Psalms 18:34
Psalms 18:34 in Multiple Translations
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
He teacheth my hands to war; So that mine arms do bend a bow of brass.
He makes my hands expert in war, so that a bow of brass is bent by my arms.
He teaches me how to fight in battle; he gives me the strength to draw a bronze bow.
He teacheth mine hands to fight: so that a bowe of brasse is broken with mine armes.
Teaching my hands for battle, And a bow of brass was brought down by my arms.
He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
He teaches me how to use a strong/metal bow in order that I can use it to fight in battles.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:34
BAB
Word Study
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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 18:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְשַׁוֶּ֣ה
רַ֭גְלַ/י
כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת
וְ/עַ֥ל
בָּ֝מֹתַ֗/י
יַעֲמִידֵֽ/נִי
מְשַׁוֶּ֣ה
shâvâh
H7737
be like
V-Piel
רַ֭גְלַ/י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת
ʼayâlâh
H355
doe
Prep | N-fp
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
בָּ֝מֹתַ֗/י
bâmâh
H1116
high place
N-fp | Suff
יַעֲמִידֵֽ/נִי
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 18:34
מְשַׁוֶּ֣ה
shâvâh
H7737
"be like"
V-Piel
This word means to set or place something, and it is used to describe the act of leveling or equalizing something. It can also mean to adjust or compare things, and it is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to agree with, be or become like, level, resemble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be like 1a2) equivalent (participle) 1a3) to set, place 1a4) setting (participle) 1b) (Piel) to level, smooth, still 1c) (Hiphil) to make like 1d) (Nithpael) to be alike Aramaic equivalent: she.vah (שְׁוָה "be like" H7739A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon. See also: 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 16:8.
רַ֭גְלַ/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת
ʼayâlâh
H355
"doe"
Prep | N-fp
A doe is a female deer, mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of gentleness and beauty, such as in the Song of Solomon. It represents a peaceful and serene creature. The Bible uses the doe as a metaphor for love and kindness.
Definition: doe, deer, hind
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hind. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 29:9; Psalms 18:34.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בָּ֝מֹתַ֗/י
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
N-fp | Suff
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
יַעֲמִידֵֽ/נִי
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:34
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
- Sermons on Psalms 18:34
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
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. 36You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 144:1 | Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. |
| 2 | Psalms 46:9 | He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 22:36 | You have given me Your shield of salvation, and Your gentleness exalts me. |
| 4 | Isaiah 28:6 | a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. |
| 5 | Isaiah 45:1 | This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: |
| 6 | Jeremiah 49:35 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will shatter Elam’s bow, the mainstay of their might. |
| 7 | Hosea 1:5 | And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.” |
Psalms 18:34 Summary
[This verse means that God helps us and gives us the strength we need to handle tough situations, like a warrior being trained for battle. He makes us strong, like a bow made of bronze, which is very powerful. This reminds us of what it says in Psalms 28:7, that God is our strength and shield, and we can trust in Him. As we trust in God's power, we can face our challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us and will help us overcome them.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have hands trained for battle?
This phrase suggests that God equips and prepares believers for the spiritual battles they will face, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes.
What is the significance of a bow of bronze?
A bow of bronze represents strength and durability, implying that the believer's arms, empowered by God, can handle the weight and demands of spiritual warfare, much like the strong and valiant men of old, such as David, who trusted in God's power, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
How does this verse relate to everyday life?
This verse reminds us that our daily struggles and challenges are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and strength in our lives, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul says that God's power is made perfect in our weakness.
What is the role of faith in this verse?
Faith plays a crucial role, as the believer must trust in God's power and training to overcome the battles they face, just as the Psalmist trusted in God's deliverance, as expressed in Psalms 18:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need God's training and empowerment for battle?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's strength to my current challenges and struggles?
- What are some ways I can practically 'bend a bow of bronze' in my spiritual life, demonstrating God's power and strength?
