Psalms 18:34 — Word Study
WLCמְלַמֵּ֣ד יָ֭דַי לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה וְֽנִחֲתָ֥ה קֶֽשֶׁת־ נְ֝חוּשָׁ֗ה זְרוֹעֹתָֽי׃
BSAbe likeshâvâh footregel doeʼayâlâh uponʻal high placebâmâh to standʻâmad
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מְלַמֵּ֣ד | [he has] trained | Verb, Piel, participle (active) masculine singular |
| יָ֭דַי | hands my | Noun common both dual construct, suffix |
| לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה | for battle | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְֽנִחֲתָ֥ה | and it will stretch | Verb, Piel, sequential perfect third person feminine singular |
| קֶֽשֶׁת־ | a bow of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| נְ֝חוּשָׁ֗ה | bronze | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| זְרוֹעֹתָֽי׃ | arms my | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. |
| KJV | He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. |
| ASV | He teacheth my hands to war; So that mine arms do bend a bow of brass. |
| YLT | Teaching my hands for battle, And a bow of brass was brought down by my arms. |
| WEB | He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze. |
| BBE | He makes my hands expert in war, so that a bow of brass is bent by my arms. |
Where they part company is not evident; all translations agree here.
The sentence features two main clauses, each with its own subject and action, illustrating the psalmist's reliance on God’s training and strength.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁוָה
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 18:34
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 — God's Empowerment for Battlegenerated
Psalms 18:34 emphasizes God's role in training the psalmist for battle, illustrating a divine preparation for conflict. This verse connects with the surrounding themes of strength and divine support, as seen in verses like Psalm 18:33 and Psalm 18:35, where God is depicted as a protector and source of strength.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 144:1 | Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 22:36 | You have given me Your shield of salvation, and Your gentleness exalts me. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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: |
| 5 | Psalm 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מְלַמֵּד, me.la.Medgenerated
The verb מְלַמֵּד (me.la.Med) comes from the root לָמַד (lamad), which means to learn or teach. This word conveys the idea of training or instructing, particularly in skills necessary for battle, highlighting God's active role in preparing the psalmist.
As a Piel participle, it indicates an ongoing action, suggesting that the training is not a one-time event but a continual process of equipping for conflict. This reflects a relationship of dependence on God for strength and skill.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses trains for מְלַמֵּד, a choice shared by the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb מְלַמֵּד governs the structure, indicating the action of training. The sentence includes a noun phrase for the subject, a prepositional phrase for the purpose, and a following clause that describes the capabilities resulting from this training.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the subject and action, placing the focus on God's training before the description of the psalmist's strength.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the word for מְלַמֵּד is rendered as μου, indicating possession and emphasizing the personal relationship between the psalmist and God. This choice reflects an interpretation that highlights the intimate connection in the training process.
The translation choices suggest a focus on the psalmist's reliance on God for strength, aligning with the original Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 18:34 speaks of God's training of the psalmist for battle, emphasizing divine support and preparation. The psalmist acknowledges that with God's help, he can achieve great strength, symbolized by the ability to bend a bow of bronze.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies God's active role in preparing the psalmist for conflict, equipping him with the necessary skills and strength.
Bronze symbolizes strength and durability, indicating the psalmist's capability to face challenges with God's empowerment.
This verse connects with themes of divine assistance found in other psalms, such as Psalm 144:1, where God is depicted as a trainer and protector.
Hands and arms symbolize strength and action, representing the psalmist's readiness to engage in battle with God's guidance.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I feel God is training me for challenges?
- How can I rely on God's strength when facing my own battles?
- What does it mean to me that God equips me for conflict?
- How can I apply the lessons of divine training in my daily life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers, including Augustine of Hippo, referenced this verse to illustrate God's role in empowering believers for spiritual battles.
"Who teaches my hands for battle" [Psalms 18:34]. Who teaches me to work for the overthrow of mine enemies, who strive to shut the kingdom of heaven against us.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 18 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 18:34 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe 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.
Read John Gill on Psalms 18 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Here follows the fourth section of the psalm.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 18 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTo 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 18 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 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.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 18 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 18 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 18 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges34. 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).
Read Cambridge on Psalms 18 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe 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.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 18 →The verse in English, compared — 16 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
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend even the strongest bow.
Tyndale line
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 teacheth my hands to war; so that mine arms do bend a bow of brass.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
He teacheth mine hands to fight: so that a bowe of brasse is broken with mine armes.
Strictly literal
Who teacheth my hands to war, and mine arms bend a bow of brass;
Teaching my hands for battle, And a bow of brass was brought down by my arms.
Teaching my hands for battle, || And a bow of bronze was brought down by my arms.
(18:35) He teacheth my hands for the war, so that a brazen bow is bent by my arms.
He trains my hands for war and my arms to bend a bow of bronze.
Simplified
He teaches me how to fight in battle; he gives me the strength to draw a bronze bow.
He makes my hands expert in war, so that a bow of brass is bent by my arms.
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 aligns with the Septuagint in most words, confirming the integrity of the verse across translations. The Dead Sea Scrolls provide fragments that support the overall message, although some words are restored by editors, indicating a shared tradition.
מְלַמֵּ֣ד יָ֭דַי לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה וְֽנִחֲתָ֥ה קֶֽשֶׁת־ נְ֝חוּשָׁ֗ה זְרוֹעֹתָֽי׃
6 of the 7 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.
