Psalm 18:47
New International Version
He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me,

New Living Translation
He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me

English Standard Version
the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me,

Berean Standard Bible
the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me,

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

New King James Version
It is God who avenges me, And subdues the peoples under me;

New American Standard Bible
The God who executes vengeance for me, And subdues peoples under me.

NASB 1995
The God who executes vengeance for me, And subdues peoples under me.

NASB 1977
The God who executes vengeance for me, And subdues peoples under me.

Legacy Standard Bible
The God who executes vengeance for me, And subdues peoples under me.

Amplified Bible
The God who avenges me, And subdues peoples (nations) under me.

Christian Standard Bible
God—he grants me vengeance and subdues peoples under me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
God—He gives me vengeance and subdues peoples under me.

American Standard Version
Even the God that executeth vengeance for me, And subdueth peoples under me.

Contemporary English Version
You took revenge for me, and you put nations in my power.

English Revised Version
Even the God that executeth vengeance for me, and subdueth peoples under me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God gives me vengeance! He brings people under my authority.

Good News Translation
He gives me victory over my enemies; he subdues the nations under me

International Standard Version
He is the God who executes vengeance on my behalf; who destroys peoples under me;

NET Bible
The one true God completely vindicates me; he makes nations submit to me.

New Heart English Bible
even the God who executes vengeance for me, and subdues peoples under me.

Webster's Bible Translation
It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me,

World English Bible
even the God who executes vengeance for me, and subdues peoples under me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
God—who is giving vengeance to me, "" And He subdues peoples under me,

Young's Literal Translation
God -- who is giving vengeance to me, And He subdueth peoples under me,

Smith's Literal Translation
God giving vengeance to me, and he will speak the peoples under me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
O God, who avengest me, and subduest the people under me, my deliverer from my enemies.

Catholic Public Domain Version
O God, who vindicates me and who subdues the people under me, my liberator from my enraged enemies.

New American Bible
O God who granted me vengeance, made peoples subject to me,

New Revised Standard Version
the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is God that avenges me and subdues the people under me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God gives me vengeance and he subdued the peoples under me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Even the God that executeth vengeance for me, And subdueth peoples under me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It is God that avenges me, and has subdued the nations under me;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD is My Rock
46The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may the God of my salvation be exalted— 47the God who avenges me and subdues nations beneath me, 48who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Hebrews 10:30
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

2 Samuel 22:48
the God who avenges me and brings down nations beneath me,

Nahum 1:2
The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies.

Isaiah 63:4
For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come.

2 Thessalonians 1:6
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

Jeremiah 51:56
For a destroyer is coming against her—against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken, for the LORD is a God of retribution; He will repay in full.

Revelation 6:10
And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

1 Samuel 24:12
May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.

Isaiah 35:4
Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”

Luke 18:7-8
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

2 Timothy 4:14
Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.


Treasury of Scripture

It is God that avenges me, and subdues the people under me.

avengeth.

Deuteronomy 32:35
To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

2 Samuel 22:48
It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,

Nahum 1:2
God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

subdueth.

Psalm 47:3
He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

Jump to Previous
Avenged Avenges Avengeth Executes Executeth Haters Nations Peoples Punishment Puts Rule Sends Subdued Subdues Subdueth Subjected Vengeance
Jump to Next
Avenged Avenges Avengeth Executes Executeth Haters Nations Peoples Punishment Puts Rule Sends Subdued Subdues Subdueth Subjected Vengeance
Psalm 18
1. David praises God for his manifold and marvelous blessings














the God who avenges me
This phrase highlights God's role as a divine warrior and judge who brings justice to His people. In the context of David's life, this reflects his reliance on God to deliver him from his enemies, as seen throughout his battles and conflicts, particularly with Saul and other adversaries. The concept of God as an avenger is consistent with passages like Deuteronomy 32:35, where God declares vengeance is His. This also foreshadows the ultimate justice brought by Christ, who will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1).

and subdues nations beneath me
Here, the text emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to bring them under the authority of His chosen king, David. Historically, David experienced military victories that expanded Israel's territory, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham about his descendants possessing the land (Genesis 15:18-21). This phrase also points to the messianic expectation of a ruler from David's line who would have dominion over all nations, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in Revelation 19:15, where Christ is depicted as ruling the nations with a rod of iron.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 18, David is expressing his gratitude and praise to God for deliverance from his enemies. This psalm is a song of thanksgiving for God's protection and victory.

2. God
Referred to as the one who avenges and subdues nations, highlighting His role as a divine warrior and protector of His people.

3. Nations
Represents the enemies and adversaries that David faced. In a broader sense, it symbolizes any opposition to God's people.

4. Avenging
The act of God bringing justice and vindication for His people, demonstrating His righteousness and sovereignty.

