Psalms 121:4
What does Psalms 121:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 121:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 121:4 means
Expanding on the theme of divine vigilance introduced in the previous verse, this verse emphasizes the unique and absolute watchfulness of God. It explicitly states that the Keeper of Israel will "neither slumber nor sleep." This is a powerful contrast to human limitations, as even the most diligent human watchman eventually needs rest. God, however, is perpetually awake, meaning His protective gaze and active care are unending, making His promises of security entirely reliable and ceaseless.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, he that keepeth Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, he that keepeth Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, the eyes of Israel's keeper will not be shut in sleep.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, He slumbereth not, nor sleepeth, He who is preserving Israel.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, he that keepeth Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Context
This verse reinforces and intensifies the promise of God's constant vigilance introduced in verse 3. By reiterating and strengthening the concept of God's wakefulness, it underscores the completeness and reliability of His protection. This affirmation of God's unceasing watchfulness then transitions into further descriptions of His active guardianship, detailing precisely how He acts as a perpetual keeper in the verses that follow.
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.
- 1 Kings 18:27
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for he is a god: either he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth and must be awaked.
- Psalms 27:1
Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
- Ecclesiastes 8:16
When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes),
- Psalms 32:7
Thou art my hiding-place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. [Selah
- Isaiah 27:3
I Jehovah am its keeper; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
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