Psalms 121:4
Psalms 121:4 in Multiple Translations
Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
See, the eyes of Israel's keeper will not be shut in sleep.
In fact he who watches over you doesn't take naps or fall asleep.
Beholde, he that keepeth Israel, wil neither slumber nor sleepe.
Lo, He slumbereth not, nor sleepeth, He who is preserving Israel.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
For thither did the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
The one who protects us Israeli people never gets sleepy, nor does he sleep [LIT].
That’s right. He always watches the Israel people, and he never sleeps.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 121:4
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 121:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּ֣ה
לֹֽא
יָ֭נוּם
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִישָׁ֑ן
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗ר
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָ֭נוּם
nûwm
H5123
to slumber
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִישָׁ֑ן
yâshên
H3462
to sleep
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 121:4
הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָ֭נוּם
nûwm
H5123
"to slumber"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִישָׁ֑ן
yâshên
H3462
"to sleep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Psalms 121:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 121:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
- Sermons on Psalms 121:4
Context — I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills
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. 6The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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; |
| 3 | Psalms 32:7–8 | You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 8:16 | When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night— |
| 5 | 1 Kings 18:27 | At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” |
| 6 | Psalms 27:1 | The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? |
| 7 | Revelation 7:15 | For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. |
Psalms 121:4 Summary
This verse means that God is always watching over us and never takes a break, which gives us peace and confidence in our lives. Just like a good parent is always ready to help their child, God is always ready to help and protect us, as seen in Psalms 121:4 and supported by verses like Matthew 6:26, where Jesus teaches us that if God takes care of the birds, He will certainly take care of us. This promise helps us trust in God's goodness and care for us, no matter what we are going through, and reminds us to pray and seek His help in all things, as encouraged in Psalm 55:22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep?
This means that God is always watching over and protecting His people, never taking a break or resting from His guardianship, as seen in Psalms 121:4 and supported by Jeremiah 32:19 which says God's eyes are open and always watching.
How can we trust that God is always protecting us?
We can trust in God's protection because of His promise in Psalms 121:4 and other scriptures like Deuteronomy 31:6, where God commands us to be strong and courageous because He will never leave or forsake us.
Is this promise only for Israel or does it apply to all believers?
While the specific promise in Psalms 121:4 is to Israel, the broader principle of God's constant care and protection applies to all believers, as seen in verses like Romans 8:28 and 1 Peter 5:7, which encourage all Christians to cast their cares on God because He cares for them.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is always awake and watching over us, ready to help and protect, which gives us peace and confidence in our daily lives, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7 to pray about everything and experience God's peace.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust in God's constant protection and care?
- How does the knowledge that God never sleeps impact my worries and fears?
- What are some ways I can practically apply the promise of Psalms 121:4 to my daily life and struggles?
- In what ways can I express my gratitude to God for His constant watchfulness over me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:4
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:4
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
Psalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.Ver. 4. Behold, he that keepeth, &c.] He repeateth that sweetest promise (that we may roll it as sugar under our tongues, that we may suck and be satisfied, Isaiah 66:11), and setteth it forth with a behold, q.d. mark it, "and know thou it for thy good," Job 5:27. Shall neither slumber nor sleep] Shall not fetch one wink of sleep. Dormitamus priusquam dormiamus, we slumber before we sleep; but God shall do neither. His seven eyes are ever open, yea, they run to and fro through the whole earth, Zechariah 4:10, sc. spectat universes, quasi singulos; sic singulos, quasi solos. Howbeit, he looketh with special care and complacency on the godly, Isaiah 66:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
(4) Slumber nor sleep.—This repetition, with the addition of a synonym, offers a very good instance of the step-like style supposed by many critics to give their name to these psalms. But it must be carefully noticed that there is no climax in the force of the two words, the first, if anything, being the stronger. It is used of the sleep of death (Psalms 76:5).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
Verse 4. He that keepeth Israel] The Divine Being represents himself as a watchman, who takes care of the city and its inhabitants during the night-watches; and who is never overtaken with slumbering or sleepiness. There is a thought in the Antigone of Sophocles, that seems the counterpart of this of the psalmist, Τανσαν, Ζευ, δυναμιντιςανδρων Ὑπερβασιακατασχοι, Τανουθ' ὑπνοςαἱ - ρειποθ' ὁπαντογηρως, Ακαματοιτεθεων Μηνες; Antig. ver. 613, Edit. Johnson. Shall men below control great Jove above, Whose eyes by all-subduing sleep Are never closed, as feeble mortals' are; But still their watchful vigil keep Through the long circle of th' eternal year? FRANKLIN.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:4
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 121:4
Behold, he that keepeth Israel - The Keeper - the Guardian - of his people. The psalmist here passes from his own particular case to a general truth - a truth to him full of consolation.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:4
4. He that keepeth Israel—The safety of Israel is due to the vigilant care of God. It is a divine gift. Neither slumber nor sleep—As the heathen gods were supposed to do. See 1 Kings 18:27.
Sermons on Psalms 121:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled in |
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(Titus - Part 4): In Hope of Eternal Life Ii by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of family night and invites everyone to attend. He then focuses on a passage from the book of Titus, where Paul de |
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Going Up to Zion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the presence of God in the worship of Israel. The people of Israel expected and called for a powerful manifestation of God |
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The Glory of God - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape. He emphasizes the contradiction and confusion that arose when Peter found himself i |
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Now Thee Alone I Seek by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to rearrange the verses of a hymn to prepare themselves for a powerful message in verse 2. He urges them to let go of worldly d |
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Judging, Being Judged, and the Marks of a Spiritual Minister by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the apostle Paul and his readiness for anything. He emphasizes the importance of being ready for God's calling and being dedicated to doing H |
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(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr |