Psalms 18:27
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
תוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
For thou wilt save
H3467
תוֹשִׁ֑יעַ
For thou wilt save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
וְעֵינַ֖יִם
looks
H5869
וְעֵינַ֖יִם
looks
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Psalms 101:5Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Psalms 9:18For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.2 Samuel 22:28And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.Isaiah 3:9The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.Isaiah 10:12Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.Psalms 40:17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Historical Context
Reflects Israel's experience where God opposed proud nations but delivered humble remnant. Also seen in Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:52).
Questions for Reflection
- In what subtle ways does pride manifest in your life?
- How do you actively cultivate humility before God?
Analysis & Commentary
God saves the humble ('anav'—afflicted/humble) but brings down the haughty eyes. The Hebrew 'gabhah ayin' (lofty eyes) symbolizes pride. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that the humble will be exalted and proud humbled (Luke 14:11, 18:14). Reformed theology sees pride as the root sin and humility as essential for receiving grace (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).