Psalms 121:3
What does Psalms 121:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 121:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 121:3 means
This verse offers the first specific assurance of God's protection. It declares that Jehovah will not allow His people to stumble or be moved from their secure standing. This speaks to both physical safety on a journey and spiritual steadfastness. The reason for this unwavering protection is immediately given: "He that keepeth thee will not slumber." This highlights God's constant vigilance, emphasizing that He is always attentive and never caught unaware, providing continuous oversight and care.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949May he not let your foot be moved: no need of sleep has he who keeps you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He suffereth not thy foot to be moved, Thy preserver slumbereth not.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Context
Building upon the declaration of God as the Helper in verse 2, this verse begins to detail the nature of His protective care. It addresses a specific concern—stumbling or falling—and introduces the vital characteristic of God's wakefulness. This sets up a further elaboration on God's tireless watchfulness in the next verse, providing an increasingly concrete picture of His commitment to His people's safety.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 127:1
Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.
- Proverbs 3:23
Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.
- Psalms 41:2
Jehovah will preserve him, and keep him alive, And he shall be blessed upon the earth; And deliver not thou him unto the will of his enemies.
- Psalms 91:12
They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
- 1 Samuel 2:9
He will keep the feet of his holy ones; But the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; For by strength shall no man prevail.
- Psalms 66:9
Who holdeth our soul in life, And suffereth not our feet to be moved.
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