Psalms 144:6

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Psalms 144:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them.

King James Version KJV

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

American Standard Version ASV

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them; Send out thine arrows, and discomfit them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

With your storm-flames send them in flight: send out your arrows for their destruction.

Free Bible Version FBV

Scatter your enemies with flashes of lightning! Let your arrows fly and send them running in confusion!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Cast forth the lightning and scatter them: shoote out thine arrowes, and consume them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Send forth lightning, and scatter them, Send forth Thine arrows, and trouble them,

World English Bible WEB

Throw out lightning, and scatter them. Send out your arrows, and rout them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot thy arrows, and destroy them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and shall declare thy greatness.

Translation for Translators T4T

Cause lightning to flash with the result that your enemies will run away! Shoot your arrows at them and cause them to ◄run away/scatter►.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 144:6

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 144:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בְּר֣וֹק בָּ֭רָק וּ/תְפִיצֵ֑/ם שְׁלַ֥ח חִ֝צֶּ֗י/ךָ וּ/תְהֻמֵּֽ/ם

בְּר֣וֹק bâraq H1299 to flash V-Qal-Impv-2ms

בָּ֭רָק bârâq H1300 to use lightning N-ms

וּ/תְפִיצֵ֑/ם pûwts H6327 to scatter Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff

שְׁלַ֥ח shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Impv-2ms

חִ֝צֶּ֗י/ךָ chêts H2671 arrow N-mp | Suff

וּ/תְהֻמֵּֽ/ם hâmam H2000 to confuse Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 144:6

בְּר֣וֹק bâraq H1299 "to flash" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to flash or cast forth lightning, used to describe a sudden and powerful burst of energy from the sky. It appears in the Bible to convey God's power.

Definition: (Qal) to flash lightning, cast forth (lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cast forth. See also: Psalms 144:6.

בָּ֭רָק bârâq H1300 "to use lightning" N-ms

This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.

Definition: to flash (with lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.

וּ/תְפִיצֵ֑/ם pûwts H6327 "to scatter" Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff

To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.

שְׁלַ֥ח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

חִ֝צֶּ֗י/ךָ chêts H2671 "arrow" N-mp | Suff

An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.

Definition: arrow

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.

וּ/תְהֻמֵּֽ/ם hâmam H2000 "to confuse" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

This verb means to confuse or disrupt something, causing trouble or destruction. It is used in various contexts, including making noise, consuming, or crushing something, as seen in the KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to move noisily, confuse, make a noise, discomfit, break, consume, crush, destroy, trouble, vex 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move noisily 1a2) to confuse, discomfit, vex

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: break, consume, crush, destroy, discomfit, trouble, vex. See also: Exodus 14:24; 2 Samuel 22:15; Psalms 18:15.

Study Notes — Psalms 144:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 144:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:6
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:6
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:6
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:6
Sermons on Psalms 144:6

Context — Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock

4Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. 5Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke.

6Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them.

7Reach down from on high; set me free and rescue me from the deep waters, from the grasp of foreigners, 8whose mouths speak falsehood, whose right hands are deceitful.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 32:23	I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them.
2	Psalms 18:13–14	The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded— hailstones and coals of fire. He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
3	Deuteronomy 32:42	I will make My arrows drunk with blood, while My sword devours flesh— the blood of the slain and captives, the heads of the enemy leaders.”
4	Psalms 45:5	Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.
5	Psalms 7:12–13	If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.
6	Psalms 77:17–18	The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
7	2 Samuel 22:12–15	He made darkness a canopy around Him, a gathering of water and thick clouds. From the brightness of His presence coals of fire blazed forth. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
8	Psalms 21:12	For You will put them to flight when Your bow is trained upon them.

Psalms 144:6 Summary

Psalms 144:6 is a prayer asking God to show His power and rescue the psalmist from his enemies. The 'lightning' and 'arrows' in this verse represent God's powerful intervention, similar to what is described in Psalms 18:14 and Ezekiel 1:4. Just like the psalmist, we can trust in God's power and deliverance, even when faced with overwhelming challenges, and pray for His intervention in our lives, as seen in Psalms 7:1-2 and Psalms 31:1-2. By trusting in God's power, we can be confident that He will rescue us and give us victory over the forces of darkness and sin, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:37.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'flash forth Your lightning' in Psalms 144:6?

