Psalms 18:4
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
Original Language Analysis
מָ֑וֶת
of death
H4194
מָ֑וֶת
of death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
3 of 6
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
וְֽנַחֲלֵ֖י
me and the floods
H5158
וְֽנַחֲלֵ֖י
me and the floods
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
4 of 6
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
Cross References
Psalms 116:3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.2 Corinthians 1:9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:Psalms 124:4Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:Psalms 22:16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.Matthew 26:47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Historical Context
Reflects multiple occasions when David faced imminent death, from Saul's pursuit to Philistine threats to Absalom's rebellion—death seemed inevitable without divine intervention.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when circumstances feel like death's grip?
- What does Christ's victory over death mean for your current struggles?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'cords of death' entangled David—Hebrew 'chebel' (ropes/snares) suggests being bound for execution. The 'torrents of destruction' ('beliyaal'—worthlessness/chaos) overwhelmed him. This vivid imagery portrays mortal danger and spiritual attack. It anticipates Christ's suffering where death's cords literally bound Him, yet He broke them in resurrection (Acts 2:24). Reformed theology sees death as the curse of sin that Christ defeated.