Psalms 18:12
Psalms 18:12 in Multiple Translations
From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire.
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, Hailstones and coals of fire.
Before his shining light his dark clouds went past, raining ice and fire.
Hailstones and burning coals flew out from his brightness, passing through his thick clouds.
At the brightnes of his presence his clouds passed, haylestones and coles of fire.
From the brightness over-against Him His thick clouds have passed on, Hail and coals of fire.
At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire.
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
For thy servant keepeth them, and in keeping them there is a great reward.
Hailstones and flashes of lightning were around him; hail and burning coals fell from the sky.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:12
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 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָ֤שֶׁת
חֹ֨שֶׁךְ
סִתְר֗/וֹ
סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥י/ו
סֻכָּת֑/וֹ
חֶשְׁכַת
מַ֝֗יִם
עָבֵ֥י
שְׁחָקִֽים
יָ֤שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חֹ֨שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
סִתְר֗/וֹ
çêther
H5643
secrecy
N-ms | Suff
סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥י/ו
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
סֻכָּת֑/וֹ
çukkâh
H5521
booth
N-fs | Suff
חֶשְׁכַת
cheshkâh
H2824
dark
N-fs
מַ֝֗יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
עָבֵ֥י
ʻâb
H5645
cloud
N-cp
שְׁחָקִֽים
shachaq
H7834
cloud
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:12
יָ֤שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
חֹ֨שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
סִתְר֗/וֹ
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥י/ו
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
סֻכָּת֑/וֹ
çukkâh
H5521
"booth"
N-fs | Suff
This word describes a small, temporary shelter or booth. It is used to describe a thicket or covert, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tabernacles or tents of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) thicket, covert, booth 1a) thicket 1b) booth (rude or temporary shelter)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15; Psalms 18:12.
חֶשְׁכַת
cheshkâh
H2824
"dark"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the absence of light, or darkness. It is used to describe a lack of understanding or a difficult time. The book of Isaiah uses this word to describe a time of darkness.
Definition: darkness, obscure, low Another spelling of cha.she.khah (חֲשֵׁכָה "darkness" H2825)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dark. See also: Psalms 18:12.
מַ֝֗יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
עָבֵ֥י
ʻâb
H5645
"cloud"
N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a dark cloud or a thicket, often used to describe a place of refuge or a sign of God's presence, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17. It can also refer to a cloudy or thick atmosphere. The word is used to describe natural phenomena and is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare H5672 (עֲבִי). See also: Exodus 19:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:12.
שְׁחָקִֽים
shachaq
H7834
"cloud"
N-mp
This noun refers to a cloud or a thin vapor in the sky, as in Psalm 36:5 where God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It can also mean the firmament or heaven, like in Genesis 1:20 where birds fly across the sky. The word appears about 20 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) dust, cloud 1a) fine dust 1b) (thin) cloud
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
- Sermons on Psalms 18:12
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
10He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.
11He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.
12From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire.
13The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded— hailstones and coals of fire. 14He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 10:11 | As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites. |
| 2 | Revelation 16:21 | And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous. |
| 3 | Matthew 17:2 | There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. |
| 4 | Matthew 17:5 | While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” |
| 5 | Exodus 9:23–24 | So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 3:4–5 | His radiance was like the sunlight; rays flashed from His hand, where His power is hidden. Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. |
| 7 | Psalms 104:2 | He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 22:13–15 | 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. |
| 9 | Psalms 97:3–4 | Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles. |
Psalms 18:12 Summary
This verse describes God's powerful presence, which is accompanied by clouds, hailstones, and coals of fire. The image is one of awe-inspiring majesty and power, reminding us of God's authority over all creation, as seen in Job 38:1 and Psalms 104:1-4. Just as the Israelites experienced God's presence in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 24:15-17, we can experience His presence in our lives today, and it should inspire us to reverence and humility, as instructed in Psalms 95:6. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded to approach God with a sense of wonder and respect, acknowledging His power and majesty, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's clouds advanced from the brightness of His presence?
This phrase suggests that God's power and presence are accompanied by a display of His glory, which can be both beautiful and terrifying, as seen in Exodus 24:17 and Ezekiel 1:4.
What are the hailstones and coals of fire that come from God's presence?
These elements represent God's judgment and power, as described in Psalms 78:48 and Ezekiel 38:22, and serve as a reminder of His authority over all creation.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's majesty and power, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, and reminds us that He is a God who is both loving and just, as described in Psalms 89:14.
What can we learn from the imagery of God's presence in this verse?
The imagery in this verse teaches us about the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence, as seen in Hebrews 12:18-29, and encourages us to approach Him with reverence and humility, as instructed in Psalms 95:6.
