King James Version

What Does Psalms 18:31 Mean?

Psalms 18:31 in the King James Version says “For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?”

Psalms 18:31 · KJV

Salvation

Context

29

For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. run: or, broken

30

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. tried: or, refined

31

For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?

32

It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

33

He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

Read Psalms 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? This rhetorical question forms David's powerful declaration of Yahweh's absolute uniqueness. The Hebrew mi-Eloah (מִי־אֱלוֹהַּ, "who is God") uses Eloah, the singular form of Elohim, emphasizing deity in general. "Save the LORD" (mibalad Yahweh, מִבַּלְעֲדֵי יְהוָה) means "except Yahweh," asserting exclusive claim—no other being deserves the title "God."

The second question "who is a rock save our God?" (mi-tsur zulati Eloheinu, מִי־צוּר זוּלָתִי אֱלֹהֵינוּ) employs tsur (צוּר), meaning rock, cliff, boulder—symbolizing stability, permanence, protection, and refuge. Ancient Near Eastern peoples often built fortresses on rocky outcroppings; the metaphor conveys security and immovability. Pagan cultures worshiped various gods and carved idols from stone, but David proclaims that only Yahweh truly provides rock-solid stability.

This psalm (duplicated in 2 Samuel 22) celebrates God's deliverance from enemies, particularly Saul. The rhetorical questions demand the answer "No one!"—affirming monotheism against surrounding polytheism. Paul later applies this exclusive claim to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4, "that Rock was Christ"), revealing Jesus as Yahweh incarnate. The passage establishes foundational theology: God alone deserves worship, trust, and allegiance—all competing claims to deity are fraudulent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 18's superscription attributes it to David "when the LORD delivered him from all his enemies and from Saul." This likely dates to David's consolidation of power after becoming king (circa 1000 BC) or possibly later when reflecting on God's faithfulness throughout his life. David experienced constant danger from Saul's jealous pursuit, Philistine threats, internal rebellions (Absalom), and warfare establishing Israel's kingdom.

Ancient Near Eastern polytheism surrounded Israel. Canaanites worshiped Baal, Asherah, and Molech. Egyptians had elaborate pantheons. Mesopotamian cultures served numerous deities. Each people group claimed their gods were supreme. Against this backdrop, Israel's radical monotheism—one God, Yahweh, creator and sustainer of all—was revolutionary and socially isolating.

The "rock" metaphor appears throughout Old Testament (Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 18, 31; 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 19:14, 28:1, 62:2). Moses called God "the Rock, his work is perfect" (Deuteronomy 32:4). This imagery resonated in Palestine's rocky terrain where limestone cliffs provided natural fortresses (Masada, Petra). Early Christians saw these Old Testament "rock" passages as messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ, the cornerstone rejected by builders (Matthew 21:42, 1 Peter 2:4-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does exclusive monotheism (only Yahweh is God) challenge modern religious pluralism?
  2. What competing "rocks" or sources of security tempt us to trust instead of God?
  3. Why is God's uniqueness essential to Christian faith rather than peripheral?
  4. How does recognizing Jesus as "the Rock" deepen our understanding of Old Testament theology?
  5. What practical implications flow from confessing God alone as our rock and refuge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּ֤י1 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִ֣י2 of 9
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אֱ֭לוֹהַּ3 of 9

“For who is God”

H433

a deity or the deity

מִבַּלְעֲדֵ֣י4 of 9

“save”

H1107

except, without, besides

יְהוָ֑ה5 of 9

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמִ֥י6 of 9
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

צ֝֗וּר7 of 9

“or who is a rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

זוּלָתִ֥י8 of 9

“save”

H2108

probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃9 of 9

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 18:31 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 18:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:31Psalms 86:8Deuteronomy 32:392 Samuel 22:32Isaiah 45:51 Samuel 2:2

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