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Psalms 18:40

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 18:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me.
Psalms 18:40 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37I will pursue mine enemies, and overtake them; Neither will I turn again till they are consumed.
38I will smite them through, so that they shall not be able to rise: They shall fall under my feet.
39For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
40Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me.
41They cried, but there was none to save; Even unto Jehovah, but he answered them not.
42Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind; I did cast them out as the mire of the streets.
43Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; Thou hast made me the head of the nations: A people whom I have not known shall serve me.
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“given me the necks--literally, "backs of the necks"; made them retreat (Exo 23:27; Jos 7:8).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies - Their necks to tread upon, as the result of victory; or their necks to be subject to me, as the neck of the ox is to his owner. The phrase is sometimes used in this latter sense to denote subjection (compare Jeremiah 27:12); but it is more commonly, when applied to war, used in the former sense, as denoting complete triumph or conquest. It was not uncommon to trample on the necks of those who were overcome in battle. See Joshua 10:24; Ezekiel 21:2; Genesis 49:8. The word used here - ערף ‛ôreph - means properly neck, nape, the back of the neck; and hence, to give the neck means sometimes to turn the back, as in flight; and the phrase would…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:40 Placing a foot on the necks of the enemy represents total victory (see Josh 10:23-26).”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification