Psalms 18:5

KJV

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sorrows {H2256} of hell {H7585} compassed me about {H5437}: the snares {H4170} of death {H4194} prevented {H6923} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

the ropes of Sh'ol were wrapped around me, the snares of death lay there before me.

Berean Standard Bible

The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.

American Standard Version

The cords of Sheol were round about me; The snares of death came upon me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:5 powerfully articulates King David's profound anguish and the existential threat he faced, depicting him as utterly surrounded by the cords of death and suddenly confronted by its inescapable traps. This vivid imagery underscores the overwhelming peril David experienced, setting the dramatic and desperate stage for the subsequent divine intervention and miraculous deliverance that forms the triumphant core of this psalm of thanksgiving and praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 18 stands as a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, explicitly attributed to David, celebrating God's mighty deliverance from all his enemies, particularly from the hand of Saul. Its near-identical parallel in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") confirms its significance as David's personal song of deliverance. Psalms 18:5 functions as a critical narrative pivot within this grand composition. It plunges the reader into the depths of David's despair and near-death experience, effectively magnifying the glory and power of God's subsequent rescue. By detailing the extremity of his plight, the verse heightens the impact of David's desperate cry to God in [Psalms 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalms 18:6 - David's Cry for Help") and the dramatic, cosmic response from the Lord that immediately follows. This structural choice emphasizes that God's salvation is most profoundly revealed when His people are at their weakest and most vulnerable, making His intervention all the more glorious.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is deeply rooted in the tumultuous historical backdrop of David's life, marked by relentless pursuit from King Saul and numerous life-threatening battles against foreign adversaries. The "sorrows of hell" and "snares of death" reflect the very real and constant threats to David's physical existence during his years as a fugitive and early reign. In ancient Israelite thought, *Sheol* (translated "hell" in KJV) was understood as the realm of the dead, a shadowy, inescapable pit, not primarily a place of eternal punishment but a state of non-existence, extreme peril, or the grave itself. The imagery of "snares" (Hebrew: *moqesh*) was common, referring to traps set by hunters or enemies, signifying a sudden, inescapable capture or ambush. David's language draws on these deeply ingrained cultural fears and the harsh realities of warfare and survival to convey the utter hopelessness of his situation before God's miraculous intervention.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 18:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **profound distress and despair**, illustrating the universal human experience of facing seemingly insurmountable, life-threatening obstacles. The imagery of being "compassed about" by death's anguish underscores a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed and trapped. Secondly, it highlights the **imminence of death**, emphasizing the very real and immediate threat of physical demise or a state of complete ruin, a common experience for those facing persecution or warfare, as seen in the laments of the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "Psalms 116:3 - The Snares of Death")). Finally, and crucially, by emphasizing the depth of the crisis, the verse serves to **magnify the subsequent act of divine intervention**. It meticulously sets the stage for God's glorious and evident rescue, demonstrating that even from the brink of death, God can save, thereby showcasing His sovereignty and power as the ultimate Deliverer, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalms 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Psalms 40:2 - God Lifts Me Out of the Pit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sorrows (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** The Hebrew word *chebel* (H2256) carries a range of meanings, including "rope," "cord," "measuring line," "noose," "band," and "throe" (especially of parturition or birth pangs), as well as "pain" or "sorrow." While translated "sorrows" in the KJV, the primary sense of "cords" or "ropes" is often implied, suggesting a binding, constricting, or inescapable force. Thus, "the cords of death" or "the pangs of the grave" might be a more accurate rendering, emphasizing being bound, seized, or experiencing the intense, agonizing throes associated with impending death or the grave. This interpretation deepens the sense of inescapable entrapment and overwhelming distress.
* **Hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** The Hebrew word *shᵉʼôwl* (H7585) refers to Hades or the world of the dead, often conceived as a subterranean retreat. It denotes the grave, the pit, or the realm where the dead reside. In this context, *shᵉʼôwl* does not imply a place of eternal punishment as understood in later Christian theology but rather the dominion or power of death itself, or the state of being on the verge of perishing. Therefore, "the sorrows of hell" signifies the anguish, cords, or pangs associated with facing death or being on the brink of entering the realm of the dead, emphasizing the overwhelming power and dominion of death.
* **Prevented (Hebrew, _qâdam'_):** The Hebrew word *qâdam* (H6923) is a primitive root meaning "to project (oneself)," "precede," "anticipate," or "meet." In 17th-century English, "prevented" (from Latin *praevenire*) meant "came before," "confronted," "met unexpectedly," or "anticipated," rather than its modern sense of "hindered" or "stopped." Thus, "the snares of death prevented me" means that the traps or dangers of death suddenly came upon David, ambushing or confronting him before he could react or escape. It conveys the sudden, overwhelming, and inescapable nature of the peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sorrows of hell compassed me about":** This clause vividly describes a state of being completely surrounded and overwhelmed by the anguish and power of death. The imagery of "sorrows" (or more accurately, "cords" or "pangs") of *Sheol* suggests an inescapable, suffocating grip, as if David were already in the clutches of the grave, experiencing its agony. It conveys a profound sense of being encircled by mortal peril and despair, with no apparent way out, emphasizing the immediate and all-encompassing nature of the threat.
* **"the snares of death prevented me":** This second clause reinforces the first, specifying the nature of the threat. "Snares" (Hebrew: *môwqêsh*) implies traps, ambushes, or hidden dangers designed to capture and kill, often used for animals. The archaic English meaning of "prevented" emphasizes that these deadly traps did not just appear but suddenly came upon David, confronting him unexpectedly and leaving him no time to escape. It paints a picture of being caught unaware, utterly helpless, and on the verge of succumbing to these fatal entanglements, highlighting the suddenness and inevitability of the danger.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:5 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of David's dire situation. The phrases "sorrows of hell" and "snares of death" evoke powerful, almost tangible, sensations of being trapped, suffocated, and overwhelmed by impending doom. **Personification** is evident as "hell" (Sheol) and "death" are given active, predatory roles, almost as menacing entities that "compass" (surround) and "prevent" (confront). This device imbues abstract concepts with a menacing, lifelike quality, intensifying the sense of a direct, personal threat. The language also employs **Hyperbole** to convey the extreme nature of David's distress; while he was not literally in *Sheol*, the feeling of being on the brink of death is exaggerated to emphasize the depth of his suffering and the magnitude of his rescue. Furthermore, the use of **Metaphor** is central, as the "sorrows" and "snares" are not literal objects but represent the overwhelming, life-threatening circumstances David faced. These devices collectively amplify the emotional impact of the verse, making David's desperate cry for help and God's subsequent deliverance all the more dramatic and profound.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:5 speaks to the universal human experience of facing overwhelming trials and the imminence of death, yet it does so within a theological framework that points to God as the ultimate Deliverer. David's raw honesty about his despair validates the human struggle, while simultaneously setting the stage for a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over life and death. Theologically, it underscores the concept that God hears the cries of His people even from the deepest pits of distress, demonstrating His faithfulness to intervene when all human hope seems lost. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that even when we feel utterly consumed by life's "snares" and "sorrows," our hope is firmly rooted in the God who can rescue from the very brink of the grave, proving His power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "The Snares of Death")
* [Psalms 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "God Lifts Me Out of the Pit")
* [2 Corinthians 1:8-10](/2_corinthians/1-8 "Paul's Deliverance from Deadly Peril")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:5 offers profound encouragement and a framework for understanding our own struggles in a fallen world. When we find ourselves "compassed about" by despair, anxiety, chronic illness, relational breakdown, or seemingly insurmountable challenges that feel like "snares of death," David's experience validates our feelings of being overwhelmed. It reminds us that expressing deep distress and vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an honest acknowledgment of our human limitations and dependence on a higher power. More importantly, this verse serves as a prelude to David's desperate cry to God, demonstrating that even when we feel at the very brink, God is attentive to our pleas. Just as God delivered David from the "sorrows of hell" and "snares of death," He promises to deliver His people from their troubles, offering hope and rescue in various forms—whether physical healing, emotional solace, spiritual breakthrough, or ultimately, eternal life. This psalm ultimately points to the Lord as our strength and deliverer, a powerful source of comfort when facing life's greatest fears and the inevitability of death, reminding us that no situation is too dire for God's intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt "compassed about" by overwhelming difficulties or despair, similar to David's experience?**
* **How does David's raw honesty about his distress encourage you to express your own struggles and vulnerabilities to God?**
* **In what ways has God "prevented" (confronted or met) your "snares of death," bringing unexpected deliverance or comfort in your life?**
* **How does the promise of God's ultimate deliverance and sovereignty over death shape your perspective on present suffering and future hope?**

### FAQ

**What does "hell" mean in Psalms 18:5?**

Answer: In Psalms 18:5, the King James Version's translation of "hell" comes from the Hebrew word *Sheol* (שְׁאוֹל). In the Old Testament, *Sheol* refers to the grave, the realm of the dead, or a state of extreme danger and near-death experience. It does not typically denote a place of eternal punishment as "hell" is often understood in modern theology. Therefore, "the sorrows of hell" signifies the anguish, cords, or pangs associated with facing death itself or being on the verge of perishing, emphasizing the power or dominion of death over a person. This understanding is crucial for grasping the context of David's profound distress and God's subsequent deliverance from mortal peril, as seen in other passages like [Jonah 2:2](/jonah/2-2 "Jonah's Prayer from Sheol") where Jonah cries out from the "belly of Sheol."

**How does the KJV's use of "prevented" differ from its modern meaning?**

Answer: The word "prevented" in Psalms 18:5 (KJV) uses an older English meaning that is significantly different from its modern usage. In the 17th century, when the King James Version was translated, "prevented" (from the Latin *praevenire*) meant "came before," "confronted," "met unexpectedly," or "anticipated." It did not mean "hindered" or "stopped" as it does today. So, "the snares of death prevented me" means that the traps or dangers of death suddenly came upon David, ambushed him, or confronted him, catching him off guard and surrounding him before he could react or escape. This emphasizes the sudden, inescapable, and overwhelming nature of the peril David faced, highlighting his vulnerability and the unexpectedness of the life-threatening situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 18:5 vividly describes David's personal experience of being encompassed by the anguish and snares of death, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's near-death experience and subsequent deliverance powerfully foreshadow the greater reality of Christ's descent into the very depths of death and His glorious resurrection. Jesus truly entered the "sorrows of hell" (the grave, the dominion of death) when He died on the cross, taking upon Himself the full weight of sin and its consequence, which is death. The "snares of death" truly "prevented" (confronted) Him, as He willingly submitted to the power of the grave. However, unlike David, who was delivered from the *threat* of death, Jesus actually *conquered* death, rising victorious from the tomb. His resurrection demonstrates that the cords of death could not hold Him (as prophesied in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up, Loosing the Pangs of Death")). Through His triumph, Christ disarmed the power of death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")), offering ultimate deliverance from the spiritual and physical "snares of death" to all who believe in Him. He is the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), ensuring that for believers, death is not a final snare but a gateway to eternal life in His presence.

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 86:13

For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

Psalms 88:3

For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

Psalms 88:8

Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: [I am] shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Psalms 116:3

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

Psalms 88:15

I [am] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth up: [while] I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

Psalms 88:17

They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.