- I was blameless with him, and I guarded myself from my sin.
Psa.18.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כצדקי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1,sg
- כבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- לנגד: PREP
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:26 (verbal): 2 Samuel 22 is largely parallel to Psalm 18; 2 Sam 22:26 repeats the same wording — God dealing with the faithful/blameless as they are (direct verbal parallel).
- Psalm 18:26 (structural): The immediately following verse in the same psalm continues and completes the thought ('to the pure you show yourself pure; to the crooked you show yourself shrewd'), showing the psalm's internal pattern of God repaying people according to their character.
- Proverbs 11:31 (thematic): Both verses express the principle that people receive consequences in accord with their moral status — the righteous (and the wicked) receive corresponding recompense, a theme of retributive justice.
- Galatians 6:7 (thematic): The New Testament formulation 'whatever one sows, that will he also reap' echoes the principle that God (or moral law) returns to people according to their actions, paralleling the idea of God dealing with individuals according to their righteousness.
- Matthew 7:2 (thematic): Jesus' saying that the measure you use will be measured to you parallels the Psalm's theme that God responds to people in proportion to their character and conduct.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
- And the LORD repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
Psa.18.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עם: PREP
- חסיד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תתחסד: VERB,hitpael,impf,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תתמם: VERB,hitpael,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 18:25 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same psalm: identical reciprocity language—God shows himself merciful/blameless toward the merciful/blameless.
- Matthew 5:7 (thematic): Beatitude: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy'—expresses the same principle of reciprocal mercy.
- Luke 6:36 (thematic): Jesus' command to 'be merciful, even as your Father is merciful' links human mercy to God's merciful character, echoing the reciprocity in Ps 18:26.
- Exodus 34:6-7 (allusion): God's self‑revelation as 'merciful and gracious' provides the theological basis for the psalm's claim that God responds mercifully to the merciful and upright.
Alternative generated candidates
- With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the upright you show yourself upright.
- With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the upright you show yourself upright.
Psa.18.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עם: PREP
- נבר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תתברר: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,f,sg
- ועם: CONJ+PREP
- עקש: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תתפתל: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 147:6 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD lifting up the humble and casting the wicked down—close verbal/theme match to saving the humble and bringing down the haughty.
- Luke 1:52 (thematic): Mary’s Magnificat: God brings down the mighty and exalts the humble/lowly, echoing the contrast of haughty vs. humble in divine action.
- James 4:6 (thematic): ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’—New Testament parallel of the same contrast between the haughty and the humble.
- Proverbs 29:23 (thematic): ‘Pride brings a man low, but he who is lowly in spirit obtains honor’—wisdom literature parallel to the outcomes for proud versus humble.
Alternative generated candidates
- With the pure you deal purely, but with the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
- With the pure you show yourself pure; with the crooked you deal shrewdly.
Psa.18.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- עני: ADJ,m,sg
- תושיע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ועינים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רמות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- תשפיל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 2:8 (thematic): Hannah’s song speaks of God raising the poor and bringing low the arrogant — a similar theme of God rescuing the lowly and humbling the proud.
- Psalm 113:7-8 (verbal): Explicit language about God lifting the poor from the dust and seating them with princes echoes the motif of God’s favor toward the lowly and the reversal of the proud.
- Luke 1:52 (allusion): The Magnificat declares that God has ‘brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly,’ closely paralleling the psalm’s reversal of the proud and exaltation of the humble.
- James 4:6 (verbal): ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’ echoes the Psalm’s contrast between God’s saving help for the humble and humiliation of the haughty.
- Isaiah 2:11 (verbal): Isaiah’s proclamation that the haughty eyes and lofty looks will be humbled parallels the psalm’s emphasis on God humbling the proud.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you save the humble people, but the haughty eyes you abase.
- For you save the humble, but the haughty eyes you bring down.
Psa.18.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- תאיר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- נרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יגיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חשכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- Psalm 27:1 (verbal): Directly identifies Yahweh as ‘light’ (The LORD is my light...), echoing the image of God providing light and dispelling darkness.
- Psalm 119:105 (verbal): Uses the lamp/light metaphor (‘Your word is a lamp to my feet’) closely related to ‘You will light my lamp,’ linking divine guidance and illumination.
- Isaiah 42:16 (verbal): Speaks of leading the blind and turning ‘darkness into light,’ a close verbal and thematic parallel to God making the psalmist’s darkness bright.
