Psalms 18:38

Authorized King James Version

I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶ֭מְחָצֵם

H4272

I have wounded

to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֻ֣כְלוּ

H3201

them that they were not able

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

ק֑וּם

H6965

to rise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יִ֝פְּל֗וּ

H5307

they are fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

רַגְלָֽי׃

H7272

under my feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?