King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:48 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:48 in the King James Version says “It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, avengeth: Heb. giveth avengement for” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, avengeth: Heb. giveth avengement for”

2 Samuel 22:48 · KJV

Context

46

Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.

47

The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

48

It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, avengeth: Heb. giveth avengement for

49

And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

50

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Song, emphasizing praising God for deliverance. David's psalm of deliverance (parallel to Psalm 18) celebrates God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous reign. The Hebrew poetry employs vivid imagery of divine intervention, warrior language, and covenant terminology. Theological themes include praising God for deliverance, reviewing God's faithfulness in retrospect, the righteousness of God's judgments, and anticipation of ultimate victory through God's anointed (messianic overtones).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 22 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding praising God for deliverance provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of praising God for deliverance?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הָאֵ֕ל1 of 7

“It is God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

הַנֹּתֵ֥ן2 of 7

“that avengeth”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נְקָמֹ֖ת3 of 7
H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

לִ֑י4 of 7
H0
וּמֹרִ֥יד5 of 7

“me and that bringeth down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

עַמִּ֖ים6 of 7

“the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

תַּחְתֵּֽנִי׃7 of 7
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 22:48 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 22:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 94:1Psalms 144:22 Samuel 18:311 Corinthians 15:251 Samuel 25:39Psalms 110:1

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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