When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

PSALMS 94:18KJV
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Psalms 94:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 94:18 mean?

Psalms 94:18 expresses the psalmist’s feeling of instability or danger—when he felt like he was about to fall, he found that God’s mercy supported and sustained him. The verse highlights a moment of personal weakness met by God’s faithful kindness.

The speaker in Psalms 94:18 is addressing God directly, describing a time of trouble or uncertainty. The phrase “My foot slippeth” uses an image of stumbling or losing balance, which in the context of the psalm often points to moral, emotional, or physical peril. The verse’s main point is that God’s “mercy” (a word that often means steadfast love or loyal kindness) is what kept the psalmist from falling completely.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 94:18

  • “Mercy” is חֶסֶד (chesed), which often means steadfast love, loyal kindness, or covenant faithfulness. This word points to God’s ongoing, dependable care, not just a momentary feeling.
  • “Held me up” is סָעַד (sa‘ad), which means to support, sustain, or steady. The word suggests not just catching someone as they fall, but actively holding them up so they can stand.

Why Psalms 94:18 matters

  • Psalms 94:18 clarifies that the psalmist’s security does not come from his own strength or ability, but from God’s faithful support.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of Psalms 94, where the writer is surrounded by injustice and trouble, yet finds reassurance in God’s character.
  • The use of the word חֶסֶד (chesed) emphasizes that God’s help is rooted in loyal love, not just a one-time rescue, but an ongoing relationship.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“slippeth” Hebrew H4131 · used in 36 verses

  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Psalms 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
  • Psalms 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.