The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.

PSALMS 104:18KJV
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Psalms 104:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:18 mean?

Psalms 104:18 describes how God has provided safe places in nature for different animals: the high hills are a shelter for wild goats, and the rocks are a refuge for small creatures called conies. The verse highlights the way creation is arranged to meet the needs of every living thing.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally understood to be David) is praising God for His wisdom in designing the world. The verse is part of a larger passage that lists how God cares for all creatures by giving them exactly what they need to survive. The focus here is on the specific habitats that protect animals in the wild.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:18

  • high (גָּבֹהַּ, gavohah): This word means "high" or "lofty." It emphasizes that the goats live in places that are hard to reach, showing how their safety comes from being in elevated, inaccessible areas.
  • hills (הַר, har): This is the common Hebrew word for "mountain" or "hill." It refers to the rugged terrain where wild goats are found, highlighting the natural fit between the animal and its environment.
  • refuge (מַחְסֶה, machseh): This word means "shelter" or "refuge." It points to the idea that these places are not just homes, but safe havens where the animals are protected from danger.
  • goats (יַעֵל, yael): This refers to wild goats or ibexes, animals known for living in rocky, mountainous regions. The verse draws attention to how these animals are suited to their challenging habitat.
  • rocks (סֶלַע, sela): This word means "rock" or "cliff." It describes the craggy places where the conies hide, again stressing the protective aspect of their environment.
  • conies (שָּׁפָן, shafan): This is a small, rabbit-like animal (often called a hyrax today). The verse notes how these creatures depend on rocky crevices for safety.

Why Psalms 104:18 matters

  • Psalms 104:18 clears up that the "conies" are not rabbits, but small, rock-dwelling animals native to the Middle East, showing the psalmist's close observation of nature.
  • The verse emphasizes that every creature has a place designed for its safety, reinforcing the psalm’s theme that God’s care extends to even the smallest and most vulnerable animals.
  • By mentioning specific animals and their habitats, Psalms 104:18 connects the reader to the real, physical world and invites reflection on the wisdom and detail in creation.

Where else these words appear

“goats” Hebrew H3277 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Samuel 24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
  • Job 39:1 Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?

“refuge” Hebrew H4268 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Psalms 71:7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
  • Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

“conies” Hebrew H8227 · used in 28 verses

  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
  • Jeremiah 36:11 When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,

“high” Hebrew H1364 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Job 41:34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
  • Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.