- John 1:5 (allusion): New Testament portrayal of the divine Light shining into darkness echoes the psalm’s theme of God overcoming and illuminating spiritual darkness.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you are my lamp, O LORD; by you I go upon a troop, and by my God I leap over a wall.
- You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness.
Psa.18.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאלהי: CONJ
- אדלג: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:30 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely repeated in 2 Samuel 22; this verse corresponds almost word‑for‑word: God enables the psalmist to run through a troop and leap over a wall.
- 2 Sam.22:34 (verbal): Closely related wording in the parallel song: God gives swift, sure feet (‘like hinds’ feet’) and places the hero on high places—same motif of divinely enabled agility and victory.
- Hab.3:19 (verbal): Uses the imagery ‘he makes my feet like the deer’s feet’ and divine empowerment for movement on high places—parallels the Psalm’s language of leaping and swift motion given by God.
- Isa.40:31 (thematic): Speaks of renewed strength from the LORD—‘they shall run and not be weary… mount up with wings’—thematically parallels the psalm’s claim that God enables triumphant running and leaping.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is refined; he is a shield to all who take refuge in him.
- For by you I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall.
Psa.18.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דרכו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צרופה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- החסים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,def
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:31 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely parallel to 2 Samuel 22; this verse appears there with essentially identical language about God's perfection and protection.
- Nahum 1:7 (thematic): Declares the LORD as a stronghold and protector of those who trust in him, echoing 'a shield to all who take refuge in him.'
- Proverbs 30:5 (verbal): 'Every word of God is pure' resonates with the language of the LORD's word being tried/purified (צְרוּפָהּ) in Psalm 18:31.
- Psalm 145:17 (thematic): Affirms God's righteousness and perfect ways—paralleling 'God's way is perfect' in the psalm.
- Psalm 91:2 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD as refuge and fortress for the one who trusts him, closely paralleling the image of God as protector/shield for those who take refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- For who is God, but the LORD? and who is a rock, except our God?
- As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven—he is a shield to all who take refuge in him.
Psa.18.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אלוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבלעדי: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומי: PRON,interr
- צור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זולתי: PREP
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:32 (quotation): Psalm 18 is nearly identical to 2 Samuel 22; this verse corresponds almost word‑for‑word: 'Who is God but the LORD? Who is a rock but our God?'
- 1 Samuel 2:2 (verbal): Hannah's song uses the same pair of affirmations ('There is none holy as the LORD... neither is there any rock like our God'), a close verbal parallel.
- Deuteronomy 32:4 (thematic): God portrayed as the righteous, dependable 'Rock' whose character is unique—echoing the exclusivity and reliability of God in Psalm 18:32.
- Psalm 62:6–7 (thematic): Expresses the same exclusive trust in God as 'my rock' and deliverer, reinforcing the theme of God alone as protector and refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- It is God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless.
- Who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?
Psa.18.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- המאזרני: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דרכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:33 (quotation): Nearly identical language — in the parallel victory-song of David (2 Sam 22) God is described as giving strength and making the psalmist's way perfect (direct verbal parallel).
- Psalm 18:36 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same psalm: after God girds the psalmist with strength and makes his way perfect, God enlarges his steps so his feet do not slip — a closely connected thought about divine support and stability.
- Psalm 37:23-24 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD establishing a person's steps and upholding him when he falls, echoing the theme that God secures and perfects the righteous' path.
- Isaiah 40:29-31 (thematic): Describes God as the source of renewed strength for the weary and those who wait on the LORD, thematically parallel to the idea that God 'girds' the believer with strength.
Alternative generated candidates
- He makes my feet like the feet of a hart and sets me upon my high places.
- God girds me with strength and makes my way blameless.
Psa.18.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משוה: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- כאילות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- במתי: PREP
- יעמידני: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg,obj1s
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:34 (quotation): Virtually identical wording — Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22 are parallel compositions; both say God makes the psalmist’s feet like a deer’s and sets him on high places.
- Habakkuk 3:19 (verbal): Uses the same deer-foot / high-place imagery (“He makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me walk on high places”), echoing the Psalm’s language and theme of God‑enabled agility and security.
- Psalm 40:2 (thematic): Speaks of God lifting the psalmist out of a pit and setting his feet upon a rock so his steps are secure — similar motif of divine deliverance providing sure footing.
- Psalm 27:5 (thematic): Describes God protecting and setting the psalmist ‘upon a rock’/‘on high,’ a related image of divine shelter and being placed in a secure, elevated position.
Alternative generated candidates
- He trains my hands for war, that my arms may bend a bow of bronze.
- He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and sets me upon the heights.
Psa.18.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מלמד: VERB,qal,ptcp,ms
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונחתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- קשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נחושה: ADJ,f,sg
- זרועתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:35 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely duplicated in 2 Samuel 22; this verse appears almost verbatim there (the same line about God training the hand for war and a bronze bow).
- Psalm 144:1 (verbal): Uses the same language of God teaching/training the psalmist's hand for war (‘who trains my hands for battle’), a close verbal and thematic echo of Ps 18:35.
- Isaiah 42:13 (thematic): Depicts Yahweh as a divine warrior who musters strength and arms for battle—paralleling the motif of God enabling/arming the faithful for combat in Ps 18:35.
- Exodus 15:3 (thematic): ‘The LORD is a man of war’ presents the same divine-warrior backdrop: God as the source of martial success and strength, which underlies the claim that he trains the psalmist for war.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have given me the shield of your salvation; your right hand upholds me; your gentleness makes me great.
- He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psa.18.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישעך: NOUN,f,sg,pr-2ms
- וימינך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:2,ms
- תסעדני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj:1,sg
- וענותך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,ms
- תרבני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj:1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:36 (quotation): Near-verbatim parallel: 2 Samuel 22 is the earlier song corresponding to Psalm 18; v.36 mirrors Ps 18:36’s language about God giving a shield of salvation and upholding the right hand.
- Isaiah 41:10 (verbal): Shares the motif and phrasing of God's sustaining right hand — 'I will uphold you... with my righteous right hand' echoes 'your right hand upholds me' (psalmic language of divine support).
- Psalm 144:2 (verbal): Combines the imagery of God as shield and savior: 'my rock... my shield, and the horn of my salvation' parallels Ps 18:36’s 'shield of your salvation' language.
- Habakkuk 3:19 (thematic): Speaks of God strengthening feet and making the believer tread on heights — thematically parallels Ps 18:36’s claim that God 'enlarged my steps' and prevented slipping.
Alternative generated candidates
- You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped.
- You have given me the shield of your salvation; your right hand has upheld me, and your gentleness has made me great.
Psa.18.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תרחיב: VERB,hifil,impf,2,m,sg
- צעדי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תחתי: PREP+PRON,1,c,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- מעדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- קרסלי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:37 (quotation): The line appears almost verbatim in David’s song in 2 Samuel 22 (the close parallel to Psalm 18): God enlarges the psalmist’s steps and his feet do not slip.
- Prov.4:12 (verbal): Uses similar wording and imagery about footsteps not being hindered or stumbling—’your steps will not be hampered… you will not stumble’.
- Ps.37:23 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD establishing a person’s steps so that though he may fall he is not utterly cast down—similar theme of God securing one’s footing.
- Ps.121:3–4 (thematic): Emphasizes God’s protection so that ‘your foot will not be moved,’ echoing the motif of divine preservation of one’s steps.
- Hab.3:19 (thematic): God gives sure-footedness—‘He makes my feet like the feet of a deer’—a related image of God enabling secure, unhindered movement.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; I have not turned again till they were consumed.
- You enlarged my steps under me; my feet did not slip.
Psa.18.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ארדוף: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- אויבי: NOUN,m,pl,suff1
- ואשיגם: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- אשוב: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- עד: PREP
- כלותם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON:3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:38 (quotation): Virtually identical wording — 2 Samuel 22 is a parallel/alternate form of Psalm 18; both speak of pursuing and overtaking enemies until they are finished.
- Exod.15:9 (verbal): Song of Moses uses the same verbs ('I will pursue, I will overtake') describing pursuit and destruction of foes, creating a close verbal parallel.
- Ps.35:1-8 (thematic): A petition for the LORD to fight against and overthrow the psalmist's adversaries; shares the motif of pursuit, divine help, and the enemies' downfall.
- Ps.21:8 (thematic): Speaks of God’s hand finding and dealing with enemies — a related royal/warrior motif of pursuing and subduing foes on behalf of the king.
- Isa.63:3-6 (allusion): God pictured as treading down and pursuing nations in vengeance; echoes the uncompromising pursuit and destruction of enemies found in Psalm 18:38.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have wounded them, that they could not rise; they have fallen under my feet.
- I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.
Psa.18.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמחצם: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- יכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- יפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- תחת: PREP
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:39 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel — 2 Samuel 22 is a near-identical version of Psalm 18; both speak of subduing foes so they cannot rise and falling under the psalmist’s feet.
