Psalms 121:3

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Psalms 121:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

King James Version KJV

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

American Standard Version ASV

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Bible in Basic English BBE

May he not let your foot be moved: no need of sleep has he who keeps you.

Free Bible Version FBV

He will not let you fall; he who watches over you won't fall asleep.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He wil not suffer thy foote to slippe: for he that keepeth thee, will not slumber.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

He suffereth not thy foot to be moved, Thy preserver slumbereth not.

World English Bible WEB

He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.

Translation for Translators T4T

He will not allow us to fall/stumble; God, who protects us, will not fall asleep.

Plain English Version PEV

He will always look after you so that you don’t get trouble. He is watching you all the time, to keep you safe. He never goes to sleep.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 121:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 121:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אַל יִתֵּ֣ן לַ/מּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑/ךָ אַל יָ֝נ֗וּם שֹֽׁמְרֶֽ/ךָ

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יִתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Juss-3ms

לַ/מּ֣וֹט môwṭ H4132 yoke Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

רַגְלֶ֑/ךָ regel H7272 foot N-fs | Suff

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

יָ֝נ֗וּם nûwm H5123 to slumber V-Qal-Juss-3ms

שֹֽׁמְרֶֽ/ךָ shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 121:3

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יִתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לַ/מּ֣וֹט môwṭ H4132 "yoke" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this word means a yoke or pole, often used for carrying. It appears in contexts like Exodus 27:10, referring to the poles used to carry the altar. The idea is something that provides support or stability.

Definition: 1) a shaking, wavering, pole, bar of yoke 1a) a shaking, tottering 1b) pole, bar (for carrying) 1c) bar of yoke

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bar, be moved, staff, yoke. See also: Numbers 4:10; Psalms 66:9; Psalms 121:3.

רַגְלֶ֑/ךָ regel H7272 "foot" N-fs | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

יָ֝נ֗וּם nûwm H5123 "to slumber" V-Qal-Juss-3ms

This verb means to fall into a light sleep or doze, often due to drowsiness. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who is sleepy or resting. The KJV translates it as sleep or slumber.

Definition: 1) to be drowsy, slumber, sleep 1a) (Qal) to slumber, be drowsy

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: sleep, slumber. See also: Psalms 76:6; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 121:3.

שֹֽׁמְרֶֽ/ךָ shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal | Suff

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

Study Notes — Psalms 121:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 121:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 121:3
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:3
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:3
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:3
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:3
Sermons on Psalms 121:3

Context — I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills

1I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

4Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 3:26	for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.
2	Proverbs 3:23	Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
3	1 Samuel 2:9	He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.
4	Psalms 91:12	They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
5	Psalms 127:1	Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
6	Isaiah 27:3	I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it;
7	Psalms 66:9	He preserves our lives and keeps our feet from slipping.
8	1 Peter 1:5	who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
9	Proverbs 2:8	to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.
10	Psalms 41:2	The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to surrender him to the will of his foes.

Psalms 121:3 Summary

This verse means that God promises to always be with us and protect us from harm, so we don't have to be afraid of stumbling or falling. It's like having a constant guardian who watches over us and keeps us safe, as seen in Psalms 121:3. This truth gives us confidence and peace, knowing that God is always looking out for us, just like a parent watches over their child (see Matthew 6:26). We can trust God to guide us through life's challenges and keep us from slipping into sin, because He is our loving and faithful Protector (see Proverbs 3:23).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God will not allow my foot to slip?

This means that God will not let us stumble or fall into sin, as He is our constant Protector, as seen in Psalms 121:3 and supported by Proverbs 3:23, which says that God will keep our feet from stumbling.

How can we be sure that God is always watching over us?

The Bible assures us that God never slumbers nor sleeps, as stated in Psalms 121:3-4, and this truth is also echoed in Isaiah 40:28, which says that God does not grow tired or weary.

What is the significance of God being our Protector?

As our Protector, God shields us from harm and guides us through life's challenges, as seen in Psalms 121:3, and this concept is also reinforced in Deuteronomy 32:10, which describes God as shielding His people and caring for them.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in our daily lives, protecting and guiding us, as stated in Psalms 121:3, and this truth is also reflected in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope for the future.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm slipping or stumbling, and how can I trust God to be my Protector in those situations?
How does knowing that God never sleeps or slumbers give me confidence and peace in my daily life?
What are some ways that I can practically apply the truth of Psalms 121:3 to my relationships and decisions?
In what ways have I experienced God's protection and guidance in my life, and how can I share those stories with others to encourage them?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:3

He wilt not suffer thy foot to be moved,.... This is either an address of the psalmist to his own soul; or to any other good man, his friend and acquaintance, assuring of stability, and of final perseverance in grace to glory.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 121:3

He speaketh as it were from God to himself, but withal to the encouragement of his followers and of all good men. To be moved, to wit, so as fall into mischief. Will not slumber; will not overlook nor neglect any thing which is necessary for thy preservation.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:3

Psalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.Ver. 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved] Not greatly moved, Psalms 62:2, an utter prolapsion. He that keepeth thee will not slumber] And if King Philip could say that he could sleep securely because his friend Antipater watched by him, may not we be much more confident who have God to keep us?

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:3

(3) He will not.—The LXX. and Vulg. rightly, “may He not suffer,” &c. The Hebrew cannot be a simple negative. That it is Israel which is addressed the next verse seems to prove.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:3

Verse 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved] The foundation, God's infinite power and goodness, on which thou standest, cannot be moved; and whilst thou standest on this basis, thy foot cannot be moved.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:3

3, 4. It is possible to suppose that the speaker of Psa 121:1-2. addresses himself, but it is more natural to hear in these verses the voice of another speaker, answering the first with words of encouragement.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved - He will enable you to stand firm. You are safe in his protection. Compare the notes at Psalms 38:16.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:3

3. Thy foot to be moved—The word “moved” may signify to slip, slide, or to tremble, totter, or even to fall.

Sermons on Psalms 121:3

	Sermon	Description
	Studies in Esther-03 Esther 5-7 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to put their money to work for the Lord and engage in various acts of service and hospitality. The story of Esther is used as an ex
	Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers
	One Wrong Step—and Down We Go! by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the precarious nature of the Christian journey, illustrating how the path to life is both safe and fraught with dangers. He reflects on the ease with which
	(The Full Gospel) 14. Warnings to the Church for the Last Days by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the warnings found in Daniel 11:31-35 regarding the spirit of the antichrist infiltrating the church, defiling it with impurity, opposition to holiness, and
	Kingdom of God by John Follette	John Follette delves into the concept of 'the kingdom of God' as a vast realm of spiritual reality that Jesus introduces us to, emphasizing the need to adjust ourselves to this new
	Divine Cultivation by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine care and cultivation that God provides for His people, as illustrated in Isaiah 27:3. He highlights that God personally tends to His vineyard, e
	He Will Act for You! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is not passive and will act on our behalf against the devil's schemes. He draws parallels to Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, i