Psalms 104:18 — Word Study
WLCהָרִ֣ים הַ֭גְּבֹהִים לַיְּעֵלִ֑ים סְ֝לָעִ֗ים מַחְסֶ֥ה לַֽשְׁפַנִּֽים׃
BSAThe highgâbôahh [elevated, lofty] mountainshar are for the wild goatsyâʻêl [climbing, ibex-like, a type of strong and agile creature] the cliffsçelaʻ [craggy rocks, strong and secure places] a refugemachăçeh [safe place, shelter from harm] for the rock badgersshâphân [shaphan, a type of rock rabbit or hyrax]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הָרִ֣ים | [the] mountains | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| הַ֭גְּבֹהִים | high | Particle |
| לַיְּעֵלִ֑ים | [belong] to the mountain goats | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| סְ֝לָעִ֗ים | crags | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| מַחְסֶ֥ה | [are] a refuge | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לַֽשְׁפַנִּֽים׃ | for the rock badgers | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers. |
| KJV | The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. |
| ASV | The high mountains are for the wild goats; The rocks are a refuge for the conies. |
| YLT | The high hills [are] for wild goats, Rocks [are] a refuge for conies, |
| WEB | The high mountains are for the wild goats. The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers. |
| BBE | The high hills are a safe place for the mountain goats, and the rocks for the small beasts. |
Where they part company is in style, but the translations agree on the essential meaning here.
Two main clauses describing the relationship between the mountains, cliffs, and the animals they support.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectסֶלַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 104:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Creation and Its Creaturesgenerated
Psalm 104:18 highlights the relationship between the natural environment and the creatures that inhabit it. The psalmist emphasizes how the high mountains and craggy cliffs provide necessary habitats for wild goats and rock badgers. This verse is part of a larger celebration of God's creation, where each element serves a purpose and contributes to the ecosystem, as seen in the preceding verses that describe the nesting of birds and the cycles of day and night.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 24:2 | So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. |
| 2 | Job 39:1 | “Do you know when mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn? |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 14:7 | But of those that chew the cud or have a completely divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger. Although they chew the cud, they do not have a divided hoof. They are unclean for you, |
| 4 | Proverbs 30:26 | the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks; |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הָרִ֣ים, ha.Rimgenerated
The word הָרִים (ha.Rim) means 'the mountains' and is derived from the root הַר (H2022), which conveys the idea of elevation. It refers to large landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings, often symbolizing strength and stability. The parsing indicates that it is a masculine plural noun, emphasizing a collective group of mountains.
In this verse, the mountains are depicted as natural habitats specifically for wild goats, indicating their rugged and elevated terrain, which supports such agile creatures.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb מַחְסֶ֥ה (machseh), meaning 'are a refuge,' governs the main clause, while the subject is identified as סְ֝לָעִ֗ים (selā'īm), meaning 'the crags.' The structure highlights the relationship between the mountains and the animals they support.
The word order places emphasis on the mountains and cliffs as the subjects, indicating their significance in providing refuge for the creatures mentioned.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הָרִים as ὄρη (orē), which also means 'mountains.' This choice reflects a direct correspondence in meaning, emphasizing the geographical aspect of the mountains.
The word שָׁפָן is rendered as ξοιρογρυλλίοις, which indicates a specific type of animal, aligning with the Hebrew term while also suggesting its unique characteristics.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 104:18 tells us that the high mountains are homes for wild goats, while the cliffs serve as safe places for rock badgers. This verse illustrates how different animals find refuge in nature's rugged landscapes, highlighting the beauty and purpose of God's creation.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The high mountains symbolize strength and stability, serving as natural habitats for wild goats.
The cliffs provide a safe place for rock badgers, indicating how different terrains offer shelter and protection in the wild.
The wild goats and rock badgers illustrate the diversity of wildlife that thrives in mountainous regions, showcasing the balance of nature.
This verse contributes to the theme of God's creation and the interconnectedness of nature, emphasizing how each element serves a purpose.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can I learn from the way God provides for the animals in nature?
- How do the mountains and cliffs in my life serve as places of refuge?
- In what ways can I appreciate the beauty of creation around me?
- How can I reflect on the balance of nature and my role within it?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the wisdom of God in creation, highlighting the relationship between nature and divine providence.