Reflection Questions
- What does the description of God's presence in this verse evoke in your heart and mind?
- How does the combination of hailstones and coals of fire with the brightness of God's presence impact your understanding of His power and majesty?
- In what ways can you apply the reminder of God's authority and judgment in your daily life, as described in this verse?
- How does the imagery in this verse shape your prayer life and your approach to worship, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:12
At the brightness [that was] before him, The lightning that came out of the thick clouds; which may denote, either the coming of Christ to take vengeance on the Jewish nation, which was swift and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:12
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
At his glorious and powerful appearance his thick clouds passed away, i.e. vanished, being dissolved into showers of hail-stones, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
Psalms 18:12 At the brightness [that was] before him his thick clouds passed, hail [stones] and coals of fire.Ver. 12. At the brightness that was before him, &c.] i.e. At his bright presence, his thick clouds (wherein he was enveloped) passed, or did cleave, as it were, in sunder; whence came hailstones mixed with coals of fire, or lightnings out of the clouds; which God maketh at once airy seas and airy furnaces; fetching fire out of the midst of water, and hard stone out of the midst of thin vapours.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
(12) At the brightness.—This is obscure. Literally, From the brightness before him his clouds passed through (Heb., avar—LXX., διῆλθον; Vulg., transierunt) hail and fiery coals. In Samuel it is “From the brightness before him flamed fiery coals,” which is the description we should expect, and, doubtless, gives the sense we are to attach to our text. Through the dark curtain of clouds the lightnings dart like emanations from the Divine brightness which they hide. The difficulty arises from the position of avaiv, “his clouds,” which looks like a subject rather than an object to avrϋ. It has been conjectured, from comparison with Samuel, that the word has been inserted through error, from its likeness to the verb. If retained it must be rendered as object, “Out of the brightness of his presence there passed through his clouds hail and fiery coals.” And some obscurity of language is pardonable in a description of phenomena so overpowering and bewildering as “a tempest dropping fire.” A modern poet touches this feeling:— “Then fire was sky, and sky fire, And both one brief ecstasy, Then ashes.”—R. , Easter Day.In the Authorised Version the thought is of a sudden clearing of the heavens, which is not true to nature, and the clause “hailstones and coals of fire” comes in as an exclamation, as in the next verse. But there it is probably an erroneous repetition, being wanting in Sam. and in the LXX. version of the psalm. Notice how the feeling of the terrible fury of the storm is heightened by the mention of “hail,” so rare in Palestine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
Verse 12. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed] The word נגה nogah signifies the lightning. This goes before him: the flash is seen before the thunder is heard, and before the rain descends; and then the thick cloud passes. Its contents are precipitated on the earth, and the cloud is entirely dissipated. Hail-stones and coals of fire.] This was the storm that followed the flash and the peal; for it is immediately added-
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:12
12. The best rendering of this obscure verse seems to be: From the brightness before him there passed through his thick clouds hailstones and coals of fire. The flashes of lightning, accompanied by hail (Exodus 9:23-24), are as it were rays of the “unapproachable light” in which He dwells, piercing through the dense clouds which conceal Him. The text in 2 Sam. which has only, “at the brightness before him coals of fire were kindled,” is evidently mutilated.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:12
At the brightness that was before him - From the flash - the play of the lightnings that seemed to go before him. His thick clouds passed - or, vanished. They seemed to pass away.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:12
12. Up to this point, from Psalms 18:7, we have a description of the prelude and portents of deliverance. Jehovah has now descended to the scene of action, and the dreadful battle begins.
Sermons on Psalms 18:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Testimonies From Asia Harvest 05 by Paul Hattaway | In the video, the eyewitnesses describe the arrival of Major Thomas to the village of Sendinu. The villagers were instructed to greet him by shaking his hand and singing hymns as t |
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Joshua Leading the People in God's Victory by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of fully yielding to the Lord as the divine Commander in our battles, just as Joshua did before the first battle at Jericho. Joshua's encoun |
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Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the idea that as a person goes through life and achieves certain milestones, they become increasingly ready to go home. These milestones inclu |
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Hell by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the eternal state of the damned in hell, emphasizing the everlasting misery and torment prepared for those who are cursed and sentenced to separation f |
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A Good Report by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson shares a powerful report on the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in New York City, emphasizing the miraculous conversions and spiritual hunger witnessed durin |
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Christian Missions to the Communist World International - Pt2 by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being imprisoned for 14 years in communist jails. He talks about the physical hardships they endured, such as heavy chains and |
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Whose Image Does Your Face Reflect? by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the face in reflecting one's faith. He begins by reading from Matthew 17:2, where Jesus' face shines with glory on the mou |