Psalms 18:4

KJV

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sorrows {H2256} of death {H4194} compassed {H661} me, and the floods {H5158} of ungodly men {H1100} made me afraid {H1204}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For the cords of death surrounded me, the floods of B'liya'al terrified me,

Berean Standard Bible

The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.

American Standard Version

The cords of death compassed me, And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:4 vividly portrays the psalmist's profound experience of existential peril and overwhelming dread, setting a crucial backdrop for the subsequent narrative of divine deliverance. This verse articulates a soul ensnared by the inescapable clutches of death and besieged by a torrent of hostile, wicked adversaries, serving as a raw and honest confession of human vulnerability in the face of seemingly insurmountable dangers. It establishes the urgent context for the psalmist's desperate cry for God's intervention and magnifies the magnificent display of God's delivering power that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 18 is a majestic psalm of thanksgiving, a royal psalm celebrating God's mighty deliverance of King David from all his enemies, especially from the hand of King Saul. This psalm finds a near-identical parallel in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), underscoring its historical significance and canonical weight as a testament to God's faithfulness to His anointed. Verses 4-6 of Psalm 18 function as a crucial introductory lament, detailing the dire circumstances and intense distress David faced. This vivid description of being "compassed by the sorrows of death" and overwhelmed by "floods of ungodly men" establishes the profound depths of danger from which David cried out to the Lord, as explicitly stated in [Psalms 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalms 18:6 - David's Cry and God's Response"). This intense portrayal of peril heightens the impact and glory of the divine deliverance that dramatically unfolds in the subsequent verses, where the psalm transitions into a powerful depiction of God's thunderous intervention and David's subsequent triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm likely reflects various periods of intense persecution throughout his life—most notably his prolonged flight from King Saul, but also potentially later conflicts with the Philistines or even the rebellion of Absalom. In the ancient Near East, "death" was often personified as a powerful enemy or a realm from which return was impossible, while "floods" symbolized overwhelming, chaotic, and destructive forces, frequently associated with divine judgment or the primordial forces of chaos. The "ungodly men" (Hebrew: *bᵉlîyaʻal*) were individuals characterized by worthlessness, wickedness, and rebellion against God and His established order, representing a profound moral and spiritual opposition. David, as God's anointed king, perceived attacks against himself as attacks against God's chosen representative, making the hostility of these "ungodly men" not merely personal but theological, a direct affront to divine authority.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 18:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Overwhelming Distress and Human Vulnerability**, portraying the psalmist's raw and legitimate fear in the face of mortal danger. This deep distress is not a sign of weak faith but a realistic acknowledgment of peril, which then serves as the catalyst for fervent prayer and reliance on God. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Wicked Opposition and Divine Justice**, identifying the source of David's fear as "ungodly men" whose actions are inherently opposed to God's will and order. This sets the stage for God's righteous judgment against these adversaries, a theme that culminates in the Lord's decisive intervention described later in [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"). Finally, and most importantly, this verse functions as the **Precursor to Divine Deliverance**. The profound depth of David's peril described here magnifies the glory and power of God's subsequent intervention, emphasizing that God is a faithful deliverer who hears the cries of His people and acts decisively on their behalf, a theme powerfully articulated throughout the Psalter, such as in [Psalms 34:17-19](/psalms/34-17-19 "Psalms 34:17-19 - The Righteous Cry Out").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorrows (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** This word (H2256) is rich in meaning, referring to "a rope (as twisted)," "a noose," or "a throe (especially of parturition)." In this context, the imagery of "cords" or "snares" suggests being bound, entangled, or seized by the inescapable grip of death, emphasizing a feeling of being trapped in a deadly situation. Alternatively, "birth pangs" evokes intense, agonizing pain, a struggle unto death, or the throes of a life-threatening crisis. Both interpretations powerfully convey an overwhelming, suffocating, and terrifying experience of impending doom, highlighting the psalmist's feeling of being caught in death's inescapable snare.
* **ungodly men (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyaʻal'_):** The Hebrew term (H1100) literally means "worthlessness," "destruction," or "wickedness." It describes individuals who are utterly depraved, destructive, and without moral restraint, often associated with rebellion against God and His covenant. These are not merely opponents but those who embody evil and chaos, acting in defiance of divine order and posing a profound spiritual threat. The term emphasizes their moral bankruptcy and their active opposition to all that is good and righteous.
* **floods (Hebrew, _nachal'_):** This word (H5158) refers to "a stream," "a winter torrent," or "a valley (in which a brook runs)." The imagery here accentuates the overwhelming number, destructive force, and uncontrollable nature of the adversaries. Like a wadi that becomes a raging, destructive torrent after heavy rains, the "floods of ungodly men" suggest that David felt swept away or drowned by their malicious intent and sheer power, emphasizing their chaotic and engulfing threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sorrows of death compassed me":** This clause vividly portrays David's profound sense of being encircled and trapped by the forces of death. The "sorrows" (or "cords/pangs") of death suggest an inescapable, agonizing grip, as if death itself were a hunter binding its prey. It conveys not just the threat of physical death but also the deep anguish and terror associated with impending doom, a feeling of being utterly helpless and vulnerable to its power. The verb "compassed" (H661, *ʼâphaph*) reinforces this imagery of being surrounded and enclosed, leaving no escape.
* **"and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid":** This second clause identifies the immediate source of David's terror: a massive, overwhelming onslaught of wicked, lawless individuals. The metaphor of "floods" emphasizes their destructive power and sheer numbers, suggesting David felt submerged and overwhelmed by their malice. Their "ungodly" nature highlights that their opposition was not merely personal but spiritually hostile, intensifying the fear and the sense of being under attack by forces aligned against God's purposes. The verb "made me afraid" (H1204, *bâʻath*) captures the deep terror and agitation experienced by the psalmist.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's dire predicament. **Personification** is powerfully evident in "the sorrows of death compassed me," where death is given agency, actively surrounding and entrapping the psalmist as if it were a living, malevolent entity. This amplifies the sense of an inescapable, sentient threat, making the abstract concept of death terrifyingly concrete. The verse also utilizes compelling **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole** with the phrase "the floods of ungodly men." "Floods" metaphorically represents the overwhelming number, destructive force, and chaotic nature of David's adversaries, while the hyperbole underscores the immense scale of the threat, vividly conveying the psalmist's feeling of being submerged and terrified by their relentless, uncontrollable assault. These devices collectively heighten the drama and emotional intensity, effectively communicating the psalmist's profound fear and the overwhelming nature of his peril, setting the stage for a dramatic divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:4, with its stark portrayal of human vulnerability and the pervasive threat of evil, resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of a fallen world where God's people often face intense opposition. It underscores the reality that even those chosen and anointed by God are not immune to profound suffering and fear. The verse highlights the spiritual battle at play, where "ungodly men" represent forces hostile to God's kingdom, and the "sorrows of death" symbolize the ultimate consequence of sin and rebellion against life-giving truth. This desperate situation, however, is never the final word in biblical narrative; rather, it serves as the necessary prelude to the display of God's sovereign power and His unwavering commitment to deliver those who cry out to Him. It reminds us that our deepest fears and most overwhelming challenges are precisely where God's mightiest interventions often begin, transforming moments of despair into powerful testimonies of His faithfulness.

