Psalms 18:33
Psalms 18:33 in Multiple Translations
He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: And setteth me upon my high places.
He makes my feet like roes' feet, and puts me on high places.
He makes me surefooted like the deer, able to walk the heights in safety.
He maketh my feete like hindes feete, and setteth me vpon mine high places.
Making my feet like hinds, And on my high places causeth me to stand.
He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and sets me on my high places.
He maketh my feet like hinds' feet , and setteth me upon my high places.
He enables me to walk swiftly without stumbling, like a deer walks/runs in the mountains.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:33
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 18:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ֭/אֵל
הַ/מְאַזְּרֵ֣/נִי
חָ֑יִל
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן
תָּמִ֣ים
דַּרְכִּֽ/י
הָ֭/אֵל
ʼêl
H410
god
Art | N-ms
הַ/מְאַזְּרֵ֣/נִי
ʼâzar
H247
to gird
Art | V-Piel | Suff
חָ֑יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
תָּמִ֣ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Adj
דַּרְכִּֽ/י
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | 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 18:33
הָ֭/אֵל
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.
הַ/מְאַזְּרֵ֣/נִי
ʼâzar
H247
"to gird"
Art | V-Piel | Suff
To gird means to wear a belt or surround something, like God surrounding his people with strength. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) gird, encompass, equip, clothe 1a) (Qal) to gird, gird on (metaphorical of strength) 1b) (Niphal) be girded 1c)(Piel) hold close, clasp 1d) (Hiphpael) gird oneself (for war)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bind (compass) about, gird (up, with). See also: 1 Samuel 2:4; Psalms 18:40; Psalms 18:33.
חָ֑יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
תָּמִ֣ים
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.
דַּרְכִּֽ/י
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:33
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
- Sermons on Psalms 18:33
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
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.
34He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 3:19 | GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:13 | He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 33:29 | Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 2:18 | The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 22:14 | The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. |
Psalms 18:33 Summary
This verse means that God helps us to be strong and surefooted, like a deer, so we can navigate life's challenges with confidence. He also lifts us up to a higher perspective, where we can see things from His point of view, as seen in Isaiah 40:9. This gives us a sense of security and peace, knowing that God is with us and for us, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Deuteronomy 31:8. By trusting in God, we can experience His presence and power in our lives, just like the Psalmist in Psalms 18:33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have feet like those of a deer?
Having feet like those of a deer means being swift, agile, and surefooted, able to navigate life's challenges with ease and confidence, as seen in Psalms 18:33 and also in Habakkuk 3:19, where the prophet declares God makes his feet like the deer's, enabling him to walk on high places.
What are the heights that God stations us upon?
The heights refer to a place of spiritual elevation, where we can see the world from God's perspective, as mentioned in Isaiah 40:9, and experience His presence and power, as seen in Psalms 18:33 and also in Deuteronomy 32:13, where God sets His people on high places.
How does God make our feet like those of a deer and station us on the heights?
God makes our feet like those of a deer and stations us on the heights by giving us strength, courage, and wisdom, as seen in Psalms 18:32, where God arms David with strength, and in Proverbs 2:6-8, where God gives wisdom and understanding to those who trust in Him.
What is the significance of this verse in the context of Psalms 18?
This verse is significant because it highlights God's provision and care for His people, as seen in the surrounding verses, such as Psalms 18:31-32, where God is praised as the Rock and the one who arms us with strength, and Psalms 18:34-35, where God trains us for battle and upholds us with His right hand, demonstrating His faithfulness and love for us, similar to Jeremiah 31:3, where God's everlasting love is declared.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need God to make my feet like those of a deer, to give me swiftness and agility to navigate challenges?
- What are the 'high places' in my life where I need God to station me, to give me a new perspective and experience His presence?
- How can I trust God to make my feet like those of a deer and station me on the heights, when faced with difficulties and uncertainties, like the Psalmist in Psalms 18:33?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the truth of this verse to my daily life, such as trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, and walking in obedience to His Word, as seen in Psalms 119:105?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:33
He maketh my feet like hind's [feet],.... As light and swift as theirs, as the Targum; that is, either to flee, when there was a necessity for it, as Kimchi observes; or rather to pursue after the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:33
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 18:33
Like hinds’ feet, i.e. most swift and nimble. As he made me wise in counsel and contrivance, (which he elsewhere saith,) so he made me speedy and expeditious in the execution; which are the two great excellencies of a captain. He gave me great agility, either to flee and escape from mine enemies, when prudence required it; or to pursue them, when I saw occasion. Setteth me, Heb. maketh me to stand, i.e. either he placeth me in safe and strong places, out of the reach of mine enemies; or he confirms and establisheth me in that high and honourable estate into which he hath advanced me, and gives me wisdom to improve my victories.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
Psalms 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ [feet], and setteth me upon my high places. Ver. 33. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet] Heb. He matcheth my feet, like hinds’ feet; that is, not only swift, if I have occasion by flight to provide for myself, or to pursue mine enemies flying before me; but also steady, if I come into any dangerous places. Asahel was swift of foot as a wild roe, 2 Samuel 2:18. Josephus saith of him, that he contended with horses in running. Saul and Jonathan are said to be swifter than eagles, 2 Samuel 1:23. Achilles was ποδαςωκυς, saith Homer. The hind, when pursued by the wolf, runs most swiftly; witness the poet (Horat. lib. 1, Od. 15, 23): Quem tu, cervus uti vallis in altera Visum parte lupum, graminis immemor, Sublimi fugies mollis anhelitu. And again, Vitas hinnuleo me similis, Chloe, &c.
But they that wait upon the Lord have a promise that they shall not only run as hinds, but mount up as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint, Isaiah 40:31. He setteth me upon my high places] Where, having by flight or fight escaped, I am secured; yea, he hath advanced me, and brought me to this high honour, Securus postquam evasi ab illis (R. David).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
(33) This verse is borrowed in Habakkuk 3:19. For swiftness as an essential of a warrior in Oriental esteem comp. 2 Samuel 1:23, and the invariable epithet in Homer’s Iliad, “swift-footed Achilles.” For “hind” comp. Genesis 49:21. Observe “his feet” in Samuel. My high places.—With allusion to the mountain fortresses the poet had scaled and won.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
Verse 33. My feet like hinds' feet] Swiftness, or speed of foot, was a necessary qualification of an ancient hero. This was of great advantage in pursuing, combating, or escaping from a fallen foe. ΠοδαςωκυςΑχιλλευς, "the swiftfooted Achilles," is frequently given by Homer as a most honourable qualification of his hero. Upon my high places.] In allusion to the hinds, antelopes, mountain goats, &c., which frequented such places, and in which they found both food and safety. God frequently preserved the life of David by means of these.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:33
33. like hinds’ feet] The hind, like the gazelle, was a type of the agility, swiftness, and sure-footedness which were indispensable qualifications in ancient warfare. Cp. 2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8. setteth me upon my high places] The metaphor of the hind, bounding freely over the hills, is continued. David’s high places are the mountain strongholds, the occupation of which secured him in the possession of the country. Cp. Deuteronomy 32:13; and Habakkuk 3:19, which is a reminiscence of this passage and Deuteronomy 33:29.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:33
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet - So Habakkuk 3:19, “He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” The hind is the female deer, remarkable for fleetness or swiftness.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:33
33. Like hinds’ feet—Not only swift but sure footed, so as to walk in difficult places safely. In the Egyptian paintings the hind is the symbol of fleetness. See on Psalms 42:1.
Sermons on Psalms 18:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Habakkuk by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses sadness over the careless behavior of people who litter and leave debris on the ground. He reflects on the corruption that man has brought upo |
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Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers |
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The Conquest of Canaan (Joh. Xiii: 1) by Seth Rees | Seth Rees preaches about the importance of fully possessing the land of our Christian inheritance, drawing parallels to the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. He emphasi |
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The Lord Is My Strength by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the strength that the Lord provides in various aspects of our lives. He emphasizes that this strength is continuous and comes from the Spirit, enab |
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K-493 the Holocaust in Jewish Consciousness by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's goodness and justice, even in the face of events that seem contradictory. The sermon also explores the idea of a "genera |
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The People of God 08 a Victorious People by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering and yielding oneself fully to God in order to experience victory in life. The preacher encourages the audienc |
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The People of God 07 Unique Shielded People by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a boy who was born blind. The preacher's father was distraught one day and eventually confided in his wife about his trou |