Psalms 18:14
Psalms 18:14 in Multiple Translations
He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
And he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yea, lightnings manifold, and discomfited them.
He sent out his arrows, driving them in all directions; by his flames of fire they were troubled.
He fired his arrows, scattering his enemies; he routed them with his lightning bolts.
Then hee sent out his arrowes and scattred them, and he increased lightnings and destroyed them.
And He sendeth His arrows and scattereth them, And much lightning, and crusheth them.
He sent out his arrows, and scattered them. He routed them with great lightning bolts.
Yes, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
And from those of others spare thy servant. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.
He shot his arrows at them and caused them to scatter; His flashes of lightning caused them to become very confused (OR, to run away).
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:14
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 18:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּרְעֵ֬ם
בַּ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם
יְֽהוָ֗ה
וְ֭/עֶלְיוֹן
יִתֵּ֣ן
קֹל֑/וֹ
בָּ֝רָ֗ד
וְ/גַֽחֲלֵי
אֵֽשׁ
וַ/יַּרְעֵ֬ם
râʻam
H7481
to thunder
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ֭/עֶלְיוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Conj | Adj
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
קֹל֑/וֹ
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
בָּ֝רָ֗ד
bârâd
H1259
hail
N-ms
וְ/גַֽחֲלֵי
gechel
H1513
coal
Conj | N-cp
אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
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 18:14
וַ/יַּרְעֵ֬ם
râʻam
H7481
"to thunder"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to make a loud, rumbling sound like thunder, and can also describe being violently angry or agitated, as seen in Psalm 104:7. It can be translated as thunder, roar, or trouble. In the Bible, it often describes God's powerful voice.
Definition: 1) to thunder 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to make the sound of thunder, thunder 1a2) to rage 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to thunder, cause thunder 1b2) to tremble, cause to tremble (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: make to fret, roar, thunder, trouble. See also: 1 Samuel 1:6; Job 37:5; Psalms 18:14.
בַּ/שָּׁמַ֨יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ֭/עֶלְיוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Conj | Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
קֹל֑/וֹ
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
בָּ֝רָ֗ד
bârâd
H1259
"hail"
N-ms
Hail is a sign of God's judgment in the Bible, with hailstones sometimes used as a symbol of His power. It appears in stories of destruction and chaos.
Definition: 1) hail 1a) of God's judgment (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: hail(stones). See also: Exodus 9:18; Exodus 10:15; Psalms 18:13.
וְ/גַֽחֲלֵי
gechel
H1513
"coal"
Conj | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a burning coal or hot ember, often used to describe intense heat or purification. It appears in various contexts, including Isaiah and Ezekiel. The word symbolizes refinement and cleansing.
Definition: coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (burning) coal. See also: Leviticus 16:12; Psalms 140:11; Psalms 18:9.
אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
- Sermons on Psalms 18:14
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
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.
15The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed, at Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils. 16He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 144:6 | Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 3:11 | Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear. |
| 3 | Numbers 24:8 | God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Joshua 10:10 | And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:30 | And the LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and His mighty arm to be revealed, striking in angry wrath with a flame of consuming fire, and with cloudburst, storm, and hailstones. |
| 7 | Psalms 77:17 | The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. |
| 8 | Job 6:4 | For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 32:23 | I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them. |
| 10 | Job 40:9–12 | Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory. Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. |
Psalms 18:14 Summary
In Psalms 18:14, we see a powerful picture of God's judgment and deliverance, as He 'shoots His arrows' and 'hurls lightning' to defeat His enemies. This verse reminds us that God is all-powerful and sovereign, and that He will ultimately triumph over all who oppose Him (as seen in Isaiah 46:10). Just as God rescued the psalmist from his enemies, we can trust in His loving kindness and faithfulness to save us from our own struggles and challenges (Psalms 18:16-17). By trusting in God's power and authority, we can find peace and confidence in the midst of life's storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'shoot His arrows' in Psalms 18:14?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's judgment and power, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 32:23 and Ezekiel 5:16, where God uses arrows to symbolize His wrath and discipline.
How does God's use of lightning in Psalms 18:14 relate to other biblical accounts?
