Psalms 121:7
What does Psalms 121:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 121:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 121:7 means
This verse broadens the scope of God's protection from specific environmental threats to a comprehensive promise: "Jehovah will keep thee from all evil." This encompasses not only physical dangers but also spiritual, emotional, and moral harms. The subsequent phrase, "He will keep thy soul," emphasizes the deep and encompassing nature of this preservation. It speaks to the protection of one's very being, their inner self, ensuring spiritual health and eternal welfare. This points towards Christ, who ultimately provides deliverance from sin and eternal evil.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; He will keep thy soul.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; He will keep thy soul.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord will keep you safe from all evil; he will take care of your soul.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah preserveth thee from all evil, He doth preserve thy soul.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; he will keep thy soul.
Context
Having given specific examples of protection in verse 6, this verse expands the promise to an all-encompassing guardianship against every form of evil. It signifies a transition from particular instances of care to a holistic, deep-seated preservation, particularly of one's inner self. This comprehensive promise then culminates in the final verse, which extends this protection across all of life's activities and into eternity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 91:9
For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation;
- Matthew 6:13
And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
- 2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- Romans 8:28
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.
- 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.
- Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 121
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 121.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.