2 Samuel 22:34
2 Samuel 22:34 in Multiple Translations
He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places.
He maketh his feet like hinds’ feet, And setteth me upon my high places.
He makes my feet like roes' feet, and puts me on high places.
He makes me surefooted like the deer, able to walk the heights in safety.
He maketh my feete like hindes feete, and hath set me vpon mine hie places.
Making my feet like hinds, And on my high places causeth me to stand,
He makes his feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me on my high places.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet : and setteth me upon my high places.
Making my feet like the feet of harts, and setting me upon my high places.
When I walk in the mountains, you enable me to walk safely, without stumbling [MET] like a deer runs.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:34
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 22:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְשַׁוֶּ֥ה
רגלי/ו
רַגְלַ֖/י
כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת
וְ/עַ֥ל
בָּמוֹתַ֖/י
יַעֲמִדֵֽ/נִי
מְשַׁוֶּ֥ה
shâvâh
H7737
be like
V-Piel
רגלי/ו
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
רַגְלַ֖/י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת
ʼayâlâh
H355
doe
Prep | N-fp
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
בָּמוֹתַ֖/י
bâmâh
H1116
high place
N-fp | Suff
יַעֲמִדֵֽ/נִי
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:34
מְשַׁוֶּ֥ה
shâvâh
H7737
"be like"
V-Piel
This word means to set or place something, and it is used to describe the act of leveling or equalizing something. It can also mean to adjust or compare things, and it is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to agree with, be or become like, level, resemble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be like 1a2) equivalent (participle) 1a3) to set, place 1a4) setting (participle) 1b) (Piel) to level, smooth, still 1c) (Hiphil) to make like 1d) (Nithpael) to be alike Aramaic equivalent: she.vah (שְׁוָה "be like" H7739A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon. See also: 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 16:8.
רגלי/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
רַגְלַ֖/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת
ʼayâlâh
H355
"doe"
Prep | N-fp
A doe is a female deer, mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of gentleness and beauty, such as in the Song of Solomon. It represents a peaceful and serene creature. The Bible uses the doe as a metaphor for love and kindness.
Definition: doe, deer, hind
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hind. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 29:9; Psalms 18:34.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בָּמוֹתַ֖/י
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
N-fp | Suff
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
יַעֲמִדֵֽ/נִי
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Song of Deliverance
32For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
33God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way clear.
34He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.
35He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36You have given me Your shield of salvation, and Your gentleness exalts me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:13 | He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag, |
| 2 | Isaiah 58:14 | then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 3:19 | GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 2:18 | The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, |
| 5 | Isaiah 33:16 | he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 33:25 | May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and may your strength match your days.” |
2 Samuel 22:34 Summary
[This verse means that God gives us the strength and ability to overcome any obstacle or challenge we face, just like a deer that can climb steep mountains. He helps us to stand firm in difficult situations and to trust in His power, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By trusting in God, we can experience His enabling power in our lives, just like David did, and be 'stationed upon the heights' of victory and strength, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 22:34.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to make our feet like those of a deer?
This phrase, found in 2 Samuel 22:34, is a metaphor that signifies agility, surefootedness, and the ability to navigate difficult terrain, much like the surefooted deer that can climb steep mountains (see also Psalm 18:33 and Habakkuk 3:19).
How can we, as believers, experience God's enabling power in our lives?
According to 2 Samuel 22:34 and other scriptures like Ephesians 6:10, we can experience God's power by trusting in Him, seeking His strength, and surrendering to His will, just as David did in his life and reign as king.
What is the significance of being 'stationed upon the heights'?
Being 'stationed upon the heights' is a figurative expression that represents a position of strength, safety, and victory, where one can see and understand things from a higher perspective, much like Moses when he was on Mount Pisgah, looking out over the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1-4).
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives as Christians?
This verse encourages us to trust in God's power and provision, just as David did, and to look to Him for the strength and agility we need to navigate life's challenges, whether they be spiritual, emotional, or physical, as seen in Philippians 4:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'high places' in my life where I need God's strength and agility to stand firm?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's power to overcome the challenges I face?
- In what ways can I apply the metaphor of having 'feet like a deer' to my own life, and what would that look like in practical terms?
- What are some 'mountains' or difficult situations in my life that I need God's help to climb, and how can I seek His strength and guidance in those areas?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:34
He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet]: and setteth me upon my high places. [See comments on Psalms 18:33].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:34
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet; and setteth me upon my high places.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:34
34. like hinds’ feet] The hind, like the gazelle, was a type of agility, swiftness, and surefootedness, indispensable qualifications in ancient warfare. Cp. 2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8. setteth me upon my high places] The metaphor of the hind, bounding unimpeded over the mountain tops, is continued. David’s high places are the mountain strongholds, the occupation of which secured him in possession of the country. Cp. Deuteronomy 32:13. Habakkuk 3:19 is an obvious imitation of this passage.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:34
34. Like the hinds — Nimble and swift. This was a great accomplishment to a warrior. My heights — Mine both by divine gift and by right of conquest, so that on them I now stand in triumph and in safety.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-493 the Holocaust in Jewish Consciousness by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's goodness and justice, even in the face of events that seem contradictory. The sermon also explores the idea of a "genera |
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(Pdf Book) Forty Mountain Peaks by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh illustrates the journey of salvation as a series of mountain peaks, emphasizing that just as one must climb to see the full beauty of mountains, believers must ascend s |
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God's Wind by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God's contrary winds and sufferings in life can actually lift us to higher levels and bring us closer to God's heavens, just like birds facing |
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(Through the Bible) Habakkuk by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses sadness over the careless behavior of people who litter and leave debris on the ground. He reflects on the corruption that man has brought upo |
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Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers |
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The Conquest of Canaan (Joh. Xiii: 1) by Seth Rees | Seth Rees preaches about the importance of fully possessing the land of our Christian inheritance, drawing parallels to the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. He emphasi |
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The Lord Is My Strength by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the strength that the Lord provides in various aspects of our lives. He emphasizes that this strength is continuous and comes from the Spirit, enab |