What does Psalms 18:38 mean?
"I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet." - Psalms 18:38

Psalms 18:38 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed." This verse is part of a longer passage where King David is praising God for delivering him from the hands of his enemies. Let's delve into the meaning and commentary of this powerful verse.
The theme of this verse is centered around victory over enemies through perseverance and reliance on God. The context of this verse comes from Psalm 18, where King David is celebrating the deliverance that God has granted him from the hands of his enemies, particularly King Saul. David had faced many trials and tribulations at the hands of his enemies, and in this psalm, he reflects on how God faithfully came to his aid and enabled him to triumph over his adversaries.
In this verse, David declared, "I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed." This verse illustrates David's determination and commitment to overcome his enemies. David did not passively wait for his enemies to be defeated, but rather actively pursued them. This pursuit signifies David's willingness to engage in battle and take action against those who sought to harm him. It also highlights his courage and strength in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the verse emphasizes that David did not relent in his pursuit until his enemies were "consumed." This word signifies the complete destruction or annihilation of his adversaries. It indicates that David was relentless in his quest to overcome his enemies, and he did not stop until they were utterly defeated. This unwavering determination and perseverance demonstrate David's steadfast faith and trust in God's ability to deliver him from his enemies.
The symbolism in this verse is potent and conveys a deeper spiritual truth. The pursuit and overtaking of enemies can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming spiritual battles and triumphing over the forces of darkness. In the Christian walk, believers often face spiritual opposition and hostile forces that seek to hinder their faith and progress. Just as David pursued and overtook his enemies, Christians are called to actively engage in spiritual warfare and persevere in their faith, knowing that God is their ultimate deliverer.
Furthermore, the language used in this verse is vivid and powerful, evoking imagery of a fierce and determined warrior. It portrays David as a valiant and resolute leader who fearlessly confronts his enemies with the confidence and assurance of victory. This imagery serves to inspire and encourage believers to stand firm in the face of adversity, knowing that God empowers them to overcome every obstacle and adversary.
In conclusion, Psalms 18:38 from the King James Version of the Bible embodies the themes of perseverance, victory over enemies, and reliance on God. The verse reflects King David's unwavering determination to overcome his adversaries and his steadfast trust in God's deliverance. It serves as a powerful reminder for believers to actively engage in spiritual warfare with courage and faith, knowing that God is their ultimate source of strength and victory. The symbolism and imagery in this verse further accentuate the resolute and relentless pursuit of triumph over adversities. Overall, this verse serves as an inspiring call to persevere in the face of opposition and to trust in God's faithfulness to bring about deliverance and victory.
Have questions about Psalms 18:38?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 18:38 Artwork
Psalms 18:38 - "I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet."
"I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet." - Psalms 18:38
Psalms 38:18 - "For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin."
"For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." - Psalms 38:18
Psalms 136:18 - "And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:"
Psalms 38:14 - "Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs."
Psalms 38:5 - "My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness."
"He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease." - Psalms 107:38
Psalms 38:19 - "But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied."
Psalms 38:7 - "For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh."
Psalms 38:22 - "Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation."
Psalms 22:18 - "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."
Psalms 105:38 - "Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them."
Psalms 37:38 - "But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off."
Psalms 38:17 - "For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me."
"They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay." - Psalms 18:18
Psalms 38:21 - "Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me."
Psalms 107:38 - "He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease."
Psalms 119:38 - "Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear."
Psalms 38:13 - "But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth."
Psalms 38:2 - "For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore."
Psalms 38:9 - "Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee."
Psalms 38:4 - "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."
Psalms 38:20 - "They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is."
Psalms 89:38 - "But thou hast cast off and abhorred, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed."
Psalms 38:1 - "O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure."
Psalms 38:8 - "I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart."
"The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." - Psalms 104:18
"O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure." - Psalms 38:1
Psalms 38:15 - "For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God."