Psalms 18:36
You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalms 18:36
You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that "enlarged steps" means God removed hindrances, making the path not just survivable but stable. It points to a divine enabling that allows for firm footing, even in previously difficult or dangerous situations.
David is recounting his past struggles and God's powerful deliverance, detailing how God has equipped him for battle and kept him safe. Following his praise for God's strength and protection in verses leading up to this one, he now marvels at how God has provided a sure path forward, enabling him to advance without faltering even in difficult or treacherous circumstances.
Ever felt trapped, like you're navigating a path that's too small, too difficult, with no room to maneuver? This verse speaks directly to that feeling.
The phrase 'enlarged my steps' is a powerful image. It contrasts with a previous state of being confined, restricted, or 'straitened.' Imagine being in a cramped space, unable to move freely, where every step is a struggle. This is how David felt before God intervened.
God's action here is to create 'room' for him. This isn't just physical space; it signifies a change in circumstances, a removal of obstacles, and an opening up of opportunities. It means moving from a place of distress and pressure to a state of freedom and prosperity, where one can walk without hindrance.
Life throws curveballs that can make us feel like we're constantly on the verge of a fall. But what if God promises to keep our feet from slipping?
The second part of the verse, 'my feet did not slip,' speaks to profound stability. The original language can even refer to the ankle joint, suggesting a resilience that prevents even the most vulnerable part of our gait from faltering.
This isn't about never facing difficulty or never stumbling. Rather, it's about God's sustaining power. Even when the path is uneven or treacherous, God provides the steadiness needed to stand firm. It’s the assurance that our foundation is secure, and His strength prevents us from falling completely, ensuring we can continue our journey.
Understand the original words
rachab · Hebrew Verb/Noun phrase
In a biblical context, this refers to divine provision of freedom, success, and security, often portrayed as a large or unobstructed area where one can move without hindrance or threat.
regel · Hebrew Noun
Often used metaphorically for one's path in life, moral conduct, or the progress of one's journey before God; slipping represents falling into sin, failure, or ruin.
The 'wide place' and 'unfaltering steps' David describes in this psalm reflect his experience of God's deliverance from constant danger and his establishment in secure leadership after years of intense pursuit and hardship.
c. 1025-975 BC— this verse
David's Rise to Kingship
David's life was marked by intense struggle and pursuit by King Saul, followed by years of leading his own band and battling enemies before finally consolidating power as king over all Israel.
c. 1010 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital city and a strategic center for his growing kingdom.
c. 1005 BC
David Expands Israelite Territory
As king, David waged successful wars against surrounding nations like the Philistines, Moabites, and Syrians, significantly expanding Israel's borders and influence.
This passage speaks of a nation's strength in battle being dependent on God, directly mirroring how David's own success and stability in Psalm 18 stem from God's power, not his own.
Proverbs 4:12This proverb directly parallels the idea of God making one's path wide and unobstructed, providing a conceptual link to the 'enlarged steps' and 'feet did not slip' imagery.
Isaiah 40:31This verse describes those who wait on the Lord as renewing their strength, soaring like eagles, running without growing weary, and walking without becoming faint, echoing the themes of divine enablement and steadfastness in movement.
Romans 8:31This New Testament passage powerfully asserts that if God is for us, nothing can be against us, reinforcing the ultimate security and unshakeable standing believers have when God is their support, much like David's experience.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse offers assurance that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability, providing a way of escape, which speaks to God's provision for our stability and preventing us from 'slipping' when faced with trials.
clarkePsalms 18:36: "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
Enlarged my steps - See on Psalm 18:19 (note). From the hand of God he had continual prosperity; and while he walked with God no enemy was able to prevail against him. He details his successes in the following verses.
barnesPsalms 18:36: "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip."
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me - The idea here is, "Thou hast made room for my feet, so that I have been enabled to walk without hindrance or obstruction. So in Psalm 31:8 , "Thou hast set my feet in a large room." The idea is, that he was before straitened, compressed, hindered in his goings, but that now all obstacles had been taken out of the way, and he could walk freely. That my feet did not slip - Margi…
This verse highlights that "enlarged steps" means God removed hindrances, making the path not just survivable but stable. It points to a divine enabling that allows for firm footing, even in previously difficult or dangerous situations.
David is recounting his past struggles and God's powerful deliverance, detailing how God has equipped him for battle and kept him safe. Following his praise for God's strength and protection in verses leading up to this one, he now marvels at how God has provided a sure path forward, enabling him to advance without faltering even in difficult or treacherous circumstances.
David is recounting his past struggles and God's powerful deliverance, detailing how God has equipped him for battle and kept him safe. Following his praise for God's strength and protection in verses leading up to this one, he now marvels at how God has provided a sure path forward, enabling him to advance without faltering even in difficult or treacherous circumstances.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 18:36 is available in the Sola app.
"You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." — This verse highlights that "enlarged steps" means God removed hindrances, making the path not just survivable but stable. It points to a divine enabling that allows for firm footing, even in previous…