- How does this verse encourage me to face my fears and anxieties, knowing that God is my trainer and empowerer?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:34
He teacheth my hands to war,.... From whence it appears, that war, in some cases, is lawful; and that all the skilfulness and art in training men for war, in the use of armour, in marshalling of armies, in forming sieges, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:34
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 18:34
To him I owe all that military skill, or strength, or cou rage which I have. My strength is sufficient, not only to bend a bow of steel, but to break it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
Psalms 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.Ver. 34. He teacheth mine hands to war] David ascribeth all his military skill and success to God; so did not other great warriors, Alexander, Scipio, Fabius, &c., but sacrificed to their own nets, and were ready to say, as Sesostris, king of Egypt, did when he had conquered any country, he was wont to set up pillars with these words engraven upon them, This country I got by mine own strength and valour, ταυτηντηνχωρηνωμοισιτοιςεμοισινεκτησαμην (Herodot. l. 2). So that a bow of steel, &c.] Which is more flexible and stronger than a bow of iron; whence is that, Job 20:24.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
(34) So that a bow.—Better, and mine arms bend a bow of copper. For the copper bow comp. Job 20:24. Nechushah, ÷áëêὸ ?ò, is certainly not steel, whether the custom of hardening iron was known to the Jews or not (see Jeremiah 15:12, and art. “Steel,” in Smith’s Biblical Dict.). The LXX. and Vulgate have, “thou hast made mine arms a bow of copper.” For this test of strength we naturally compare the famous bow of Ulysses— “So the great master drew the mighty bow, And drew with ease.”—Odyssey, POPE’S trans.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
Verse 34. He teacheth my hands to war] The success which I have had in my military exercises I owe to the Divine help. How few of the conquerors of mankind can say so! And how few among those who call themselves Christian warriors dare to say so! War is as contrary to the spirit of Christianity as murder. Nothing can justify Christian nations in shedding each other's blood! All men should live in peace; all men might live in peace; and the nation that is first to break it is under a heavy curse. A bow of steel is broken by mine arms.] All the versions render this: "Thou hast made my arm like a brazen bow." A bow of steel is out of the question. In the days of David it is not likely that the method of making steel was known. The method of making brass out of copper was known at a very early period of the world; and the ancients had the art of hardening it, so as to work it into the most efficient swords.
From his own account David was swift, courageous, and strong.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:34
34. The first line is borrowed in Psalms 144:1. so that a bow of steel &c.] R.V., so that mine arms do bend a bow of brass. The ability to bend a metal bow (cp. Job 20:24) was a sign of supereminent strength. Readers of the Odyssey will recall Ulysses’ bow, which no one but himself could bend (Hom. Od. xxi. 409).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:34
He teacheth my hands to war - Compare Psalms 144:1. The skill which David had in the use of the bow, the sword, or the spear - all of which depends on the hands - he ascribes entirely to God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:34
34. He teacheth, etc.—Whether in peace or war, his skill and strength to act well his part the psalmist ascribes to God. Bow of steel is broken—A bow of copper, or bronze, is bent by my arms.
Sermons on Psalms 18:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Godly Home) Part 6 - Bible Pictures of Promise by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of vision and the pictures of promise found in the Bible. The sermon begins by discussing Psalm 144, which is a unique Psalm writte |
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The Secret of a Happy Life by J.C. Ryle | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of finding true happiness and the misconceptions surrounding it. It emphasizes that true happiness comes from the grace of God and li |
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07. Pictures of Promise in the Bible by Denny Kenaston | This sermon delves into Psalms 144, exploring the unique combination of war and a burden for the home that David expressed in his writing. It emphasizes the importance of God's inv |
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The Overcoming Grace of God by Timothy Williams | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Psalm 144:1, which states that the Lord teaches us how to fight and stand firm against the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that the Lord teac |
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Time for War by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting Psalm 144:1-5, where David praises God as his rock, fortress, and deliverer. The preacher then reflects on the reality of war and the |
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2. Bible Pictures of a Godly Home by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of having a vision for raising godly children, emphasizing the need for a vision written upon the heart by God's finger. He highlights |
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Commentary on Psalm 136-150 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a profound commentary on Psalms 136-150, emphasizing the enduring mercy of God as a central theme throughout the psalms. He highlights the importance of gratit |