Psalms 18:44
Psalms 18:44 in Multiple Translations
When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me.
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me; The foreigners shall submit themselves unto me.
From the time when my name comes to their ears they will be ruled by me: men of other countries will, with false hearts, put themselves under my authority.
As soon as they hear of me, they obey; foreigners cringe before me.
As soone as they heare, they shall obey me: the strangers shall be in subiection to me.
At the hearing of the ear they hearken to me, Sons of a stranger feign obedience to me,
As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me. The foreigners shall submit themselves to me.
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves to me.
When foreigners hear about me, they ◄cringe/bow low before me► and they obey me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:44
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 18:44 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּפַלְּטֵ/נִי֮
מֵ/רִ֪יבֵ֫י
עָ֥ם
תְּ֭שִׂימֵ/נִי
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ
גּוֹיִ֑ם
עַ֖ם
לֹא
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
יַֽעַבְדֽוּ/נִי
תְּפַלְּטֵ/נִי֮
pâlaṭ
H6403
to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
מֵ/רִ֪יבֵ֫י
rîyb
H7379
strife
Prep | N-cp
עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
תְּ֭שִׂימֵ/נִי
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
גּוֹיִ֑ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
עַ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יַֽעַבְדֽוּ/נִי
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | 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 18:44
תְּפַלְּטֵ/נִי֮
pâlaṭ
H6403
"to escape"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To escape means to slip out of a difficult situation, like the Israelites did when they left Egypt, as told in Exodus 14. The word can also mean to deliver or save someone, often used to describe God's actions in the Bible. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away 1a) (Qal) to escape 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bring into security, deliver 1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth 1b3) to be delivered 1b4) to slip away 1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. See also: 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 37:40; Psalms 17:13.
מֵ/רִ֪יבֵ֫י
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
Prep | N-cp
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
תְּ֭שִׂימֵ/נִי
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לְ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
גּוֹיִ֑ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
עַ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
יַֽעַבְדֽוּ/נִי
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:44
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:44 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:44
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:44
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:44
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:44
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
- Sermons on Psalms 18:44
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
42I ground them as dust in the face of the wind; I trampled them like mud in the streets.
43You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.
44When they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me.
45Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds. 46The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may the God of my salvation be exalted—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 66:3 | Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You. |
| 2 | Psalms 81:15 | Those who hate the LORD would feign obedience, and their doom would last forever. |
| 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 | Ezekiel 44:7 | In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 22:44–46 | You have delivered me from the strife of my people; You have preserved me as the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. Foreigners cower before me; when they hear me, they obey me. Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 1:13 | And David inquired of the young man who had brought him the report, “Where are you from?” “I am the son of a foreigner,” he answered. “I am an Amalekite.” |
| 7 | Psalms 68:30 | Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. |
| 8 | Romans 10:16–17 | But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. |
| 9 | Isaiah 62:8 | The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain to your enemies for food, nor will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled. |
Psalms 18:44 Summary
[This verse means that when people listen to the psalmist, they will obey him because they respect and fear God's power and authority in his life, just like we see in Psalms 2:10-12. The psalmist is not relying on his own strength, but on God's power to guide him and give him wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. As we trust in God's power and authority, we can also experience obedience and respect from those around us, just like the psalmist. This is a reminder that our authority and influence come from God, and we should always point people to Him, as seen in John 3:30.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for foreigners to cower before the psalmist?
This phrase suggests that the nations are in awe of the psalmist's God-given authority, and they submit to his leadership out of reverence and fear, as seen in Psalms 2:10-12, where kings are warned to serve the Lord with fear.
Is this verse talking about the psalmist's own power or God's power?
This verse is ultimately about God's power and authority, as the psalmist acknowledges in Psalms 18:46, 'The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock!' The psalmist's ability to lead and command obedience is a result of God's deliverance and exaltation, as seen in Psalms 18:43.
How does this verse relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20?
While the context is different, this verse shares a similar theme of obedience and submission to God's authority, which is central to the Great Commission, where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything he has commanded, as seen in Matthew 28:20.
What does it mean for people to 'hear' the psalmist and obey him?
