Psalms 18:38 (KJV)

What does Psalms 18:38 mean?

Psalms 18:38 describes how the speaker has defeated his enemies so thoroughly that they cannot get back up; they have fallen and are now under his control. The verse uses the image of enemies being wounded and unable to rise, showing complete victory.

In this psalm, David is speaking about a time when God helped him overcome those who opposed him. The verse comes in a section where David is recounting how God gave him strength and success over his adversaries. The language is vivid, emphasizing not just defeat but a total, irreversible downfall for those who stood against him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 18:38

• "wounded" (פָּצַע, pātsaʿ): This word means to strike or pierce, often with the sense of causing a disabling injury. Here, it highlights that the defeat was not just a setback but a crippling blow.
• "able" (יָכֹל, yākhol): This word means "to be able" or "to have power." The verse stresses that the enemies are so defeated they no longer have the power to recover or resist.
• "rise" (קוּם, qum): This word means "to stand up" or "to rise." The use here underlines that the enemies cannot even get back on their feet after being struck down.
• "fallen" (נָפַל, nāphal): This word means "to fall" or "to collapse." It reinforces the idea that the enemies are not just down temporarily but have been brought low in a lasting way.
• "feet" (רֶגֶל, regel): The image of enemies "under my feet" is a symbol of complete dominance or victory in ancient times, showing that David’s enemies are now powerless beneath him.

Why Psalms 18:38 matters

• The verse clarifies that the victory described is absolute, not partial; David’s enemies are not just beaten but rendered completely powerless.
• The imagery connects to the broader theme of the psalm, where David credits God for giving him strength and success, emphasizing dependence on divine help.
• Understanding the original words deepens the sense of finality and total defeat, which helps explain why David is so confident and thankful in the surrounding verses.