King James Version

What Does Psalms 18:16 Mean?

Psalms 18:16 in the King James Version says “He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. many: or, great — study this verse from Psalms chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. many: or, great

Psalms 18:16 · KJV


Context

14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

15

Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

16

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. many: or, great

17

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

18

They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'sent from on high' and 'took' David, drawing him from 'many waters.' The Hebrew 'shalach' (send) and 'laqach' (take) portray divine initiative in salvation. The 'many waters' ('mayim rabbim') represent overwhelming danger. This anticipates Christ's incarnation—God sending His Son from on high to rescue those drowning in sin. Reformed theology emphasizes salvation as entirely God's initiative, not human achievement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'many waters' may refer to David's many dangers or use flood imagery common in ancient Near Eastern chaos mythology, now controlled by Yahweh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing salvation as God's initiative humble you?
  2. From what 'many waters' has God drawn you out?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 6

He sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִ֭מָּרוֹם2 of 6

from above

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

יִקָּחֵ֑נִי3 of 6

he took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יַֽ֝מְשֵׁ֗נִי4 of 6

me he drew

H4871

to pull out (literally or figuratively)

מִמַּ֥יִם5 of 6

waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּֽים׃6 of 6

me out of many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)


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 18:16 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 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study