In this context, 'hearing' the psalmist means listening to and responding to his leadership and God's message, as seen in Romans 10:17, where faith comes from hearing the message, and in Isaiah 55:3, where listening to God's voice leads to eternal life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate obedience to God's voice in my own life, just like the foreigners in this verse?
- How can I, like the psalmist, trust in God's power and authority to guide me in my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some strongholds in my life that I need to surrender to God, just like the foreigners in Psalms 18:45?
- In what ways can I be a witness to God's power and authority in my own community, just like the psalmist in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:44
As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me,.... That is, as soon as they should hear of Christ, through the preaching of the word, by which faith would come, they should readily and at once
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:44
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 18:44
As soon as they hear of me; either, 1. At the fame of my name and victorious arms. Or, 2. At the first tidings of my coming towards them. Or rather, 3. As soon as they understand my will and pleasure, they shall instantly comply with it. Submit themselves unto me, Heb. shall lie unto me, i.e. shall submit themselves to me not willingly and cheerfullly, as they will pretend, but only out of fear, and by constraint; by which it appears that this is spoken with reference to David, and not (as some would have it) to Christ, because Christ’ s people are a willing people, , and those whom he conquers do freely obey him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
Psalms 18:44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.Ver. 44. As soon as they hear of me] Heb. At the hearing of the ear; that is, by the preaching of the gospel they shall be brought to yield the obedience of faith. The strangers shall submit] Heb. falsely, deny or dissemble with me; their submission is forced and feigned, they dare do no less; they receive my yoke, but their hearts I have not, Subiectio fucosa et hypocritica. Christ hath many such false hearted subjects, fawning and feigning profligate professors, carnal gospellers, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
(44) As soon as—i.e., at the bare mention of my victories. An actual instance is recorded (2 Samuel 8:9, seq.). For the expression, comp. Job 42:5. The strangers shall.—See margin. More literally, come with flattery. In Samuel the two clauses are transposed and slightly varied.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
Verse 44. As soon as they hear of me] His victories were so rapid and splendid over powerful enemies, that they struck a general terror among the people, and several submitted without a contest. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me.] Some translate this: "The children of the foreign woman have lied unto me." This has been understood two ways: My own people, who have sworn fealty to me, have broken their obligation, and followed my rebellious son. Or, The heathens, who have been brought under my yoke, have promised the most cordial obedience, and flattered me with their tongues, while their hearts felt enmity against me and my government. Nevertheless, even in this unwilling subjection I was secure, my police being so efficient, and my kingdom so strong.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:44
44. As soon as they heard of me they offered me obedience, Strangers came cringing unto me. At the mere report of David’s victories foreign nations offered their allegiance, as for example Toi of Hamath. See 2 Samuel 8:9 ff. The word rendered submit themselves, marg. yield feigned obedience, denotes originally the unwilling homage paid by the vanquished to their conqueror. Cp. Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 66:3; Psalms 81:15. In 2 Sam. the order of the clauses is inverted.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:44
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me - Margin, as in Hebrew, At the hearing of the ear. That is, their submission will be prompt and immediate.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:44
44. Strangers shall submit themselves—The verb kahash, to submit, in Piel takes the signification of feign, flatter, and denotes an insincere or feigned submission, such as a captive gives to a conqueror.
Sermons on Psalms 18:44
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Unbelievers Contemn the Glory and Excellency of Christ by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about how unbelievers contempt the glory and excellency of Christ, highlighting their refusal to acknowledge the greatness of Christ's person, work, and o |
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Letter 99 by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the prevalence of superficial religious professions and the need for true humility and repentance before God. He highlights the importance of recognizing ou |
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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 |
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The People of God 09 a Separated People by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of being a separated people as Christians. He emphasizes that this separation is not about legalistic rules or restrictions, but |
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On the Spirit of Prayer by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the importance and blessings of having a spirit of prayer, emphasizing that it is the gateway to all other spiritual blessings. He highlights the connectio |
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Israel's Happiness by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the unique blessings and privileges of God's chosen people, Israel, emphasizing their salvation by the Lord, who is their shield of help and sword of ex |