[משוה] [רגל׳י] [כאילות] ועל [במת׳י] [יעמיד׳ני]
6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 5 supplied entire by an editor.
משוה [רגל׳י] [כאילות] ועל במות׳י יעמיד׳ני
6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 2 supplied entire by an editor.
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 18:34
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.
לָמַד (lamad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to learn or teach. It encompasses the ideas of exercising in a skill, being trained, and instructing others. The root suggests a connection to motivation or incentive, as seen in the context of teaching with a rod. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal (to learn), Piel (to teach), and Pual (to be taught).
לָמַד vb. exercise in, learn
Qal learn something
Piel teach
Pual trained; taught
base
H3925 לָמַד exercise in, learn .learn something
.teach
.trained; taught
3925 lamad law-mad'
a primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. (by implication) to
teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive):(un-) accustomed,
X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -
ing).
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: teach.
: teach
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: learn.
: learn
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
HVprmsa — Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singularHVprmsa
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
HNcbdc/Sp1bs — Noun common both dual construct · suffixHNcbdc/Sp1bs
מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war
base
H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war
4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'
from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the
engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,
fight(-ing), war((-rior)).
see HEBREW for 03898
מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.
battle, war
HRd/Ncfsa — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
See WAR.
נָחֵת (nachath) is a Hebrew verb meaning to go down or descend. It can refer to a literal descent, as well as a figurative one, such as descending in chastisement. The word also encompasses meanings like pressing down or causing something to come down. Its Aramaic equivalent is נְחֵת (ne.chat), which shares a similar meaning.
[נָחֵת] vb. (Aram. and poet.) go down, descend
Qal
go down, descend
fig. descend in chastisement
Niph. = penetrate
Pi. cause to descend = press down
Hiph. thither bring down thy heroes
base
H5181 [נָחֵת] (Aram. and poet.) go down, descend .. go down, descend
. fig. descend in chastisement
. = penetrate
. cause to descend = press down
. thither bring down thy heroes
5181 nachath naw-khath'
a primitive root; to sink, i.e. descend; causatively, to
press or lead down:--be broken, (cause to) come down, enter,
go down, press sore, settle, stick fast.
נָחֵת (na.chat) — to descend.
1) to go down, descend
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go down, descend
1a2) to descend, descend into (chastisement) (fig.)
1b) (Niphal) to come down into, penetrate
1c) (Piel) to cause to descend, press down, stretch (a bow)
1d) (Hiphil) to bring down
Aramaic equivalent: ne.chat (נְחֵת "to descend" H5182)
Hc/Vpq3fs — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person feminine singularHc/Vpq3fs
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qesheth) primarily means 'bow,' referring to a weapon for hunting or battle, and can also denote 'rainbow.' It is derived from a root meaning to bend, suggesting strength. The term encompasses both literal and figurative uses, including references to archers and might.
קֶ֫שֶׁת n.f. bow
bow
rainbow
base
H7198 קֶ֫שֶׁת bow . bow
. rainbow
7198 qesheth keh'-sheth
from 7185 in the original sense (of 6983) of bending: a bow,
for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris:--X
arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man, -shot)).
see HEBREW for 07185
see HEBREW for 06983
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet) — bow.
1) bow
1a) bow (for hunting, battle)
1b) bowmen, archers
1c) bow (fig. of might)
1d) rainbow
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
נְחוּשָׁה (nchuwshah) refers to copper or bronze, indicating materials used in ancient metallurgy. It is a feminine form derived from the root word for copper, and it encompasses both pure copper and bronze, which is an alloy. The term appears in contexts related to metalworking and materials in the Old Testament.
נְחוּשָׁה and נְחֻשָׁה n.f. copper, bronze
base
H5154 נְחוּשָׁה and נְחֻשָׁה copper, bronze
5154 nchuwshah nekh-oo-shaw'
or nchushah {nekh-oo-shaw'}; feminine of 5153;
copper:--brass, steel. Compare 5176.
see HEBREW for 05153
see HEBREW for 05176
נְחוּשָׁה (ne.chu.shah) — bronze.
1) copper, bronze
1a) copper (made from melting copper ore)
1b) bronze (made from copper and alloy)
Aramaic equivalent: ne.chash (נְחָשׁ "bronze" H5174)
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
זְרוֹעַ (z'roa) refers to an arm or shoulder, often symbolizing strength. It can denote the physical arm, the shoulder of a sacrificed animal, or military and political forces. The word is derived from a root meaning to stretch out, indicating both physical and metaphorical strength.
זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ n.f. and (rare) m. arm, shoulder, strength
arm
arm, as symbol of strength
Pl. forces, political and military
Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest
base
H2220 זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ arm, shoulder, strength . arm
. arm, as symbol of strength
. Pl. forces, political and military
. Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest
2220 zrowa` zer-o'-ah
or (shortened) zroao {zer-o'-ah}; and (feminine) zrowpah
{zer-o-aw'}; or zrowah {zer-o-aw'}; from 2232; the arm (as
stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively,
force:--arm, + help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength.
see HEBREW for 02232
זְרוֹעַ (ze.ro.a) — arm.
1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength
1a) arm
1b) arm (as symbol of strength)
1c) forces (political and military)
1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
HNcfpc/Sp1bs — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp1bs