Psalms 18:9
Psalms 18:9 in Multiple Translations
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down; And thick darkness was under his feet.
The heavens were bent, so that he might come down; and it was dark under his feet.
He parted the heavens and came down, with dark clouds beneath his feet.
He bowed the heauens also and came downe, and darkenes was vnder his feete.
And He inclineth the heavens, and cometh down, And thick darkness [is] under His feet.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.
He opened the sky and came down with a black cloud under his feet.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 18:9
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 18:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָ֘לָ֤ה
עָשָׁ֨ן
בְּ/אַפּ֗/וֹ
וְ/אֵשׁ
מִ/פִּ֥י/ו
תֹּאכֵ֑ל
גֶּ֝חָלִ֗ים
בָּעֲר֥וּ
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
עָ֘לָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָשָׁ֨ן
ʻâshân
H6227
smoke
N-ms
בְּ/אַפּ֗/וֹ
ʼaph
H639
face
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֵשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Conj | N-cs
מִ/פִּ֥י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
תֹּאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
גֶּ֝חָלִ֗ים
gechel
H1513
coal
N-cp
בָּעֲר֥וּ
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
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 18:9
עָ֘לָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עָשָׁ֨ן
ʻâshân
H6227
"smoke"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for smoke, whether literal or figurative, is used throughout the Bible. In Exodus, God appears to Moses in a cloud of smoke, while in other places it represents God's anger or judgment. Smoke can also symbolize prayer rising to God.
Definition: 1) smoke 1a) smoke 1b) in metaphor, simile 1c) smoke (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: smoke(-ing). See also: Genesis 15:17; Proverbs 10:26; Psalms 18:9.
בְּ/אַפּ֗/וֹ
ʼaph
H639
"face"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
וְ/אֵשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Conj | 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.
מִ/פִּ֥י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
תֹּאכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
גֶּ֝חָלִ֗ים
gechel
H1513
"coal"
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.
בָּעֲר֥וּ
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 18:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 18:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
- Sermons on Psalms 18:9
Context — The LORD Is My Rock
7Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.
8Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.
9He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.
10He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. 11He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 144:5–15 | Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke. Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them. Reach down from on high; set me free and rescue me from the deep waters, from the grasp of foreigners, whose mouths speak falsehood, whose right hands are deceitful. I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You— to Him who gives victory to kings, who frees His servant David from the deadly sword. Set me free and rescue me from the grasp of foreigners, whose mouths speak falsehood, whose right hands are deceitful. Then our sons will be like plants nurtured in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our storehouses will be full, supplying all manner of produce; our flocks will bring forth thousands, tens of thousands in our fields. Our oxen will bear great loads. There will be no breach in the walls, no going into captivity, and no cry of lament in our streets. Blessed are the people of whom this is so; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 33:26 | “There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your aid, and the clouds in His majesty. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 22:10 | He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 3:10 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. |
| 5 | Joel 3:16 | The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. |
| 6 | Matthew 24:29 | Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ’ |
| 7 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
| 8 | Mark 15:33 | From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. |
| 9 | Hebrews 12:26 | At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 5:22–23 | The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, |
Psalms 18:9 Summary
[Psalms 18:9 tells us that God parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet, showing His incredible power and willingness to get involved in our lives. This means that God is not distant, but is willing to break through and interact with us, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Isaiah 64:1-2. It's a reminder that God is in control of everything, even the clouds and the heavens (Psalms 104:3), and we can trust in His power and love for us. By understanding this verse, we can have a deeper appreciation for God's majesty and a stronger faith in His ability to help us in times of need.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to part the heavens in Psalms 18:9?
This phrase suggests that God is breaking through the separation between heaven and earth, much like in Genesis 1:6-8 where God separates the waters, to come down and interact with humanity, as seen in other instances like Isaiah 64:1-2 where God tears the heavens open.