* [Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "Psalms 116:3 - Cords of Death")
* [Jonah 2:2](/jonah/2-2 "Jonah 2:2 - Out of the Belly of Sheol")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's raw and honest expression of fear and feeling overwhelmed in Psalms 18:4 speaks powerfully to the universal human experience of facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It validates our own emotions when we encounter profound distress, whether it be a personal crisis, a spiritual attack, or opposition from those hostile to our faith. This verse reminds us that acknowledging our fear is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith, but rather a realistic assessment of our vulnerability in a broken world. It sets the stage for a crucial spiritual principle: it is precisely when we are at our lowest, feeling "compassed" by the sorrows of death or threatened by "floods of ungodly men," that our desperate cry to God becomes most authentic and powerful. David's experience encourages us to bring our deepest anxieties and overwhelming circumstances to the Lord, trusting that He is not only aware of our plight but is also our ultimate refuge and the sovereign deliverer who can turn our deepest fears into testimonies of His mighty rescue. This verse calls us to a deeper reliance on God's power, even when our circumstances seem to defy hope, reminding us that His strength is perfected in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you identify with the psalmist's feeling of being "compassed by the sorrows of death" or overwhelmed by "floods of ungodly men" in your own life?**
* **What specific fears or adversaries prompt you to cry out to God for deliverance, rather than relying solely on your own strength?**
* **In what ways does this verse, as a prelude to divine rescue, encourage your trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and power to deliver, even in seemingly hopeless situations?**

