Devine Scripture

Psalms 91:12

What does Psalms 91:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 91:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 91:12 means

This verse offers a vivid illustration of the angels' protective ministry. They "shall bear thee up in their hands," a tender and careful image suggesting extreme care and prevention of harm. The purpose is specific: "Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." This speaks not only of preventing major catastrophes but also of guarding against even seemingly small hurts or stumbling blocks in life's journey. It assures the believer of meticulous, moment-by-moment divine protection, ensuring a steady path under their care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In their hands they will keep you up, so that your foot may not be crushed against a stone.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

On the hands they bear thee up, Lest thou smite against a stone thy foot.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

My eye also hath looked down upon my enemies: and my ear shall hear of the downfall of the malignant that rise up against me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Context

Following the introduction of angelic guardianship in verse 11, this verse provides a concrete example of their protective actions. It illustrates the meticulous care the angels provide, covering even minor potential harms. This specific example builds upon the general promise, preparing the reader for the even more profound declaration of victory over formidable dangers in verse 13, emphasizing total security.

v.11For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.

v.12This passage

v.13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 46:3

    Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borneby mefrom their birth, that have been carried from the womb;

  • Psalms 37:24

    Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.

  • Matthew 4:6

    and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.

  • Proverbs 3:23

    Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.

  • Isaiah 63:9

    In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

  • Job 5:23

    For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

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