Psalms 18:47

Authorized King James Version

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It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

Original Language Analysis

הָאֵ֗ל It is God H410
הָאֵ֗ל It is God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 1 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
הַנּוֹתֵ֣ן that avengeth H5414
הַנּוֹתֵ֣ן that avengeth
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 2 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נְקָמ֣וֹת H5360
נְקָמ֣וֹת
Strong's: H5360
Word #: 3 of 7
avengement, whether the act of the passion
לִ֑י H0
לִ֑י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 7
וַיַּדְבֵּ֖ר me and subdueth H1696
וַיַּדְבֵּ֖ר me and subdueth
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 5 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עַמִּ֣ים the people H5971
עַמִּ֣ים the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 6 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
תַּחְתָּֽי׃ H8478
תַּחְתָּֽי׃
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 7 of 7
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis & Commentary

God who 'avenges' David and 'subdues peoples' is exalted. The Hebrew 'nathan' (gives) vengeance indicates divine justice, not personal revenge. God subduing ('dabar'—bring down) peoples demonstrates His sovereignty over nations. This balances personal deliverance with cosmic authority. It anticipates God's ultimate judgment of all nations (Matthew 25:31-46) and Christ's reign where every enemy is subdued (1 Corinthians 15:24-25).

Historical Context

Reflects David's understanding that his personal vindication and military victories were expressions of God's universal sovereignty and justice.

Questions for Reflection