### FAQ
**What does "sorrows of death compassed me" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase conveys an intense, inescapable sense of impending doom or mortal peril. The Hebrew word for "sorrows" (*chebel*) can mean "cords" or "snares," suggesting being bound or trapped by death's grip, or "birth pangs," implying agonizing, life-threatening pain. Thus, it describes a feeling of being utterly surrounded, suffocated, and overwhelmed by the anguish and inevitability of death, as if one is caught in a deadly trap or experiencing the throes of a final, desperate struggle. It speaks to a profound, existential threat that leaves one feeling helpless and vulnerable.

**Who are the "ungodly men" in this context?**

Answer: The "ungodly men" are those characterized by *bᵉlîyaʻal*, a Hebrew term denoting worthlessness, wickedness, and rebellion. These were likely David's human adversaries—such as King Saul, the Philistines, or other enemies—who acted without moral restraint and actively opposed God's anointed king. The "floods" imagery emphasizes their overwhelming number and destructive intent, portraying them as a chaotic, powerful force seeking to engulf and destroy David. Their ungodly nature means their opposition was not merely political or personal but fundamentally spiritual, defying God's divine order and seeking to thwart His purposes.

**How can this verse, which speaks of fear, be spiritually nourishing?**

Answer: This verse is spiritually nourishing precisely because it acknowledges and validates the reality of human fear and profound distress. It demonstrates that even a man after God's own heart, like David, experienced overwhelming terror. By honestly articulating this vulnerability, the verse provides a relatable starting point for faith, assuring believers that their struggles are seen and understood by God. It sets the stage for the rest of [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"), which powerfully narrates God's mighty deliverance. It reminds us that our deepest fears and most desperate situations are the very contexts in which God's power is most gloriously displayed, encouraging us to turn to Him as our ultimate refuge and deliverer, knowing that He is able to rescue us from every peril.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David experienced the "sorrows of death" and "floods of ungodly men" as a foreshadowing of his own mortal struggles, Jesus faced these realities in their most absolute and redemptive sense. In Gethsemane, He was "sorrowful, even to death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")), experiencing the spiritual "birth pangs" of a new creation as He bore the crushing weight of humanity's sin. On the cross, He was literally "compassed" by the "cords of death," enduring not only unimaginable physical agony but also the spiritual separation from God, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")). Simultaneously, He was surrounded by "floods of ungodly men"—the hostile religious leaders, the mocking crowds, the Roman soldiers—who acted as instruments of evil, seeking His destruction. Yet, unlike David, Jesus did not merely escape death; He conquered it. His glorious resurrection broke the "cords of death" and disarmed the powers of darkness ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead"); [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Deliverer, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His victory, all who believe are delivered from the ultimate "sorrows of death" and the dominion of spiritual "ungodly men" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His suffering and triumph transform the meaning of this verse for all who are in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 116:3

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

Matthew 27:24

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].

Matthew 27:25

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Mark 14:33

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Mark 14:34

And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Matthew 26:47

¶ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.