- Psalm 44:5 (verbal): Uses the same martial image of pushing down/treading down foes through God’s help (’we push down our foes… we tread down those who rise up against us’).
- Psalm 110:1 (thematic): Shares the motif of enemies made subject to the king’s feet (enemies become a footstool), a common biblical image of divine/royal victory and subjugation.
- Romans 16:20 (verbal): New Testament echo of the OT combat image: ’the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet,’ using the same language of crushing/subduing enemies underfoot.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you have girded me with strength for the battle; you have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
- I struck them down, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.
Psa.18.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאזרני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תכריע: VERB,hiph,impf,2,m,sg
- קמי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תחתי: PREP+PRON,1,c,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:40 (quotation): Nearly identical wording—2 Samuel 22 is a parallel/earlier form of Psalm 18 and likewise credits God with girding the speaker for battle and subduing his foes.
- Psalm 144:1 (verbal): ‘Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle’—a closely related motif of God equipping the psalmist for combat.
- Psalm 44:5 (verbal): ‘Through you we push down our foes; through your name we trample those who rise up against us’—attribution of victory over opponents to God's enabling, similar to Ps 18:40.
- Habakkuk 3:19 (thematic): ‘The LORD God is my strength…he makes my feet like the deer's’—theological theme of God as the source of strength that enables the speaker to prevail over adversaries.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.
- You girded me with strength for battle; you subdued those who rose up against me.
Psa.18.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואיבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss1
- נתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ערף: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ומשנאי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss1
- אצמיתם: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:41 (verbal): Nearly identical wording—2 Samuel 22 is a parallel rendering of Psalm 18; both state God caused enemies to turn back and the psalmist destroyed those who hated him.
- Deuteronomy 32:41 (thematic): God declares he will take vengeance and repay those who hate him—echoing the theme of God delivering the psalmist and dealing with his foes.
- Psalm 21:8-9 (thematic): Speaks of God finding out and defeating the king's enemies and making them like a consuming furnace—similar motif of divine action against those who hate the king/psalmist.
- Psalm 108:13 (thematic): Affirms that by God's help the people will prevail and God will tread down their foes—parallel theme of God granting victory over enemies.
- Isaiah 63:3-6 (thematic): Imagery of divine vengeance and trampling enemies in anger parallels the psalm's portrayal of God executing and overturning those who hate the speaker.
Alternative generated candidates
- They cried, but there was none to save; even to the LORD, but he answered them not.
- You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.
Psa.18.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישועו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- מושיע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ענם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:41 (verbal): Nearly identical passage—2 Samuel 22 is a close parallel/earlier form of Psalm 18; the line about foes crying with no savior corresponds directly.
- Isa.59:16 (thematic): Speaks of the absence of an intercessor or savior among people, prompting God’s own intervention—echoes the theme of ‘no one to save/answer.’
- Ps.3:2-3 (thematic): Describes others saying there is no help for the psalmist in God, contrasted with the Lord as deliverer—relates to the motif of ‘no savior/helper.’
- Ps.118:5 (thematic): Records the opposite response—crying to the LORD and receiving an answer—useful as a contrasting parallel illustrating the consequence when God does hear versus when none saves.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
- They cried, but there was none to save; even to the LORD there was no answer for them.
Psa.18.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשחקם: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- כעפר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כטיט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חוצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אריקם: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:42 (quotation): Nearly identical verse in David's song in 2 Samuel (parallel to Psalm 18), same imagery and wording—enemies made like dust before the wind and mire of the streets.
- Ps.1:4 (thematic): Wicked persons compared to chaff driven away by the wind—similar theme of the enemies' utter dispersion and worthlessness.
- Isa.17:13 (verbal): Nations are likened to chaff on the summer threshing‑floor carried away by a wind—uses the same chaff/wind image of swift destruction and scattering.
- Isa.41:15–16 (allusion): God's foes are reduced to chaff and scattered by wind/storm after threshing—parallel imagery of crushing and blowing away the enemy like refuse.
Alternative generated candidates
- You delivered me from the strivings of the people; you made me the head of the nations; a people I had not known served me.
- I made them like dust before the wind; I trampled them like the mire of the streets.
Psa.18.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תפלטני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מריבי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עם: PREP
- תשימני: VERB,qal,impf,2,NA,sg
- לראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גוים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עם: PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- יעבדוני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:44 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel: 2 Samuel 22 (David's song) repeats Psalm 18's language about being delivered, exalted above nations, and unknown peoples serving him.
- Ps.72:11 (thematic): Royal/mesianic prayer that all kings will bow and all nations will serve the king—echoes the motif of Gentile peoples serving the Davidic ruler.
- Isa.60:3 (thematic): Prophetic image of nations coming to the light and kings drawn to Israel; parallels the idea of foreign peoples being brought to serve God's anointed.
- Rev.5:9-10 (thematic): New Testament fulfillment motif: peoples from every tribe and nation redeemed and constituted a kingdom/priests, reflecting the psalm's theme of nations serving God's king.
Alternative generated candidates
- Foreigners came cringing to me; as soon as they heard they obeyed me.
- You delivered me from the strivings of the peoples; you made me the head of nations—a people I had not known shall serve me.
Psa.18.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לשמע: INF,qal,infc
- אזן: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- ישמעו: VERB,qal,imf,3,mp
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יכחשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.22:44 (quotation): 2 Samuel 22 is a near-verbatim parallel to Psalm 18 (David’s song); this verse corresponds closely in wording and sense about foreign peoples and their reaction to the king/Lord.
- Acts 28:28 (verbal): Paul’s statement that 'the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen' echoes the idea and language of foreign nations hearing/responding.
- Isa.49:6 (thematic): The servant’s mission 'to be a light to the nations' and bring God’s word to the Gentiles parallels the theme that foreigners will hear and be reached.
- Ps.22:27 (thematic): Psalm 22 declares that 'all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD'—a related theme of the nations hearing and responding to God.
- Ps.72:11 (thematic): Psalm 72 envisions kings and nations bowing and serving the king/Lord, paralleling the motif of foreigners coming to hear and submit.
Alternative generated candidates
- Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their strongholds.
- Foreigners shall submit to me; as soon as they hear, they shall obey me.
Psa.18.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויחרגו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ממסגרותיהם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 9:6 (thematic): Speaks of God rebuking the nations and making the wicked perish—parallel theme of foreign foes being destroyed and removed.
- Psalm 37:20 (thematic): Describes the wicked perishing and vanishing like smoke; echoes the motif of enemies being cut off and ceasing to dwell.
- Psalm 83:5–8 (thematic): A consortium of foreign nations plotted against Israel with the implied desire that they be cut off—parallels the fate of hostile foreigners being brought to ruin.
- Isaiah 13:20 (thematic): Predicts that no foreigners or nomads will inhabit the ruined city—similar imagery of strangers/foreigners being excluded from or removed from their dwellings.
- Deuteronomy 32:43 (thematic): Calls for the nations to rejoice over God’s vengeance on his enemies; resonates with the theme of foreign peoples being judged and destroyed.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation.
- Foreigners shall fade away and come trembling from their strongholds.
Psa.18.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וברוך: CONJ+ADJ,ptc,pass,NA,m,sg,abs
- צורי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- וירום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלוהי: NOUN,m,sg,suff1cs
- ישעי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:47 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel — Psalm 18 is repeated in 2 Samuel 22; the declaration 'The LORD lives; blessed be my rock' occurs there as the same triumphant refrain.
- Psalm 144:1 (verbal): Contains the exact phrase 'Blessed be the LORD, my rock' (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה צוּרִי), echoing the wording and epithet 'my rock' found in Ps 18:47.
- Psalm 62:2 (thematic): Both verses celebrate God as 'my rock' and refuge; Ps 62:2 emphasizes God as rock and salvation, resonating with the paired titles 'צורי' (my rock) and 'אלוהי ישעי' (my God, my salvation) in Ps 18:47.
- Psalm 27:1 (thematic): Declares the LORD as personal deliverer ('The LORD is my light and my salvation'), paralleling the theme of God as the psalmist's salvation found in Ps 18:47 ('my God, my salvation').
Alternative generated candidates
- The God who gives me vengeance and brings peoples under me—
- The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock; and exalted be God, the rock of my salvation.
Psa.18.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנותן: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- נקמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- תחתי: PREP+PRON,1,c,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:48 (quotation): Nearly identical verse in David's victory-song (2 Sam 22 is the source-parallel to Psalm 18): God gives David vengeance and puts peoples under him.
- Psalm 18:44 (structural): Earlier line in the same psalm expressing the same theme—foreigners submit and nations bow, anticipating the declaration that God gives victory over peoples.
- Exodus 15:6 (thematic): In the Song of Moses God’s mighty hand defeats enemies and casts down nations—parallel theme of divine deliverance and subduing of peoples.
