Psalms 18:2
What does Psalms 18:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 18:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 18:2 means
This verse extols God's protective and saving attributes using a rich tapestry of metaphors. David proclaims Yahweh as his 'rock,' signifying unshakeable stability and a secure foundation. He is also a 'fortress' and 'high tower,' representing impenetrable defenses against enemies and dangers. As 'deliverer,' God actively rescues and frees. Calling Him 'my God' emphasizes a personal, covenantal relationship. The imagery of a 'shield' underscores divine protection, deflecting harm. Finally, 'the horn of my salvation' evokes strength and triumph, as horns were symbols of power and victory in the ancient world. David thus expresses profound trust and reliance on God's multifaceted ability to save and defend him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is my Rock, my walled town, and my saviour; my God, my Rock, in him will I put my faith; my breastplate, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> my rock, and my bulwark, And my deliverer, My God <FI>is<Fi> my rock, I trust in Him: My shield, and a horn of my salvation, My high tower.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; myGod, my rock, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
Context
Psalm 18 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, recounting God's deliverance of David from all his enemies, especially from Saul. This particular verse (verse 2) immediately follows David's declaration of love for the Lord in verse 1. It sets the tone for the entire psalm by establishing the foundational reasons for David's devotion and trust. Following this verse, David vividly describes his distress and cries for help, leading into a grand recounting of God's dramatic intervention and powerful rescue. Therefore, verse 2 acts as a thematic summary of God's character and role in David's life, which the subsequent verses then illustrate through specific events.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 28:1
Unto thee, O Jehovah, will I call: My rock, be not thou deaf unto me; Lest, if thou be silent unto me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
- Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer.
- Proverbs 18:10
The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
- Jeremiah 16:19
O Jehovah, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, unto thee shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nought but lies, even vanity and things wherein there is no profit.
- Psalms 59:11
Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
- Psalms 91:2
I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust.
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