But their doctrine is false. Truth witnesses that God is the eternal fountain of his proper wisdom; and, if the Fountain is eternal, the Wisdom also has to be eternal.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 104 →
Doubtless the things that came to be through the Word, these are “founded in wisdom” and what are “founded in wisdom,” these are all made by the Hand and came to be through the Son.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 104 →
Let us, therefore, in the faith of the disciples, converse frequently with our Master. For the world is like the sea to us, my brothers, of which it is written, “This is the great and wide sea, there go the ships;Early Church Fathers on Psalms 104 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 104:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe high hills are a refuge for the wild goats,.... Who have their name in Hebrew (d) from their climbing and ascending them.
Read John Gill on Psalms 104 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. The high hills (are) a refuse for the wild goats, (and) the rocks for the conies. This verse is the transition clause to the second half of the psalm.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 104 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSo he passeth from the rain to other works of God’ s providence, as that God hath made suitable and sufficient provision for the security of these creatures against their persecutors. Although this verse also may have a reference to the former work, and the barren and rocky hills may be mentioned as receiving benefit by the rain, and it may be thus rendered, And the high hills, ( understand, are satisfied, which is expressed , and may very well be carried hither) which (that particle being frequently understood) are a refuge for wild goats, and the rocks (understand out of the former branch, according to the usual manner, which are a refuge) for the conies; or, as others translate this…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 104 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 104:18 The high hills [are] a refuge for the wild goats; [and] the rocks for the conies.Ver. 18. The high hills are a refuge] These wild, but weak, creatures are so wise, as to secure themselves from violence; when pursued they run to their refuges; and should not we to God, for the securing of our comforts, and safeguarding of our persons?
Read John Trapp on Psalms 104 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) Wild goats.—Heb., climbers, and so at home on the “high hills.” (See 1 Samuel 24:2, “the rocks of the wild goats.”) “This animal, which is a relation of the Swiss ibex or steinbock, is now called the beden or jaela “(Bible Educator, II., 104). Conies.—Heb., shâphan, i.e., “hider.” (Comp. Leviticus 11:5, and Bible Educator, II., 201.) Naturalists know it as the hyrax Syriacus. The LXX., Vulg., and Aquila have “hedgehogs.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 104 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. The high hills are a refuge] The barren tops of the highest hills, and the craggy abrupt precipices of the most stupendous rocks, are not without their uses: they afford protection, refuge, and food, for creatures whose dispositions and habits are suited to such places; and thus no part of the creation is useless. The creatures who are their inhabitants are necessary links in the great chain of animated beings, and show the wisdom and providence of God. For a description of the coney, see Leviticus 11:5. The יעל yael, translated here the wild goat, is no doubt a creature of the stag or deer kind; the ibex, chamois, antelope, &c.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 104 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. From the lofty trees which are the home of birds it is a natural transition to the lofty mountains which are the home of animals. The Syrian wild goat, lit. ‘the climber,’ is a species of ibex (1 Samuel 24:2; Job 39:1): see Tristram, p. 95. The ‘coney,’ Heb. shâphân = ‘the hider,’ is not the rabbit, but the hyrax Syriacus, a peculiar animal, not unlike a marmot in appearance, which “lives in holes in the rocks, where it makes its nest and conceals its young, and to which it retires at the least alarm.” See Tristram, p. 75.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 104 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe high hills are a refuge for the wild goats - Still keeping up the description of animated nature - the carrying out of the work of creation. The idea is, that nature is full of life.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 104 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers.
The high mountains are for the wild goats. The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers.
The wild goats live in the high mountains; the rock badgers find safety in the cliffs.
Tyndale line
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
The high mountains are for the wild goats; The rocks are a refuge for the conies.
The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the conies.
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
The high mountaines are for the goates: the rockes are a refuge for the conies.
Strictly literal
The high mountains are for the wild goats; the cliffs, a refuge for the rock-badgers.
The high hills [are] for wild goats, Rocks [are] a refuge for conies,
The high hills [are] for wild goats, rocks [are] a refuge for hyraxes,
The high mountains are for the wild goats: the rocks are a shelter for the conies.
The wild goats live on the high mountains; the mountain heights are a refuge for the hyraxes.
