Psalm 68:18 celebrates God's victorious ascent after triumphing over His enemies, receiving gifts among humanity. The psalm's original imagery concerns the LORD as the victorious divine King, probably in relation to His enthronement in Zion and His presence among His people.

Ephesians 4:7-13 quotes and adapts this verse in relation to Christ's exaltation. Paul describes the ascended Christ as the victorious Lord who gives gifts to His people, particularly ministries that build up the church. The wording in Ephesians emphasizes giving rather than receiving gifts, reflecting Paul's Christ-centered application of the victory motif. Because the apostle explicitly cites the psalm, the connection is strong: the triumphant ascent of God in Psalm 68 is applied to the exalted Christ who equips His church.