King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:13 Mean?

Psalms 118:13 in the King James Version says “Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.”

Psalms 118:13 · KJV

Context

11

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

12

They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. destroy: Heb. cut down

13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

14

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

15

The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The psalmist shifts from third person (they surrounded) to second person address—speaking directly to an enemy or to Satan himself. Dacho d'chitani linpol (pushing you pushed me to fall). The infinitive absolute construction dacho d'chitani intensifies the verb: violently pushed, repeatedly shoved, thrust hard. Linpol (to fall) means not merely stumble but collapse completely, be destroyed, face utter defeat. The enemy's intent was total destruction, complete annihilation.

The adversative follows: but the LORD helped me (v'YHWH azarani). Azar (helped/aided/supported) pictures God coming alongside, providing strength at the moment of potential collapse. When human strength fails and defeat seems certain, divine help sustains. This recalls Psalm 37:23-24: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD...Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." Christian testimony echoes this: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

David experienced this literally: Saul repeatedly tried to kill him with spear (1 Samuel 18:11, 19:10), pursued him through wilderness, trapped him in caves. Yet God preserved David, fulfilling His promise to make him king. Peter faced similar testing: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not" (Luke 22:31-32). Peter did fall—denying Christ three times—yet Jesus's intercession preserved him from complete collapse, and he was restored. Job's testing shows Satan pushing to make him curse God, yet God set limits, and Job was upheld through suffering. The church throughout history has faced violent persecution intended to destroy faith, yet believers have stood firm through divine help.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways has God's help sustained you when enemies (circumstances, temptations, opposition) pushed you toward spiritual collapse?
  2. How does recognizing personal insufficiency ('I was about to fall') magnify appreciation of divine assistance?
  3. What is the relationship between being pushed hard toward falling and still standing firm through God's help rather than personal strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
דְחִיתַ֣נִי1 of 5

“Thou hast thrust”

H1760

to push down

דְחִיתַ֣נִי2 of 5

“Thou hast thrust”

H1760

to push down

לִנְפֹּ֑ל3 of 5

“at me that I might fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וַ֖יהוָ֣ה4 of 5

“but the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֲזָרָֽנִי׃5 of 5

“helped”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:13 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 Psalms 118:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 140:4Psalms 86:17Micah 7:8Psalms 18:17-18Matthew 4:1-111 Samuel 25:29

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