Psalms 121:5
What does Psalms 121:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 121:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 121:5 means
Jehovah is here specifically identified as "thy keeper," personally addressing the individual with a promise of direct, active protection. This reiterates the personal nature of God's care. Furthermore, He is described as "thy shade upon thy right hand." This imagery evokes the protection from the harsh sun afforded by a natural shelter or a servant holding a parasol. The right hand, often associated with strength and activity, suggests that God's protection is always present and active, covering and defending one in their daily endeavors.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> thy preserver, Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> thy shade on thy right hand,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because their seats have sat in judgment, seats upon the house of David.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is thy keeper, Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand;
Context
Having established God's identity as the ultimate Helper and His continuous vigilance in the preceding verses, this verse further personalizes this divine care. It moves from general statements about God's watchfulness to a direct assurance of His role as a personal protector and a source of immediate relief. This then naturally leads to specific examples of this protection against environmental hazards in the next verse, illustrating the practical implications of God being one's keeper.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 109:31
For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, To save him from them that judge his soul.
- Isaiah 25:4
For thou hast been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.
- Psalms 16:8
I have set Jehovah always before me: Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
- Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
- Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
- Isaiah 4:5
And Jehovah will create over the whole habitation of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be spread a covering.
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