Psalms 18:33

He gives me the agility of a deer; ¹  he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. ² 

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me upon my high places.

He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights.

Now I run like a deer; I'm king of the mountain.

He makes my feet like roes’ feet, and puts me on high places.

He made my feet like the feet of a deer, and set me secure on the heights.

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.

He gives me the agility of a deer; ¹  he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. ² 

¹ tn Heb “[the one who] makes my feet like [those of ] a deer.”

² tn Heb “and on my high places he makes me walk.” The imperfect verbal form emphasizes God’s characteristic provision. The psalmist compares his agility in battle to the ability of a deer to negotiate rugged, high terrain without falling or being injured.

sn Habakkuk uses similar language to describe his faith during difficult times. See Hab 3:19.