Psalms 104:18
Psalms 104:18 in Multiple Translations
The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers.
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
The high mountains are for the wild goats; The rocks are a refuge for the conies.
The high hills are a safe place for the mountain goats, and the rocks for the small beasts.
Wild goats live high in the mountains; hyraxes hide among the rocks.
The high mountaines are for the goates: the rockes are a refuge for the conies.
The high hills [are] for wild goats, Rocks [are] a refuge for conies,
The high mountains are for the wild goats. The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
They humbled his feet in fetters: the iron pierced his soul,
High up in the mountains the wild goats live, and hyraxes/badgers live in the crags/crevices in the rocks.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 104:18
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.
Psalms 104:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָרִ֣ים
הַ֭/גְּבֹהִים
לַ/יְּעֵלִ֑ים
סְ֝לָעִ֗ים
מַחְסֶ֥ה
לַֽ/שְׁפַנִּֽים
הָרִ֣ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
הַ֭/גְּבֹהִים
gâbôahh
H1364
high
Art | Adj
לַ/יְּעֵלִ֑ים
yâʻêl
H3277
goat
Prep | N-mp
סְ֝לָעִ֗ים
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
N-mp
מַחְסֶ֥ה
machăçeh
H4268
refuge
N-ms
לַֽ/שְׁפַנִּֽים
shâphân
H8227
rock badger
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 104:18
הָרִ֣ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
הַ֭/גְּבֹהִים
gâbôahh
H1364
"high"
Art | Adj
High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.
Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.
לַ/יְּעֵלִ֑ים
yâʻêl
H3277
"goat"
Prep | N-mp
Ya-el refers to a mountain goat or ibex, a type of wild goat that climbs. It is mentioned in the Bible as a strong and agile animal.
Definition: mountain goat
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: wild goat. See also: 1 Samuel 24:3; Job 39:1; Psalms 104:18.
סְ֝לָעִ֗ים
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
N-mp
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
מַחְסֶ֥ה
machăçeh
H4268
"refuge"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a safe place to go, like a shelter from a storm. It appears in the Bible as a place of hope and trust, where people can find refuge from danger. In Psalm 71:3, God is called a rock of refuge.
Definition: 1) refuge, shelter 1a) from rain or storm, from danger 1b) of falsehood
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. See also: Job 24:8; Psalms 94:22; Psalms 14:6.
לַֽ/שְׁפַנִּֽים
shâphân
H8227
"rock badger"
Prep | N-mp
Shaphan refers to a type of rock rabbit, likely a hyrax, or a man who lived during the Exile and Return, including a secretary of king Josiah of Judah.
Definition: rock badger, coney, the hyrax
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: coney. See also: Leviticus 11:5; Psalms 104:18; Proverbs 30:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 104:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 104:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
- Sermons on Psalms 104:18
Context — How Many Are Your Works, O LORD!
16The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,
17where the birds build their nests; the stork makes her home in the cypresses.
18The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers.
19He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set. 20You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:26 | the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks; |
| 2 | Job 39:1 | “Do you know when mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn? |
| 3 | Leviticus 11:5 | The rock badger, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:2 | So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 14:7 | But of those that chew the cud or have a completely divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you, |
Psalms 104:18 Summary
This verse, Psalms 104:18, shows us that God provides a home for all creatures, from the highest mountains to the safest cliffs. Just like the wild goats and rock badgers have their special places, God has a plan for each of us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. He wants us to trust in His care and provision, just as the animals do, and to remember that He is our Creator and Savior, as stated in Genesis 1:1 and John 1:3. By looking at God's creation, we can see His love and wisdom, and we can praise Him for being such a wonderful God, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse teach about God's provision for animals?
This verse shows that God provides for all creatures, giving them habitats and refuge, as seen in Psalms 104:18, where the high mountains are for the wild goats and the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers, demonstrating His care for all creation, as also stated in Psalms 145:9 and Matthew 6:26.
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?