Why are dark clouds mentioned as being beneath God's feet in Psalms 18:9?
The dark clouds represent God's power and majesty, and being beneath His feet signifies His control over them, much like in Psalms 104:3 where God lays the beams of His upper chambers on the waters, showing His dominion over creation.
How does this verse relate to God's nature and character?
This verse highlights God's omnipotence and willingness to intervene in human affairs, as also seen in Psalms 115:3 where it says God does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth, and in Job 38:1 where God answers Job out of the storm, demonstrating His power and care.
What can we learn from the imagery of God coming down with dark clouds?
The imagery teaches us about God's awe-inspiring presence and His ability to bring judgment or salvation, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:26 where God rides through the heavens to help His people, and in Psalms 97:2 where clouds and darkness surround Him, symbolizing His justice and righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt God's powerful presence, and how did I respond to it?
- How does the image of God parting the heavens and coming down with dark clouds affect my understanding of His majesty and power?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of God's control over creation to my daily life and challenges?
- What are some areas where I need to trust in God's power and intervention, and how can I surrender them to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 18:9
He bowed the heavens also, and came down,.... To execute wrath and vengeance on wicked men; which is always the sense of these phrases when they go together; see Psalms 144:6; The Targum is, "he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 18:9
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. He bowed the heavens also, and came down.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
He bowed the heavens, by producing thick and dark clouds, by which the heavens seem to come down to the earth. Came down; not by change of place, but by the manifestation of his presence and power on my behalf.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
Psalms 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness [was] under his feet.Ver. 9. He bowed the heavens] i.e. Velociter venit, saith R. David, he came speedily to destroy mine enemies. And darkness was under his feet] He came invisible.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
(9) Darkness.—Better, black cloud. The dark masses of rain-cloud are now gathered, and bend to the earth under the majestic tread of God. (Comp. Nahum 1:3, “and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (Comp. Psalms 144:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
Verse 9. He bowed the heavens also, and came down] - He made the heavens bend under him when he descended to take vengeance on his enemies. The psalmist seems here to express the appearance of the Divine majesty in a glorious cloud, descending from heaven, which underneath was substantially dark, but above, bright, and shining with exceeding lustre; and which, by its gradual approach to the earth, would appear as though the heavens themselves were bending down and approaching towards us.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 18:9
9. The dark canopy of storm clouds, which is the pavement under His feet (Nahum 1:3), lowers as He descends to judgment. God is said to come down when He manifests His power in the world (Genesis 11:7; Genesis 18:21; Isaiah 64:1). The darkness, or better as R.V., thick darkness, in which He conceals Himself from human view, symbolises the mystery and awfulness of His Advent (Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:21, 1 Kings 8:12; Psalms 97:2).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 18:9
He bowed the heavens also - He seemed to bend down the heavens - to bring them nearer to the earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 18:9
9. He bowed the heavens… and came down—At his command the heavens bend low, as if to convey him to battle. The imagery is partly taken from a severe thunderstorm and is partly Sinaitic. Exodus 19:20; Psalms 144:5.
Sermons on Psalms 18:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Moved by the Holy Ghost 1991 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on encounters with remarkable women of faith throughout the speaker's life, from Catherine Booth to a modern-day anointed woman living in simplicity and devoti |
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Building the House of God - Trials Anger and Victory Part 2 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of understanding God's love and presence during trials, encouraging believers to be vulnerable and open to God's word. He draws parallels |
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The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin |
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Cold Love at Midnight by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of believers and warns that in the end times, many Christians will lose their love for God. He expresses his deep |
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Discernment - Part 3 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times |
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The Vanity of Life by Keith Daniel | The sermon in the video focuses on the book of Ecclesiastes, which confronts the vanity of life and the gravity of death. The preacher emphasizes that there is nothing certain abou |
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The Great Final Preparation by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude and love towards God. He emphasizes the need for believers to fully surrender to God and live devoted lives in these las |