New King James Version
Psalms 18:34
34He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psalms 18:34 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
- New International Version (NIV)He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
- English Standard Version (ESV)He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
- New Living Translation (NLT)He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
Context of Psalms 18:34
32It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. 33He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. 36You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip.
Read all of Psalms 18Psalms 18:34 word by word
מְלַמֵּ֣ד יָ֭דַי לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה וְֽנִחֲתָ֥ה קֶֽשֶׁת־נְ֝חוּשָׁ֗ה זְרוֹעֹתָֽי׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Psalms 18:34
- Psalms 144:1Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle—
- 2 Samuel 22:36“You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great.
- Isaiah 28:6For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
- Isaiah 45:1“Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held— To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut:
- Psalms 46:9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
- Jeremiah 49:35“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, The foremost of their might.
- Hosea 1:5It shall come to pass in that day That I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.”
Commentaries on Psalms 18:34
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 34He teacheth my hands to war - The success which I have had in my military exercises I owe to the Divine help. How few of the conquerors of mankind can say so! And how few among those who call themselves Christian warriors dare to say so! War is as contrary to the spirit of Christianity as murder. Nothing can justify Christian nations in shedding each other's blood! All men should live in peace; all men might live in peace; and the nation that is first to…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 34He teacheth my hands to war - Compare Psalm 144:1. The skill which David had in the use of the bow, the sword, or the spear - all of which depends on the hands - he ascribes entirely to God. So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms - This is mentioned as an instance of extraordinary strength, as if he were able to break a bow made of metal. The original word rendered steel means properly brass. Wood was doubtless first used in constructing the bow…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. 32-34The psalmist’s victories come from the Lord. He completely depends on God.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33-3633-36. God's help farther described. He gives swiftness to pursue or elude his enemies (Ha 3:19), strength, protection, and a firm footing.Read the comment
Topics related to Psalms 18:34
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
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries