2 Samuel 22:18
New International Version
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

New Living Translation
He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.

English Standard Version
He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

Berean Standard Bible
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

King James Bible
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

New King James Version
He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me; For they were too strong for me.

New American Standard Bible
“He rescued me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

NASB 1995
“He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

NASB 1977
“He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

Legacy Standard Bible
He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

Amplified Bible
“He rescued me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

Christian Standard Bible
He rescued me from my powerful enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He rescued me from my powerful enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.

American Standard Version
He delivered me from my strong enemy, From them that hated me; for they were too mighty for me.

Contemporary English Version
You rescued me from enemies who were hateful and too powerful for me.

English Revised Version
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from them that hated me; for they were too mighty for me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, because they were too strong for me.

Good News Translation
He rescued me from my powerful enemies and from all those who hate me--they were too strong for me.

International Standard Version
He rescued me from my strong enemy— from those who hate me continually, since they were stronger than I.

NET Bible
He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me, for they were too strong for me.

New Heart English Bible
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

Webster's Bible Translation
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

World English Bible
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He delivers me from my strong enemy, "" From those hating me, "" For they were stronger than me.

Young's Literal Translation
He delivereth me from my strong enemy, From those hating me, For they were stronger than I.

Smith's Literal Translation
He will deliver me from my strong enemy, From them hating me, for they were strong above me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He delivered me from my most mighty enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He freed me from my most powerful enemy and from those who had hated me. For they were too strong for me.

New American Bible
He rescued me from my mighty enemy, from foes too powerful for me.

New Revised Standard Version
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He delivered me from my strong enemies and from them that hated me; for they were too strong for me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he saved me from my strong enemies and from my haters who were stronger than I
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He delivered me from mine enemy most strong, From them that hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He delivered me from my strong enemies, from them that hated me, for they were stronger than I.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Song of Deliverance
17He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. 18He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. 19They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.…

Cross References
Psalm 18:17
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

Psalm 144:7
Reach down from on high; set me free and rescue me from the deep waters, from the grasp of foreigners,

Psalm 144:11
Set me free and rescue me from the grasp of foreigners, whose mouths speak falsehood, whose right hands are deceitful.

Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Psalm 138:7
If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Exodus 14:30
That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore.

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

1 Samuel 17:37
David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”

2 Chronicles 20:29
And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

Job 5:19
He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven.

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

John 17:15
I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.


Treasury of Scripture

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

delivered

2 Samuel 22:1
And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

Psalm 3:7
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Psalm 56:9
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

Jump to Previous
Delivered Delivereth Enemy Foes Free Hated Hater Hating Mightier Mighty Powerful Rescued Strong Stronger
Jump to Next
Delivered Delivereth Enemy Foes Free Hated Hater Hating Mightier Mighty Powerful Rescued Strong Stronger
2 Samuel 22
1. David's psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance and blessings














He rescued me
This phrase highlights God's deliverance, a recurring theme in the life of David. Throughout the Psalms and historical books, God is depicted as a rescuer and savior. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God promises protection and deliverance. The concept of rescue is also a type of Christ, who is the ultimate rescuer of humanity from sin and death.

from my powerful enemy
David often faced formidable enemies, including King Saul, the Philistines, and other surrounding nations. The term "powerful enemy" can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual adversaries, such as sin and Satan. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the ongoing battle between good and evil, where God intervenes on behalf of His people.

from foes too mighty for me
This acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine intervention. David's recognition of his own inability to overcome his enemies without God's help is a testament to his humility and faith. This phrase can be connected to the New Testament teaching that believers are to rely on God's strength rather than their own (e.g., Ephesians 6:10-18). It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over the forces of evil, which are too mighty for humanity to conquer alone.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of deliverance, David is reflecting on God's faithfulness in rescuing him from his enemies throughout his life, including King Saul and other adversaries.

2. Enemies/Foes
These are the adversaries that David faced, who were often more powerful than he was. They represent the physical and spiritual battles that believers face.

3. God's Deliverance
The central event in this verse is God's intervention to rescue David from his enemies, highlighting God's power and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
God is sovereign and powerful, able to rescue us from any situation, no matter how dire it seems. Just as He delivered David, He can deliver us from our own "powerful enemies," whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Dependence on God
David's acknowledgment of his enemies being "too strong" for him is a reminder of our need to depend on God rather than our own strength. In our battles, we must rely on God's power and not our own abilities.

Spiritual Warfare
The verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles we face. We must equip ourselves with the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

Praise and Gratitude
Like David, we should respond to God's deliverance with praise and gratitude. Recognizing God's hand in our lives should lead us to worship and thank Him continually.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 22:18?

2. How does 2 Samuel 22:18 illustrate God's deliverance from powerful enemies today?

3. What does "rescued me from my powerful enemy" reveal about God's character?

4. How can we apply David's trust in God to our current struggles?

5. Which other Bible stories show God rescuing His people from strong adversaries?

6. How can 2 Samuel 22:18 encourage us in facing overwhelming challenges?

7. How does 2 Samuel 22:18 reflect God's role as a deliverer in times of trouble?

8. What historical context surrounds David's song of deliverance in 2 Samuel 22?

9. How does 2 Samuel 22:18 align with the overall theme of divine protection in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 22?

11. (2 Samuel 22) How can we tell which elements of this praise song are meant literally versus those intended as metaphorical or hyperbolic language?

12. Why do the descriptions of God's power in Psalm 18 seem inconsistent with passages portraying His more gentle attributes (e.g., Psalm 103)?

13. How does God provide deliverance from troubles?

14. How does David's claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20-24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)?
What Does 2 Samuel 22:18 Mean
He rescued me

• The opening phrase, “He rescued me,” centers the spotlight on the Lord as Deliverer, echoing David’s earlier confession, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (2 Samuel 22:2).

• Deliverance is personal—“me.” Just as God drew Noah out of the flood (Genesis 8:1), lifted Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 14:30), and saved Daniel from lions (Daniel 6:22), He intervenes for individuals who trust Him.

• Scripture continually affirms that salvation is God’s initiative: “Salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8). Our role is to cry out (Psalm 34:4) and take refuge (Psalm 91:2); His role is to rescue.


from my powerful enemy

• David faced tangible enemies: Saul’s relentless pursuit (1 Samuel 19:10), Philistine armies (2 Samuel 5:17), and later the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14). Yet he names only one ultimate “enemy,” recognizing the consolidated threat against God’s purposes in his life.

• The phrase reminds believers that our greatest struggles are often beyond flesh and blood, aligning with Paul’s insight that “our struggle is…against the powers…of this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12). When the battle feels one-sided, God remains “greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

• The Lord’s past deliverances build confidence for present conflicts, just as David cites his victories over the lion, bear, and Goliath as evidence of God’s faithfulness (1 Samuel 17:37).


from foes too mighty for me

• David admits the limits of his own strength. Similar humility appears in Jehoshaphat’s prayer: “We are powerless…we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

• Acknowledging human weakness invites divine power. Paul learned, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

• “Foes too mighty” also include inward battles—fear, guilt, despair. God rescues from these unseen adversaries, offering “a spirit of power, of love, and of self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

• The promise extends beyond David: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17), assuring believers that no enemy—physical or spiritual—places them outside God’s saving reach.


summary

David’s song in 2 Samuel 22:18 celebrates a God who steps in when enemies loom large and strength runs out. He is the personal Rescuer, stronger than every power that threatens and faithful to lift His people when the battle is far beyond them. Trust, call on Him, and watch Him do again what He did for David—deliver, uphold, and glorify His name through your victory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He rescued me
יַצִּילֵ֕נִי (yaṣ·ṣî·lê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

from
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

my powerful
עָ֑ז (‘āz)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5794: Strong, vehement, harsh

enemy,
מֵאֹיְבִ֖י (mê·’ō·yə·ḇî)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

from my foes,
מִשֹּׂ֣נְאַ֔י (miś·śō·nə·’ay)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they were too mighty for me.
אָמְצ֖וּ (’ā·mə·ṣū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 553: To be stout, strong, bold, alert


Links
2 Samuel 22:18 NIV
2 Samuel 22:18 NLT
2 Samuel 22:18 ESV
2 Samuel 22:18 NASB
2 Samuel 22:18 KJV

2 Samuel 22:18 BibleApps.com
2 Samuel 22:18 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 22:18 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 22:18 French Bible
2 Samuel 22:18 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 22:17
Top of Page
Top of Page