From the Latin
They humbled his feet in fetters: the iron pierced his soul,
Simplified
Wild goats live high in the mountains; hyraxes hide among the rocks.
The high hills are a safe place for the mountain goats, and the rocks for the small beasts.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states, "הָרִ֣ים הַ֭גְּבֹהִים לַיְּעֵלִ֑ים סְ֝לָעִ֗ים מַחְסֶ֥ה לַֽשְׁפַנִּֽים׃" which translates to "The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all six words match in their word-by-word correspondence, although the order and articles may differ. There are no significant differences noted in the Samaritan Pentateuch or the Dead Sea Scrolls for this verse, indicating a strong consistency across these ancient witnesses.
הָרִ֣ים הַ֭גְּבֹהִים לַיְּעֵלִ֑ים סְ֝לָעִ֗ים מַחְסֶ֥ה לַֽשְׁפַנִּֽים׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 104:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
הַר (har) means 'mountain' or 'hill,' and can refer to a range of hills or hill-country. It is derived from a root that suggests elevation and can be used figuratively. The entries consistently highlight its geographical connotations without significant disagreement.
הַר 568 n.m. mountain, hill, hill-country
mountain, hill
hill-country, mountain-region
base
H2022 הַר mountain, hill, hill-country
2022 har har
a shortened form of 2042; a mountain or range of hills
(sometimes used figuratively):--hill (country), mount(-ain), X
promotion.
see HEBREW for 02042
הַר (har) — mountain: mount.
: mount/hill
hill, mountain, hill country, mount
הַר (har) — mountain: hill country.
: hill_country
hill, mountain, hill country, mount
A sub-meaning of har (הַר ": mount" H2022)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
Are among the most sublime and impressive of the Creator’s works on earth, and from the noblest and most enduring monuments of great events. Most of the mountains of Scripture thus stand as witnesses for God—every view of their lofty summits, and every recurrence to them in thought reminding us of the sacred facts and truths connected with them. Thus Mount Ararat is a standing memorial of the deluge of man’s sin, God’s justice, and God’s mercy. Mount Sinai asserts the terrors of the divine law. Mount Carmel summons us, like the prophet Elijah of old, not to "halt between two opinions;" but if Jehovah is God, to love and serve him. The mount of the Transfiguration still shines with the glory of the truths there taught, and Mounts Ebal and Gerizim still echo the curses and the blessings once so solemnly pronounced from them. So Mount Hor, Nebo, Lebanon, and Gilboa have been signalized by…
- The elevated parts of the earth
Ge 7:19,20
- GOD
. Formed
. Set fast
. Gives strength to
. Weighs, in a balance
. Waters, from his chambers
The Hebrew word גָּבֹהַּ (*gaboah*) means high or exalted, covering meanings such as tall, lofty, and haughty. It can also refer to loftiness as a noun. The word is derived from a root meaning to elevate or be elevated, and it appears in contexts that emphasize height or pride.
גָּבֹהַּ adj. high, exalted
high, lofty, tall
exalted in station
haughty
n.[m.] loftiness
base
H1364 גָּבֹהַּ high, exalted . high, lofty, tall
. exalted in station
. haughty
. n. [m.] loftiness
1364 gaboahh gaw-bo'-ah
or (fully) gabowahh {gaw-bo'-ah}; from 1361; elevated (or
elated), powerful, arrogant:--haughty, height, high(-er),
lofty, proud, X exceeding proudly.
see HEBREW for 01361
גָּבֹהַּ (ga.vo.ah) — high.
adj
1) high, exalted
1a) high, tall
1b) high (in position)
1c) proud, haughty
n m
2) loftiness
Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aampa
יָעֵל (ya'el) refers to a mountain goat or ibex, emphasizing its climbing ability. The word is derived from a root that suggests this characteristic. It appears in various contexts related to wildlife, particularly in mountainous regions.
[יָעֵל] n.[m.] mountain-goat
base
H3277 יָעֵל
3277 ya`el yaw-ale'
from 3276; an ibex (as climbing):--wild goat.
see HEBREW for 03276
יָעֵל (ya.el) — Wildgoats'.