5. Subduing
God's power to bring nations under control, emphasizing His supreme authority over all earthly powers.
Teaching Points
God as the Righteous Avenger
Trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge. God sees all and will act in His perfect timing.

Divine Sovereignty Over Nations
Recognize God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. No nation or leader is beyond His control.

Personal Deliverance and Gratitude
Reflect on times when God has delivered you from difficult situations. Offer Him praise and thanksgiving for His faithfulness.

Living in Peace
As believers, we are called to live at peace with others, trusting that God will handle injustices and wrongs done to us.

Faith in God's Plan
Even when facing opposition, have faith that God is working all things for your good and His glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 18:47?

2. How does Psalm 18:47 inspire trust in God's role as "avenger"?

3. What actions can we take to acknowledge God as "the God who avenges"?

4. How does Psalm 18:47 connect with Romans 12:19 on vengeance?

5. In what ways can believers apply God's justice in daily life?

6. How does recognizing God as "subduer of nations" affect our view of authority?

7. How does Psalm 18:47 reflect God's role in delivering justice and vengeance?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 18:47?

9. How does Psalm 18:47 align with the New Testament teachings on forgiveness?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 18?

11. Why would a just God hold the entire 'clay' (nation) responsible when individuals have varying degrees of guilt, per Jeremiah 18?

12. How does Psalm 47:8's assertion that God reigns over all nations reconcile with the presence of countless other religions and deities throughout history?

13. Why does Psalm 47:3's description of subduing nations lack clear archaeological or historical traces of this alleged domination?

14. In Psalm 67:4, how can we reconcile the statement that God 'guides the nations on earth' with the widespread historical evidence of injustice and suffering?
What Does Psalm 18:47 Mean
the God

David begins with a deliberate focus on the Person behind every victory: “the God.” He is not speaking of an abstract force but of the covenant LORD who has revealed Himself and proven faithful. Notice the personal pronoun tied to the divine name in the whole psalm—“my strength… my rock… my deliverer” (Psalm 18:1–2). By naming God first, David reminds us that:

• Victory starts with who God is, not who we are.

• God’s character—holy, steadfast, and sovereign—anchors every promise (Psalm 144:2).

• Personal relationship fuels confident praise; the same Lord who rescued David remains accessible to us (Hebrews 13:8).


who avenges me

The phrase speaks of God’s righteous retaliation against wrongdoers on behalf of His servant. David endured years of unjust persecution; yet instead of taking matters into his own hands, he trusted God to set things right. Scripture affirms:

• “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

• Paul echoes the same principle for believers: “Never take revenge… ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

• David practiced this truth when he spared Saul, declaring, “May the LORD be judge and decide between you and me. May He take vengeance on you for me” (1 Samuel 24:12).

Key takeaways:

– God’s vengeance is just, measured, and timely.

– Trusting His justice frees us from bitterness and personal retaliation (Psalm 94:1).

– Divine vengeance ultimately vindicates God’s holy name and His people.


and subdues nations beneath me

God not only vindicated David but also extended his influence, bringing surrounding nations under his reign. The statement is historically literal—fulfilled in conquests recorded in 2 Samuel 8:1-14—yet it also foreshadows the Messiah’s universal rule (Psalm 2:8-9). Consider:

• Israel’s victories were never merely military exploits; they showcased the Lord’s supremacy over every human power (Joshua 23:9-10).

• God’s subduing work was comprehensive—He gave David “victory wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6).

• For believers today, this points to Christ who “has disarmed the rulers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15) and will one day visibly reign over all nations (Revelation 11:15).

Implications:

– God can turn opposition into opportunity, placing obstacles “beneath” His purpose.

– Any influence or authority we receive is stewardship, meant to display God’s glory and bless others (Psalm 72:11).

– Ultimate security lies not in political alliances or human strength but in God’s unrivaled power.


summary

Psalm 18:47 celebrates the Lord as the personal, covenant-keeping God who executes perfect justice and grants decisive victory. He avenges His servants, removing the burden of self-defense, and He subdues hostile powers, establishing a platform for His purposes on earth. Trust in this God brings peace amid conflict and confidence that every wrong will be righted and every enemy ultimately placed under His feet.

Verse 47. - It is God that avengeth me; rather, even the God avengeth me (comp. vers. 3, 6, 14, 17, etc.). And subdueth the people under me; rather, the peoples; i.e. the nations (comp. vers. 37-42).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the God
הָאֵ֗ל (hā·’êl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

who avenges
הַנּוֹתֵ֣ן (han·nō·w·ṯên)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me
לִ֑י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

and subdues
וַיַּדְבֵּ֖ר (way·yaḏ·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

nations
עַמִּ֣ים (‘am·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

beneath me,
תַּחְתָּֽי׃ (taḥ·tāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of


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OT Poetry: Psalm 18:47 Even the God who executes vengeance (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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