This verse highlights God's ownership and provision for all creation, reminding us of our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth, as taught in Genesis 1:28 and Psalms 24:1.
What can we learn from the wild goats and rock badgers in this verse?
The wild goats and rock badgers teach us about adaptability and trust in God's provision, as they thrive in their given environments, much like how we should trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse fit into the broader theme of Psalms 104?
This verse contributes to the psalm's theme of praising God for His creation and providence, showcasing His wisdom and care in designing habitats for various creatures, as seen in Psalms 104:1-35, and emphasizing our role in acknowledging and worshiping Him, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply this to my life?
- How can I, like the wild goats and rock badgers, trust in God's provision and care for me?
- In what ways can I be a good steward of the natural world, reflecting God's love and care for creation?
- What are some ways I can praise God for His creation and providence, as expressed in this verse and the broader psalm?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 104:18
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats,.... Who have their name in Hebrew (d) from their climbing and ascending them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 104:18
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. The high hills (are) a refuse for the wild goats, (and) the rocks for the conies. This verse is the transition clause to the second half of the psalm.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
So he passeth from the rain to other works of God’ s providence, as that God hath made suitable and sufficient provision for the security of these creatures against their persecutors. Although this verse also may have a reference to the former work, and the barren and rocky hills may be mentioned as receiving benefit by the rain, and it may be thus rendered, And the high hills, ( understand, are satisfied, which is expressed , and may very well be carried hither) which (that particle being frequently understood) are a refuge for wild goats, and the rocks (understand out of the former branch, according to the usual manner, which are a refuge) for the conies; or, as others translate this word, for the mountain mice.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
Psalms 104:18 The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats; [and] the rocks for the conies.Ver. 18. The high hills are a refuge] These wild, but weak, creatures are so wise, as to secure themselves from violence; when pursued they run to their refuges; and should not we to God, for the securing of our comforts, and safeguarding of our persons?
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
(18) Wild goats.—Heb., climbers, and so at home on the “high hills.” (See 1 Samuel 24:2, “the rocks of the wild goats.”) “This animal, which is a relation of the Swiss ibex or steinbock, is now called the beden or jaela “(Bible Educator, II., 104). Conies.—Heb., shâphan, i.e., “hider.” (Comp. Leviticus 11:5, and Bible Educator, II., 201.) Naturalists know it as the hyrax Syriacus. The LXX., Vulg., and Aquila have “hedgehogs.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
Verse 18. The high hills are a refuge] The barren tops of the highest hills, and the craggy abrupt precipices of the most stupendous rocks, are not without their uses: they afford protection, refuge, and food, for creatures whose dispositions and habits are suited to such places; and thus no part of the creation is useless. The creatures who are their inhabitants are necessary links in the great chain of animated beings, and show the wisdom and providence of God. For a description of the coney, see Leviticus 11:5. The יעל yael, translated here the wild goat, is no doubt a creature of the stag or deer kind; the ibex, chamois, antelope, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 104:18
18. From the lofty trees which are the home of birds it is a natural transition to the lofty mountains which are the home of animals. The Syrian wild goat, lit. ‘the climber,’ is a species of ibex (1 Samuel 24:2; Job 39:1): see Tristram, p. 95. The ‘coney,’ Heb. shâphân = ‘the hider,’ is not the rabbit, but the hyrax Syriacus, a peculiar animal, not unlike a marmot in appearance, which “lives in holes in the rocks, where it makes its nest and conceals its young, and to which it retires at the least alarm.” See Tristram, p. 75.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 104:18
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats - Still keeping up the description of animated nature - the carrying out of the work of creation. The idea is, that nature is full of life.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 104:18
18. Wild goats—The name occurs but twice more in Scripture, (1 Samuel 24:2, Job 39:1,) and applies to the ibex, or steinbok, a species of wild goat well known in Europe; also in Arabia and the East.
Sermons on Psalms 104:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |
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Suffering by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and the revelation of God's greatness in nature. He highlights various verses where God questions Job about his understandin |