Psalms 18:31
Psalms 18:31 in Multiple Translations
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
For who is God, save Jehovah? And who is a rock, besides our God,
For who is God but the Lord? or who is a Rock but our God?
For who is God except the Lord? Who is the rock, except our God?
For who is God besides the Lord? and who is mightie saue our God?
For who [is] God besides Jehovah? And who [is] a rock save our God?
For who is God, except the LORD? Who is a rock, besides our God,
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Yahweh is [RHQ] the only one who is God; only he is like an overhanging rock under which we can be safe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:31
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 18:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/אֵל֮
תָּמִ֪ים
דַּ֫רְכּ֥/וֹ
אִמְרַֽת
יְהוָ֥ה
צְרוּפָ֑ה
מָגֵ֥ן
ה֝֗וּא
לְ/כֹ֤ל
הַ/חֹסִ֬ים
בּֽ/וֹ
הָ/אֵל֮
ʼêl
H410
god
Art | N-ms
תָּמִ֪ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
דַּ֫רְכּ֥/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
אִמְרַֽת
ʼimrâh
H565
word
N-fs
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְרוּפָ֑ה
tsâraph
H6884
to refine
V-Qal-Inf-c
מָגֵ֥ן
mâgên
H4043
shield
N-cs
ה֝֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לְ/כֹ֤ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הַ/חֹסִ֬ים
châçâh
H2620
to seek refuge
Art | V-Qal
בּֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
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 18:31
הָ/אֵל֮
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
תָּמִ֪ים
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
דַּ֫רְכּ֥/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אִמְרַֽת
ʼimrâh
H565
"word"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means a threat or warning, often from God. It appears in the context of judgement or punishment. The KJV translates it as commandment, speech, or word.
Definition: 1) utterance, speech, word 1a) word of God (command and promise)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: commandment, speech, word. See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 12:7.
יְהוָ֥ה
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.
צְרוּפָ֑ה
tsâraph
H6884
"to refine"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
מָגֵ֥ן
mâgên
H4043
"shield"
N-cs
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
ה֝֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לְ/כֹ֤ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/חֹסִ֬ים
châçâh
H2620
"to seek refuge"
Art | V-Qal
To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.
בּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 18:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:31
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
- Sermons on Psalms 18:31
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
29For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall.
30As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
31For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
32It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. 33He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:31 | For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. |
| 2 | Psalms 86:8 | O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 22:32 | For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:39 | See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. |
| 5 | Isaiah 45:5 | I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:2 | There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:21–22 | Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. |
Psalms 18:31 Summary
[This verse is a powerful statement about who God is and how He is unique. The psalmist is saying that there is no other God like our God, and that He is the only one who can provide true strength and protection, as we see in verses like Psalms 46:1, which says 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.' When the Bible calls God 'the Rock', it's talking about how strong and reliable He is, like a rock that we can stand on and trust. We can trust God to be our Rock in tough times, just like David did, and find comfort in His presence, as promised in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus says 'And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say 'who is God besides the LORD' in Psalms 18:31?
This phrase is a declaration of the uniqueness and exclusivity of the one true God, as also stated in Isaiah 45:5, which says 'I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.'
Why is God referred to as 'the Rock' in this verse?
The term 'the Rock' is a metaphor for God's strength, stability, and reliability, similar to how it is used in Deuteronomy 32:4, which describes God as 'the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.'
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our God is the only true source of strength, comfort, and protection, as seen in Psalms 23:4, where David says 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.'
What can we learn from the way David praises God in this verse?
David's praise is an example of how we should acknowledge and worship God, recognizing His power, goodness, and faithfulness, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4-5, which says 'Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can declare God's uniqueness and exclusivity in my own life, like the psalmist does in this verse?
- How has God been my 'Rock' in times of trouble or uncertainty, and how can I trust Him more fully in the future?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of God's strength and stability to my daily challenges and struggles?
- What are some practical ways I can 'take refuge' in God, as mentioned in the surrounding verses, and experience His protection and care?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:31
For who [is] God save the Lord?.... Or Jehovah: there is but one God, and Jehovah is he; there is none besides him, nor any like him: there are many that are called gods, nominal deities, who are not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:31
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Here follows the fourth section of the psalm.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
It must needs be as I have said, because our Lord is the only God, and therefore there is none, neither God nor creature, that can hinder him from accomplishing his own word and work, or from defending those that trust him: he is unchangeable and invincible. Or this is an amplification, As God is what I have now described him to be, so he only is such, and there is no other God or Rock in which they may safely trust.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
Psalms 18:31 For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God?Ver. 31. For who is God save the Lord?] Fictitios Deos et vanas spes prosternit, saith Vatablus. Here he striketh down to the ground all false gods and all vain hopes. Contemno minutulos istos Deos mode Iovem mihi propitium habeam, said a heathen. David might much better say, I care not for those petty deities, so I may have Jehovah to favour me.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
(31) Comp. Deuteronomy 32:31, where we see that “rock” was a common term among the tribes of Canaan for their divinities. Notice some trifling variations in Samuel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
Verse 31. For who is God save the Lord?] "For who is Eloah, except Jehovah?" None is worthy of adoration but the self-existent, eternal, infinitely perfect, and all-merciful Being. Or who is a rock] A fountain emitting continual supplies of grace and goodness.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:31
31–34. The unique character of Jehovah, to whom alone David owes all that he is. Observe how he recognises that the advantages of physical strength and energy, important qualifications in times when the king was himself the leader of the people in battle, were gifts of God; yet that it was not these which saved him and made him victorious, but Jehovah’s care and help (Psalms 18:35 ff.). Cp. 1 Samuel 17:34-36.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:31
For who is God save the Lord? - Who is God except Yahweh? The idea is, that no other being has evinced the power, the wisdom, and the goodness which properly belong to the true God; or, that the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:31
31. Rock—Quoted from Deuteronomy 32:31-39; 1 Samuel 2:2
Sermons on Psalms 18:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Stone of Salvation or Destruction by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the multifaceted significance of the 'stone' in Matthew 21:44, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Christ. He discusses how this stone represents rejection, |
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Power Encounter in Papua New Guinea (Part 2) by David Sitton | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter with a woman named Rosa who was practicing witchcraft. He describes how she was dancing, chanting, and trying to levitate |
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Show Us the Father by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and surrendering to God's works rather than relying solely on personal achievements. It challenges individuals to seek the work |
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Use Your Sword by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young girl who had to make a decision between keeping a valuable ring or using the money to spread the message of God. T |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, b |
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Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treasuring and displaying the supreme value of Jesus in one's life. He explains that this can be achieved by finding satisf |
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(Judging - Part 1) Only One Judge by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, Alistair Begg focuses on the importance of not slandering or judging one another. He begins by referencing the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Begg empha |