Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
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
תָּאִ֣יר
For thou wilt light
H215
תָּאִ֣יר
For thou wilt light
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
3 of 8
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
נֵרִ֑י
my candle
H5216
נֵרִ֑י
my candle
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
4 of 8
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱ֝לֹהַ֗י
my God
H430
אֱ֝לֹהַ֗י
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Job 29:3When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;2 Samuel 22:29For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.Psalms 112:4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.Proverbs 20:27The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.Luke 1:79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.Isaiah 62:1For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.Psalms 132:17There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
Historical Context
Lamps were essential in ancient homes for nighttime safety and activity. Spiritual darkness was equally dangerous, requiring divine illumination.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of your life currently feel dark and need God's light?
- How do you seek divine illumination through Scripture and Spirit?
Analysis & Commentary
Yahweh lights David's lamp and illumines his darkness. The Hebrew 'nir' (lamp) symbolizes life and guidance, while 'choshek' (darkness) represents danger and ignorance. This anticipates Jesus as light of the world (John 8:12) and believers as lights (Matthew 5:14). Reformed theology sees illumination as both intellectual (understanding truth) and spiritual (regeneration). God must give light; we cannot generate it.