King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.
Complete Jewish Bible:
To rely on a horse for safety is vain, nor does its great power assure escape.
Berean Standard Bible:
A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.
American Standard Version:
A horse is a vain thing for safety; Neither doth he deliver any by his great power.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
An horse{H5483} is a vain thing{H8267} for safety{H8668}: neither shall he deliver{H4422} any by his great{H7230} strength{H2428}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 21:31
- The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.
Psalms 20:7
- Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalms 147:10
- He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
Job 39:19
- ¶ Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
Job 39:25
- He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
Hosea 14:3
- Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.
Isaiah 30:16
- But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
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Commentary for Psalms 33:17
Psalm 33:17, which states, "An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength," is part of a larger psalm that emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God over all things. This particular verse reflects on the limitations of human might and the futility of relying on military strength or war horses for protection and deliverance. In the historical context of the ancient Near East, horses were a symbol of military power and were crucial for the rapid movement of chariots and cavalry in warfare. The verse serves as a reminder that, despite the impressive appearance and strength of such animals, they cannot ensure victory or safety.
The theme of Psalm 33:17 is rooted in the broader theological assertion that true security comes from trusting in God, not in the instruments of war or human prowess. It calls the people of Israel to place their confidence in the Lord, who is their true defender and the source of their salvation. This message would have been particularly resonant in times when Israel faced threats from more powerful nations and was tempted to rely on military alliances or its own military might rather than on God's providence and protection.
In summary, Psalm 33:17 underscores the theme of God's supremacy and the inadequacy of human strategies and strength for deliverance. It encourages a posture of reliance on God and warns against the illusion that military power can provide ultimate safety or victory. This verse invites reflection on the nature of trust and the source of true security, which is found in divine rather than human agency.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5483
There are 131 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סוּס
Transliteration: çûwç
Pronunciation: soos
Description: or סֻס; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly, for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight); crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare פָּרָשׁ. - Strong's Number: H8267
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
Transliteration: sheqer
Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. - Strong's Number: H8668
There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תְּשׁוּעָה
Transliteration: tᵉshûwʻâh
Pronunciation: tesh-oo-aw'
Description: or תְּשֻׁעָה; from שָׁוַע in the sense of יָשַׁע; rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual); deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory. - Strong's Number: H4422
There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָלַט
Transliteration: mâlaṭ
Pronunciation: maw-lat'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks; deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H7230
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֹב
Transliteration: rôb
Pronunciation: robe
Description: from רָבַב; abundance (in any respect); abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). - Strong's Number: H2428
There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חַיִל
Transliteration: chayil
Pronunciation: khah'-yil
Description: from חוּל; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength; able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily).