God’s Word Translation
Psalms 18:40
40You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and I destroyed those who hated me.
Psalms 18:40 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
- New International Version (NIV)You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.
- English Standard Version (ESV)You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.
- New King James Version (NKJV)You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me.
Context of Psalms 18:40
38I wounded them so badly that they were unable to get up. They fell under my feet. 39You armed me with strength for battle. You made my opponents bow at my feet. You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and I destroyed those who hated me. 41They cried out for help, but there was no one to save them. They cried out to the Lord, but he did not answer them. 42I beat them into a powder as fine as the dust blown by the wind. I threw them out as though they were dirt on the streets.
Read all of Psalms 18Psalms 18:40 word by word
וְֽאֹיְבַ֗י נָתַ֣תָּה לִּ֣י עֹ֑רֶף וּ֝מְשַׂנְאַ֗י אַצְמִיתֵֽם׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Commentaries on Psalms 18:40
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 40The necks of mine enemies - Thou hast made me a complete conqueror. Treading on the neck of an enemy was the triumph of the conqueror, and the utmost disgrace of the vanquished.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 40Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies - Their necks to tread upon, as the result of victory; or their necks to be subject to me, as the neck of the ox is to his owner. The phrase is sometimes used in this latter sense to denote subjection (compare Jeremiah 27:12); but it is more commonly, when applied to war, used in the former sense, as denoting complete triumph or conquest. It was not uncommon to trample on the necks of those who were…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 29-50Verses 29-50 When we praise for one mercy, we must observe the many more, with which we have been compassed all our days. Many things had contributed to David's advancement, and he owns the hand of God in them all, to teach us to do likewise. In verse #(32), and the following verses, are the gifts of God to the spiritual warrior, whereby he is prepared for the contest, after the example of his victorious Leader. Learn that we must seek release being made…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 40Placing a foot on the necks of the enemy represents total victory (see Joshua 10:23–26).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 37-4137-41. In actual conflict, with God's aid, the defeat of his enemies is certain. A present and continued success is expressed.Read the comment
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Psalms 18
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- The Treasury of David
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
Commentaries