Psalm 132 18

Psalm 132:18 kjv

His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

Psalm 132:18 nkjv

His enemies I will clothe with shame, But upon Himself His crown shall flourish."

Psalm 132:18 niv

I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown."

Psalm 132:18 esv

His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine."

Psalm 132:18 nlt

I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but he will be a glorious king."

Psalm 132 verses

Psalm 132 18 Meaning

Psalm 132:18 speaks of God's definitive actions concerning the Davidic king and his adversaries. It declares God's active role in disgracing and defeating the king's enemies, by publicly "clothing" them with deep humiliation and failure. Conversely, it assures that the king himself, and by extension his lineage and authority, will experience flourishing prominence, lasting honor, and enduring glory, depicted by his crown radiantly thriving. This verse embodies God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, ensuring ultimate triumph for His chosen one and complete subjugation of his opponents.

Psalm 132 18 Context

Psalm 132 is a Psalm of Ascent, traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Its central theme is God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to David and His chosen dwelling place, Zion. The psalm opens with a recollection of King David's fervent desire and oath to find a permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant, demonstrating his devotion to God's presence (vv. 1-5). It then describes the joyful bringing of the Ark to Zion (vv. 6-9). The psalm shifts to God's solemn promise, made to David (vv. 11-12), ensuring the perpetuity of his lineage on the throne if his descendants would remain faithful. However, the greater emphasis lies on God's own election of Zion as His permanent dwelling place (vv. 13-16). In verse 17, God declares that He will cause "a horn to sprout for David," a symbol of strength and power, and that He will light a "lamp for My anointed," signifying the ongoing reign and visibility of the Davidic king. Verse 18 then serves as the culminating assurance of God's active protection and glorification of His chosen king, directly contrasting the fate of his adversaries with the enduring glory of his crown. The immediate context of divine promises of strength, lamp, and blessing leads directly into this declaration of judgment for enemies and resplendence for the king.

Psalm 132 18 Word analysis

• His enemies: Hebrew, ’oyĕbayv (אֳיְבָיו). This refers to adversaries of the Davidic king. In a broader sense, these are ultimately God's enemies, as an attack on God's anointed represents opposition to God's divine plan and covenant. They are the antithesis of the flourishing 'crown'.

• I will clothe: Hebrew, ’albish (אַלְבִּישׁ). This is a strong, intentional act of God, employing imagery of dressing. Clothing implies a public and inescapable condition, where shame becomes their defining characteristic, impossible to hide. It signifies total immersion and a visible declaration of their status. This divine action demonstrates God's sovereignty over the fate of kings and nations.

• with shame: Hebrew, boshet (בֹּשֶׁת). This word signifies deep humiliation, disgrace, and utter defeat. It’s the antithesis of honor and glory, indicating a state of being stripped of dignity and brought to naught. This is not just temporary embarrassment but a lasting, defining characteristic of their failed opposition to God’s plan. In the ancient world, public shame was a severe form of punishment and humiliation.

• but on him: Hebrew, v'alayv (וְעָלָיו). The preposition 'al' means 'upon' or 'over', placing emphasis directly on the king himself. This creates a powerful contrast with the previous clause, highlighting the two diametrically opposed fates decreed by God.

• his crown: Hebrew, nizro (נִזְרוֹ). This term typically refers to the royal crown, symbolizing kingship, authority, and consecration. While other words for crown exist (like keter), nezer also carries connotations of something set apart or consecrated (e.g., the Nazirite vow in Num 6:7, Lev 21:12 referring to the high priest's consecration). Here, it encapsulates the king's sacred, God-ordained authority and anointing, not merely a physical object. It represents his legitimate, divinely invested power and glory.

• shall flourish: Hebrew, yatzitz (יָצִיץ). The root tzutz (צוּץ) primarily means to sprout, blossom, or flash forth. Here, applied to a crown, it vividly portrays vibrancy, vitality, and brilliance. It implies the crown will not dim or decay but will perpetually thrive, grow in prominence, and radiate glory. Some interpretations also convey shining or resplendent. It speaks of the ever-increasing display of his legitimate, divinely sustained honor and reign.

• "His enemies I will clothe with shame": This phrase highlights divine judgment. God personally ensures the utter defeat and public humiliation of those who oppose His anointed. It speaks of their ultimate impotence and disgraceful end, showing God's protection of His chosen leader and plan. This active clothing imagery underscores that their disgrace is imposed by divine will, a direct consequence of their antagonism towards God's anointed.

• "but on him his crown will shine/flourish": This second contrasting phrase promises divine glorification. It asserts the perpetual and growing honor, authority, and success of the king. The image of a flourishing or shining crown implies enduring vitality, increasing prominence, and unceasing luster of his divinely given royal authority. This flourishing is not just human achievement but a result of God’s blessing and continuous favor.

Psalm 132 18 Bonus section

This verse contains a clear Messianic prophecy. While initially referring to the reigning Davidic king in Jerusalem, its ultimate fulfillment lies in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "Anointed One" (Messiah), the "Horn" that God made to sprout for David (Psa 132:17, Lk 1:69). The "enemies" are not merely political adversaries but all forces opposed to God's kingdom and Christ's rule, including sin, death, and spiritual evil. Their ultimate "shame" is witnessed in the defeat of death and the judgment of the unrighteous. Conversely, Christ's "crown" (representing His kingship and ultimate triumph over all dominion) truly flourishes and shines for eternity, as seen in His resurrection, ascension, and future glorious return (Phil 2:9-11). The term nizro (crown) hints at Jesus's dual role as king and priest, as nezer is also used for the high priest's holy crown, representing his consecrated status. This foreshadows Christ as the King-Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Heb 7:1-3). The Psalm of Ascent context adds depth, connecting the anticipation of Messiah's reign with pilgrimages to Jerusalem, implying that the return to God’s holy city would herald the full manifestation of this prophecy.

Psalm 132 18 Commentary

Psalm 132:18 serves as a powerful declaration of God's dual purpose regarding His anointed and their adversaries. It confirms the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David and his royal line. For the enemies, divine judgment is absolute and comprehensive: they will be "clothed with shame," meaning public and inescapable disgrace will be their very covering and identifying mark. This isn't mere embarrassment but total, humiliating defeat and moral degradation inflicted directly by God. In stark contrast, the king—ultimately the Messiah—will experience flourishing and radiating glory. His "crown," representing his reign, authority, and consecrated status, will not merely exist but will thrive with vitality and shine with splendor. This emphasizes the permanency and ever-increasing eminence of the Davidic kingdom, reaching its fullest expression in Christ, whose enemies have been defeated (Col 2:15, 1 Cor 15:25) and whose reign is glorious and everlasting (Rev 19:16). The verse is a testament to divine faithfulness, ensuring that ultimate vindication and victory belong to God's chosen King.

• Example: When obstacles and adversaries seem insurmountable, this verse assures that God is actively at work, promising disgrace to opponents and eventual triumph for those who walk in His ways and are connected to His Messiah.
• Example: In personal trials, one can find comfort that God’s purpose will shine, even when experiencing opposition or shame, mirroring the assured glory of the Davidic line despite its temporary struggles.