This is a figurative expression asking God to manifest His power and judgment, similar to what is described in Psalms 18:14 and Ezekiel 1:4, where God's presence is accompanied by lightning and other powerful displays of nature.

Why does the psalmist ask God to 'scatter them' and 'rout them'?

The psalmist is asking God to intervene against his enemies, who are described in Psalms 144:7-8 as speaking falsehood and being deceitful, much like the enemies of God in Psalms 35:1-3 and Psalms 55:9-11, where God is asked to intervene against wicked people.

Is this verse promoting violence or aggression?

No, this verse is a prayer for God's intervention and deliverance, not a call for personal violence or aggression, as seen in similar prayers for deliverance in Psalms 7:1-2 and Psalms 31:1-2, where the psalmist trusts in God for rescue and protection.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?

This verse is part of a larger prayer for God's deliverance and intervention, as seen in Psalms 144:5-8, where the psalmist asks God to come down, touch the mountains, and rescue him from his enemies, showcasing his trust in God's power and salvation, much like in Psalms 18:1-3 and Psalms 46:1-3.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'arrows' that God shoots in this verse, and how do they relate to my life and spiritual battles?
How can I, like the psalmist, trust in God's power and deliverance in the face of overwhelming enemies or challenges?
In what ways can I 'flash forth' the light of God's presence and power in my own life and witness, as described in Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:14-16?
What are some areas of my life where I need God to 'scatter' or 'rout' the forces of darkness and sin, and how can I pray for His intervention in those areas?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:6

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them,.... The mountains, the kings and kingdoms of the earth; the enemies of David, and of Christ, and of his people; particularly the Jews, who have been scattered

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:6

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:6

Thy thunderbolts, which oft accompany the lightnings and thunder.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:6

Psalms 144:6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.Ver. 6. Cast forth lightning, and scatter them] All this was done according to David’ s desire, Psalms 18:13-14. God sometimes answereth his suitors ad cardinem desiderii; and saith unto them, Be it unto you even as ye will. This is a wonderful condescension.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:6

(6) Cast forth lightning.—Literally, lighten lightning, the verb being quite peculiar to this place.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:6

Verse 6. Cast forth lightning] See Clarke on Psalms 18:13; "Psalms 18:14".

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:6

6. Lighten lightning, and scatter them: Send forth thine arrows, and discomfit them. A variation of Psa 18:14, corresponding again more closely to the text of 2 Samuel 22:15. Them must refer to the enemies who are in the Psalmist’s mind, though he has not expressly mentioned them.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:6

Cast forth lightnings, and scatter them - See the notes at Psalms 18:14 : “He sent out his arrows, and scattered them.” The allusion there is to lightning. The psalmist prays that; God would do now again what he had then done.

Sermons on Psalms 144:6

	Sermon	Description
	America Is Finished, unless... by Pierre Bynum	Pierre Bynum preaches about the impending judgment on America due to its sins and departure from God, emphasizing the need for national repentance and a God-sent Awakening to avert
	In the Midst of a Miracle by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that we may be in the midst of a miracle without realizing it, as we often feel discouraged when we see no evidence of God's work. He draws from Psalm 18
	Revelation - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of books in ancient times, comparing them to scrolls and even a rolled-up videotape. The sermon then delves into the idea of a "v
	How Can a Man Know That He Is Saved? by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Deuteronomy chapter 32 and specifically verses 35 and 36. He suggests that these verses can be interpreted in different ways, either as a me
	Healing Broken Hearts by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus to set people free from the bondage of sin. He highlights that sin often starts with a curious thought and can lead to de
	Psalm 45 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the beauty and majesty of Christ as the spiritual Bridegroom, emphasizing the believer's fervent commendation of Jesus and the eloquence in expressing due pra
	Turn or Burn by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God will punish sin. He shares a story about a minister who, while walking in a forest, comes across a cle