Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

PSALMS 18:15KJV
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Psalms 18:15 (KJV)

What does Psalms 18:15 mean?

Psalms 18:15 describes a moment when God’s power is so great that even the hidden channels of water and the very foundations of the earth are exposed at His command. The verse uses vivid language to show that nothing can remain hidden or stand firm when God rebukes, as if the earth itself is laid bare by the force of His breath.

In this psalm, David is speaking, praising the LORD for delivering him from his enemies. He uses dramatic imagery to show how God’s intervention shakes creation itself. The verse paints a picture of God’s authority over nature, emphasizing that His rebuke is powerful enough to reveal things normally unseen and to disrupt the world’s deepest structures.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 18:15

  • "channels" (אֲפִיקִים, 'afiqim): This word refers to riverbeds or channels where water flows, often hidden beneath the surface. Here, it highlights how God’s power can uncover even what is usually concealed deep below.
  • "foundations" (מוֹסְדוֹת, mosdot): This term means the very base or support of something, in this case, the earth. The verse suggests that God’s rebuke can reach and expose the deepest, most secure parts of creation.
  • "rebuke" (גַּעֲרָה, ga‘arah): This word means a strong reprimand or command. In the context of the verse, it shows that God’s spoken word alone is enough to cause dramatic changes in the world.
  • "blast" (נִשְׁמַת, nishmat) and "breath" (רוּחַ, ruach): These words together describe the force of God’s breath or wind coming from His "nostrils" (אַף, aph). It is a poetic way of saying that even the smallest action from God—just His breath—can have earth-shaking effects.

Why Psalms 18:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God’s power is limited or only spiritual; it shows that His authority extends to the physical world in dramatic ways.
  • The vivid imagery connects to the wider psalm, where David describes God’s rescue as a cosmic event, not just a personal deliverance.
  • Understanding the original words for "channels," "foundations," and "rebuke" helps readers see how the psalmist is emphasizing the total and overwhelming nature of God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“foundations” Hebrew H4146 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
  • Isaiah 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.
  • Jeremiah 31:37 Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

“rebuke” Hebrew H1606 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
  • Psalms 104:7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

“channels” Hebrew H650 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
  • Psalms 126:4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
  • Ezekiel 34:13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

“blast” Hebrew H5397 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • 1 Kings 15:29 And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:
  • Job 37:10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.