Psalms 136:18
Psalms 136:18 in Multiple Translations
and slaughtered mighty kings— His loving devotion endures forever.
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And slew famous kings; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
And put noble kings to death: for his mercy is unchanging for ever:
To him who killed powerful kings. For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
And slewe mightie Kings: for his mercie endureth for euer:
Yea, He doth slay honourable kings, For to the age [is] His kindness.
and killed mighty kings, for his loving kindness endures forever;
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.
He killed kings who were famous; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:18
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 136:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ֭/יַּהֲרֹג
מְלָכִ֣ים
אַדִּירִ֑ים
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
וַֽ֭/יַּהֲרֹג
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
אַדִּירִ֑ים
ʼaddîyr
H117
great
Adj
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:18
וַֽ֭/יַּהֲרֹג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
מְלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אַדִּירִ֑ים
ʼaddîyr
H117
"great"
Adj
Describes something or someone as great or powerful, such as the mighty waters of the sea in Psalm 107.
Definition: 1) great, majestic 1a) of waters of sea 1b) of a tree 1c) of kings, nations, gods 2) great one, majestic one 2a) of nobles, chieftains, servants
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty(-ier one), noble, principal, worthy. See also: Exodus 15:10; Psalms 136:18; Psalms 8:2.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 136:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — His Loving Devotion Endures Forever
16He led His people through the wilderness. His loving devotion endures forever.
17He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever.
18and slaughtered mighty kings— His loving devotion endures forever.
19Sihon king of the Amorites His loving devotion endures forever. 20and Og king of Bashan— His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 29:7 | When you reached this place, Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan came out against us in battle, but we defeated them. |
Psalms 136:18 Summary
[Psalms 136:18 tells us that God is all-powerful and can even defeat mighty kings, showing us that He is in control of everything. This verse reminds us that God's love for us is strong and never ends, just like it says in Jeremiah 31:3. We can trust in God's power and love, and remember that His devotion to us endures forever, giving us confidence and hope in times of trouble, as encouraged in Romans 8:38-39.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'slaughtered mighty kings' in Psalms 136:18?
This phrase refers to God's power and authority over all nations and leaders, as seen in His actions throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 14:28 and Joshua 10:10-11, demonstrating His loving devotion endures forever.
How does God's slaughter of mighty kings show His loving devotion?
God's actions, even those that seem severe, are motivated by His love and desire to protect and provide for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalms 103:17, highlighting His enduring love and faithfulness.
What is the significance of the repetition of 'His loving devotion endures forever' in Psalms 136?
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes God's consistent and unwavering love and commitment to His people, as seen in verses like Psalms 136:16 and Psalms 136:17, and is a reminder of His eternal faithfulness, as promised in Lamentations 3:22-23.
How can we apply the truth of God's loving devotion in Psalms 136:18 to our lives today?
We can trust in God's power and love, just as the Israelites did, and remember that His devotion to us endures forever, giving us confidence and hope in times of trouble, as encouraged in Romans 8:38-39 and Hebrews 13:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen God's power and loving devotion in my own life, and how can I express gratitude for these experiences?
- How can I trust in God's loving devotion when faced with challenging circumstances or difficult decisions, and what Bible verses can I turn to for encouragement?
- In what ways can I demonstrate God's loving devotion to those around me, and how can I be a reflection of His love and character in my community?
- What are some things that might cause me to doubt God's loving devotion, and how can I combat these doubts with Scripture and prayer?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:18
And slew famous kings,.... Famous for their power and strength, their courage and valour who were not only smitten and discomfited, but slain in battle; for his mercy [endureth] for ever; towards his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:18
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: To him which smote great kings ... Sihon ... And Og - (Psalms 135:11.) The Psalmist signifies these kings because the MERCY of the Lord is here his theme.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:18
Psalms 136:18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:Ver. 18. And slew famous kings] Magnificos, sumptuosos, fastuosos, et arrogantes.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:18
16–22. Jehovah the Giver of the promised land. Cp. Psalms 135:10 ff.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:18
17-21. On these verses see notes on Psalms 135:10-12. It is possible, as some have hinted, that Sihon and Og, with their powerful kingdoms, are here specially alluded to, because these rich