The use of lightning as a symbol of God's power is also seen in Exodus 19:16, where God descends upon Mount Sinai in a display of lightning and thunder, demonstrating His mighty presence and authority.
What is the significance of God 'rout[ing] them' in Psalms 18:14?
This phrase suggests that God's enemies are completely defeated and dispersed, much like in Isaiah 59:18, where God repays His enemies with wrath, showing His ultimate triumph over those who oppose Him.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's deliverance in Psalms 18?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's rescue and salvation, as seen in verses like Psalms 18:16-17, where God reaches down to save the psalmist from deep waters, highlighting His loving kindness and faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being 'scattered' or 'routed' by the enemy, and how can I trust in God's power to deliver me?
- How can I apply the image of God 'shooting His arrows' to my own life, in terms of trusting in His sovereignty and judgment?
- In what ways have I experienced God's 'lightning' of conviction or discipline in my life, and how has it led me to repentance and growth?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's power and authority, as demonstrated in Psalms 18:14, and how can I live out that trust in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:14
Yea, he sent out his arrows,.... By which thunderbolts, cracks of thunder, and flashes of lightning, seem to be meant; see Psalms 77:17; comparable to arrows shot, and sent out of a bow; and may
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:14
Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
His arrows, to wit, lightnings, as it is explained in the next clause. Scattered them, to wit, mine enemies; which is sufficiently understood from ,17, and from the whole context.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
Psalms 18:14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.Ver. 14. Yea, he sent out his arrows, &c.] Tandem permiscentur omnia grandine flammis et fulminibus tanquam telis et sagittis Dei adversus hostes pugnantis. After the advance guard, Psalms 18:12, the great ordnance, Psalms 18:13, the battle begins, and all is on a hurry.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
(14) He sent out.—In the majesty of the storm we have almost forgotten its cause, the Divine wrath against the enemies of the poet. They are abruptly recalled to our remembrance in the suffix (“them”) of the verbs in this verse. So the LXX. and Vulg. Many ancient interpreters, however, understood by them “the lightnings,” while Ewald would carry the pronoun on to the “waters” in the next verse. Instead of “shot” (rab) many render as if it were the adjective “many,” “his numerous lightnings.” But comp. Psalms 144:6 and the verse in Samuel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
Verse 14. He sent out his arrows - he shot out lightnings] I believe the latter clause to be an illustration of the former. He sent out his arrows-that is, he shot out lightnings; for lightnings are the arrows of the Lord, and there is something very like the arrowhead apparent in the zigzag lightning. Sense and sound are wonderfully combined in the Hebrew of this last clause: וברכים רב ויהמם uberakim rab vaihummem, "and thunderings he multiplied and confounded them." Who does not hear the bursting, brattling, and pounding of thunder in these words? See Delaney?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:14
14. And he sent out &c. (R.V.) gives the connexion better than Yea. Lightnings are Jehovah’s arrows. Cp. Psalms 77:17; Habakkuk 3:11. Scattered them clearly refers to the enemies whose destruction was the object of this Divine interposition (Psalms 18:3). and he shot out lightnings] Better, yea, lightnings in abundance; or, as R.V., lightnings manifold. discomfited] A word denoting the confusion of a sudden panic, and used especially of supernatural defeat. Cp. Exodus 14:24 (R.V.); Joshua 10:10; Judges 4:15; 1 Samuel 7:10. Psalms 144:6-7 is based on Psalms 18:14; Psalms 18:16.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:14
Yea, he sent out his arrows - The word arrows here probably refers to the lightnings mentioned in the other clause of the verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:14
14. And discomfited them—He troubled and defeated them. Here ends the battle, and from this point dates the deliverance.
Sermons on Psalms 18:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 19 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the glory of God revealed through the heavens and the works of His hands, as well as the proclamation of His Word day and night. He emphasizes the univers |
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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 |
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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 |
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The Day the Sun Stood Still by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle against the five powerful kings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences |
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The Tribulation, and Those Who Are to Pass Through It. by William Kelly | William Kelly preaches about the great tribulation, emphasizing the distinction between the tribulation that the Christian must endure in this world and the specific trouble at the |
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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 |