§ mountain goat
יָעֵל (ya.el) — goat.
mountain goat
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHRd/Ncmpa
סֶ֫לַע (cela`) refers to a crag or cliff, indicating a strong, rocky formation. It can denote both a literal rock and a figurative stronghold, suggesting security and loftiness. The entries consistently emphasize its meanings related to rugged terrain and fortification, with no significant disagreements noted among the lexicons.
סֶ֫לַע 61 n.m. crag, cliff
base
H5553 סֶ֫לַע crag, cliff
5553 cela` seh'-lah
from an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock,
literally or figuratively (a fortress):--(ragged) rock,
stone(-ny), strong hold.
סֶ֫לַע (se.la) — rock.
The Rock
Sela (H5554)
סֶ֫לַע (se.la) — crag.
1) crag, cliff, rock
1a) crag, cliff
1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
מַחְסֶּה (machaceh) refers to a refuge or shelter, both literally and figuratively. It conveys meanings of protection from danger or storms, and can also imply a place of trust or hope. The word is derived from a root meaning to cover or protect, and is used in contexts that emphasize safety.
מַחְסֶּה n.m. refuge, shelter
base
H4268 מַחְסֶּה refuge, shelter
4268 machaceh makh-as-eh'
or machceh {makh-seh'}; from 2620; a shelter (literally or
figuratively):--hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust.
see HEBREW for 02620
מַחְסֶּה (ma.cha.seh) — refuge.
1) refuge, shelter
1a) from rain or storm, from danger
1b) of falsehood
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
ref'-uj: A place of resort and safety. The principal words in the Old Testament are machceh (Ps 14:6; 46:1; 62:7,8; Isa 4:6, etc.), and manoc (2Sa 22:3; Ps 59:16, etc.), both applied chiefly to God as a "refuge" for His people. For the King James Version "refuge" in De 33:27, the Revised Version (British and American) has "dwelling-place," and in Ps 9:9, "high tower." Conversely, the Revised Version (British and American) has "refuge" for the King James Version "shelter" in Ps 61:3, and "hope" in
→ CITIES OF
From the avenger of blood Ex 21:13,14; Nu 35:11-32; De 4:41-43; 19:2-13; Jos 20:1-6
The Hebrew word שָׁפָן (shaphan) refers to a rock badger or hyrax. It also denotes a historical figure, a secretary under King Josiah, who is mentioned as the father of several individuals, including Ahikam and Elasah. There is some uncertainty regarding the relationships between these figures, as some entries suggest they may be the same person.
שָׁפָן n.m. rock-badger, hyrax syriacus
base
שָׁפָן n.pr.m.
secretary under Josiah
father of אֲחִיקָם, contemp. of 1 (improb. = 1)
father of אֶלְעָשָׂה, perh. = 2.
father of גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ, perh. = 1.
father of יַאֲזַנְיָ֫הוּ, possibly = 1.
base
H8227a שָׁפָן rock-badger, hyrax syriacus H8227b שָׁפָן . secretary under Josiah
. father of אֲחִיקָם, contemp. of 1 (improb. = 1)
. father of אֶלְעָשָׂה, perh. = 2.
. father of גְּמַרְיָ֫הוּ, perh. = 1.
. father of יַאֲזַנְיָ֫הוּ, possibly = 1.
8227 shaphan shaw-fawn'
from 8226; a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e.
probably the hyrax:--coney.
see HEBREW for 08226
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — rock badger.
rock badger, coney, the hyrax
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — Shaphan.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.22.3;
son of: Azaliah (H0683);
father of: Ahikam (H0296), Elasah (H0501J), Gemariah (H1587H)
§ Shaphan = "coney"
1) secretary or scribe of king Josiah of Judah
2) father of Ahikam in the time of king Josiah of Judah
2a) improbably the same as 2
3) father of Elasah in the time of the prophet Jeremiah
3a) perhaps the same as 3
4) a scribe and father of Gemariah
4a) perhaps the same as 2
5) father of Jaazaniah in the time of Ezekiel
5a) perhaps the same as 2
שָׁפָן (sha.phan) — Shaphan.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezk.8.11;
father of: Jaazaniah (H2970H)
§ Shaphan = "coney"
1) secretary or scribe of king Josiah of Judah
2) father of Ahikam in the time of king Josiah of Judah
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHRd/Ncmpa