Psalms 121:6
What does Psalms 121:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 121:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 121:6 means
This verse provides concrete examples of the kind of harm from which Jehovah protects His people. It specifically mentions that "The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night." In the ancient world, both the intense midday sun and the perceived harmful influences of the moon (such as moonstroke or night terrors) were threats. This promise signifies God's comprehensive protection against both obvious and subtle dangers, ensuring safety through all hours and against various environmental perils, implying His sovereign control over creation for the benefit of His people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You will not be touched by the sun in the day, or by the moon at night.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862By day the sun doth not smite thee, Nor the moon by night.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
Context
Following the general declaration of God as a personal keeper and shade in verse 5, this verse offers specific, tangible examples of His protective action. It illustrates how His continuous watchfulness translates into protection from daily and nightly dangers. This delineation of specific threats acts as a bridge to the broader, all-encompassing declaration of preservation from all evil in the next verse, demonstrating the scope of God's guardianship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 91:5
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
- Jonah 4:8
And it came to pass, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
- Isaiah 49:10
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water will he guide them.
- Revelation 7:16
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat:
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