He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

PSALMS 55:18KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 55:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 55:18 mean?

Psalms 55:18 says that God brought the speaker safely through a struggle that threatened his life. The speaker also says that many were with him, though he does not identify them in this verse.

The phrase “delivered my soul in peace” pictures a person brought out of danger into safety. Following his call to God in verse 17, the speaker describes the rescue as something God has already done.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 55:18

  • “delivered” — פָּדָה (padah): This word can mean to release or rescue someone from danger. It can also carry the idea of paying a price for release, though the verse does not describe such a payment.
  • “soul” — נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh): This word can refer to a person’s life or the person as a whole. Here, “my soul” need not mean only a part of the speaker separate from his body.
  • “peace” — שָׁלוֹם (shalom): This word can mean peace, safety, or well-being. In this verse, it describes the safe condition into which the speaker was brought.

Why Psalms 55:18 matters

  • The speaker credits God with the rescue. “He hath delivered” follows the speaker’s call to God in the preceding verse.
  • The struggle is personal and intense. The speaker calls it “the battle that was against me,” using the language of conflict to describe the danger he faced.
  • The final phrase points to others alongside the speaker. The KJV says “there were many with me,” placing the speaker among others rather than describing him as alone.

Where else these words appear

“battle” Hebrew H7128 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
  • Psalms 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
  • Psalms 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

“delivered” Hebrew H6299 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
  • Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
  • Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.