Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

PSALMS 18:35KJV
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Psalms 18:35 (KJV)

What does Psalms 18:35 mean?

Psalms 18:35 describes how God has protected and supported the speaker, giving him safety and strength, and that God’s gentle care has helped him become strong and honored. The verse highlights both God’s power (“shield” and “right hand”) and God’s gentle, gracious way of dealing with the speaker.

King David is speaking to God, reflecting on times when he was in danger or facing enemies. David credits God not just with defending him, but also with lifting him up and treating him with kindness that led to his success and greatness. This verse comes in a psalm where David looks back on God’s help throughout his struggles.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 18:35

  • “Shield” (מָגֵן, magen, H4043) means a protective covering. David sees God’s salvation as something that shields him from harm, not just spiritually but also in real, physical danger.
  • “Gentleness” (עֲנָוָה, anavah, H6037) is often understood as humility or meekness. Here, it suggests that God’s greatness is shown not just in power, but in gentle, patient care for David—a surprising idea in a context about victory.
  • “Great” (רָבָה, rabah, H7235) means to make large or increase. David is saying that God’s way of dealing with him has caused him to grow in stature or importance, not just survive.

Why Psalms 18:35 matters

  • The verse challenges the idea that greatness comes only from strength or force; David says it is God’s gentleness that made him great.
  • It shows that David sees his victories and rise to power not as his own achievement, but as a result of God’s support and character.
  • This verse fits into the wider psalm as David’s reflection on God’s faithfulness, showing both God’s might and His tender care working together in David’s life.

Where else these words appear

“gentleness” Hebrew H6037 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“up” Hebrew H5582 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • 1 Kings 13:7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
  • Psalms 104:15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

“salvation” Hebrew H3468 · used in 35 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
  • Psalms 24:5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
  • Psalms 85:7 Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.

“shield” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.