Psalms 27:1
What does Psalms 27:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 27:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 27:1 means
The psalmist begins with a powerful declaration of absolute trust in God. He identifies Jehovah as his illuminating truth, his deliverer from danger, and the very source of his vitality. This comprehensive understanding of God's role in his life eradicates all fear. Because God fulfills every essential need and provides ultimate security, there is no person or circumstance that can genuinely intimidate or threaten his peace. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, establishing a foundation of unwavering confidence in divine protection and provision.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is my light and my salvation; who is then a cause of fear to me? the Lord is the strength of my life; who is a danger to me?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862By David. Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> my light and my salvation, Whom do I fear? Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> the strength of my life, Of whom am I afraid?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Context
This verse opens Psalm 27 with a strong affirmation of God's character and the psalmist's resulting fearlessness. It immediately establishes the theme of profound trust that undergirds the entire chapter. This declaration of faith precedes any mention of troubles, setting the interpretive frame that God's presence is the primary reality, transcending any adversity that follows.
v.1This passage
v.2When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.
- Psalms 3:8
Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. [Selah
- Revelation 22:5
And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
- Exodus 15:2
Jehovah is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: This is my God, and I will praise him; My father’s God, and I will exalt him.
- Psalms 118:21
I will give thanks unto thee; for thou hast answered me, And art become my salvation.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 27
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 27.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
Topic
Bible Verses About Discouragement
When life’s challenges weigh heavily on our hearts, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and guidance to overcome discouragement.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
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.