- Psalm 110:2 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD extending the ruler’s scepter and ruling among enemies—related theme of God establishing dominion and subduing nations under his anointed.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 (verbal): ‘Vengeance is mine, and recompense’—shares the verbal idea of God as the one who repays or gives vengeance on behalf of his servant.
Alternative generated candidates
- who brings me out from my enemies; you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the violent man.
- It is God who avenges me and brings peoples under me,
Psa.18.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מפלטי: NOUN,m,sg,suf
- מאיבי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,1s
- אף: ADV
- מן: PREP
- קמי: NOUN,m,sg,suf
- תרוממני: VERB,piel,impf,2,m,sg
- מאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תצילני: VERB,hiphil,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:49 (quotation): Psalm 18 is largely repeated in 2 Samuel 22; this verse has a near-identical counterpart expressing rescue from enemies and salvation from violent men.
- Psalm 59:1 (verbal): An immediate cry for deliverance—'Deliver me from my enemies'—matching the petition and vocabulary of rescue found in Ps. 18:49.
- Psalm 140:1 (verbal): Direct plea: 'Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,' echoing the theme and language of rescue from violent foes in Ps. 18:49.
- Psalm 71:4 (thematic): Seeks salvation from the hand of the wicked/violent and appeals to God as refuge—the same theological motif of divine rescue found in Ps. 18:49.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.
- who delivers me from my enemies; you lift me up above those who rise against me; you rescue me from the man of violence.
Psa.18.50 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- אודך: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- בגוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולשמך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- אזמרה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 22:50 (quotation): Almost word-for-word parallel — David repeats the same declaration of thanksgiving and singing to God’s name (Psalm 18 is largely duplicated in 2 Samuel 22).
- Psalm 7:17 (verbal): Similar wording and intent: a vow to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praise to the name of the Most High, echoing the personal thanksgiving motif.
- Psalm 117:1-2 (thematic): A universal summons for the nations/peoples to praise the LORD — aligns with Psalm 18’s declaration of praising God among the nations.
- Isaiah 12:4 (thematic): Calls for giving thanks and proclaiming the LORD’s name/deeds among the peoples, paralleling the theme of public thanksgiving and praise to God’s name.
Alternative generated candidates
- Great deliverance he gives to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and to his offspring forever.
- Therefore I will give you thanks among the nations, O LORD, and to your name I will sing praises.
To the chief musician. A song of David, the servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
I will love you, O LORD; you are my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock—in him I take refuge—my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the LORD, who is praiseworthy; from my enemies I shall be saved.
Cords of death surrounded me; torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The snares of Sheol hemmed me in; the traps of death were before me.
In my distress I cried to the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry entered his ears.
Then the earth quaked and trembled; the foundations of the mountains shook and were agitated, for he burned with anger.
Smoke rose from his nostrils, and fire from his mouth consumed; coals were kindled by it.
He bowed the heavens and came down; thick clouds were under his feet.
He rode upon a cherub and flew; he sped upon the wings of the wind.
Darkness was his covering round about him; thick waters and dense clouds were his canopy.
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed; hailstones and coals of fire.
The LORD thundered in the heavens; the Most High uttered his voice—hailstones and coals of fire.
He sent out his arrows and scattered them; lightning flashes routed them.
The channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
He reached down from on high and took me; he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
He brought me out into a broad place; the LORD was my support.
He rescued me because he delighted in me.
The LORD repaid me according to my righteousness; according to the purity of my hands he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly turned from my God.
All his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.
I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt. And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless you show yourself blameless.
With the crooked you show yourself shrewd; with the perverse you deal craftily.
For you save the humble, but the haughty you bring low.
For you light up my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness.
With you I can advance against a troop; with my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is refined. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is a rock except our God?
It is God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and places me secure on the heights.
He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have given me the shield of your salvation; your right hand supports me, and your gentleness has made me great.
You enlarged my steps under me; my feet did not slip.
I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.
I crushed them so that they could not arise; they fell beneath my feet.
You girded me with might for battle; you made those who rose against me bow under me.
You gave me the necks of my foes; I destroyed those who hated me.
They cried for help but there was no savior; even to the LORD they cried, and he did not answer.
I made them like dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
You delivered me from my strugglers; you set me as head of nations—peoples I did not know serve me.
Those who hear obey me; the children of the foreigner bow down to me.
Foreigners wilt away and come trembling from their strongholds.
The LORD lives—blessed be my rock; exalted be God, the rock of my salvation.
It is God who gives me vengeance and subdues peoples under me.
He rescued me from my enemies; you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.
Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD, and to your name I will sing praise.