Psalms 121:6
Psalms 121:6 in Multiple Translations
The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night.
You will not be touched by the sun in the day, or by the moon at night.
The sun won't hurt you during the day, nor the moon at night.
The sunne shall not smite thee by day, nor the moone by night.
By day the sun doth not smite thee, Nor the moon by night.
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.
He will not allow the sun to harm us during the day, and he will not allow the moon to harm us during the night.
Yes, God will always look after you, in the day time and in the night time. He will always keep you safe. He will stop anything from hurting you. Not even the hot sun or the moon will hurt you. He will not let anything finish you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 121:6
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 121:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יוֹמָ֗ם
הַ/שֶּׁ֥מֶשׁ
לֹֽא
יַכֶּ֗/כָּה
וְ/יָרֵ֥חַ
בַּ/לָּֽיְלָה
יוֹמָ֗ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
הַ/שֶּׁ֥מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַכֶּ֗/כָּה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/יָרֵ֥חַ
yârêach
H3394
moon
Conj | N-ms
בַּ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 121:6
יוֹמָ֗ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/שֶּׁ֥מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
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.
יַכֶּ֗/כָּה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וְ/יָרֵ֥חַ
yârêach
H3394
"moon"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to the moon, the natural satellite of the earth. It is used in the Bible to describe the moon and its phases.
Definition: moon
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: moon. Yrechow. See H3405 (יְרִיחוֹ). See also: Genesis 37:9; Psalms 121:6; Psalms 8:4.
בַּ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 121:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 121:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
- Sermons on Psalms 121:6
Context — I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills
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.
7The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. 8The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 7:16 | ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ |
| 2 | Isaiah 49:10 | They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. |
| 3 | Psalms 91:5–10 | You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling— my refuge, the Most High— no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. |
| 4 | Jonah 4:8 | As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint and wished to die, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.” |
Psalms 121:6 Summary
[Psalms 121:6 is a beautiful promise from God that He will protect us from harm, whether it's during the day or at night. This means that we don't have to be afraid of anything, because God is always with us and watching over us, as seen in Psalms 23:4. We can trust in His love and care, and know that He will keep us safe, just like a parent keeps their child safe, as seen in Matthew 7:11. By trusting in God's protection, we can live a life that is free from fear and anxiety, and filled with peace and joy, as seen in John 14:27.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of harm is the sun and moon supposed to cause in Psalms 121:6?
The sun and moon can cause physical harm, such as sunburn or the harsh conditions of nighttime, but in this context, God is promising to protect us from any evil or harm that may come our way, as seen in Psalms 121:7 where it says The LORD will guard you from all evil.
Is this promise only for Israelites, or can anyone claim it?
This promise is for all who put their trust in God, as seen in Psalms 121:2 which says My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, indicating that God's help is available to all people, regardless of their background or nationality, as also seen in Romans 11:25-26.
How can we be sure that God will keep this promise?
We can be sure because God is our keeper and watchman, as stated in Psalms 121:5, and He neither slumbers nor sleeps, as seen in Psalms 121:4, ensuring that He is always vigilant and ready to protect us, just like a loving parent watches over their child, as seen in Matthew 7:11.
What does it mean for the sun to strike us by day, or the moon by night?
This phrase is likely a metaphor for any kind of harm or danger that may come our way during the day or night, and God is promising to protect us from those dangers, giving us peace and security, as seen in Philippians 4:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's protection in my life, and how can I be more mindful of His presence and care?
- How can I trust God more fully to keep me safe from harm, and what are some things that I can do to cultivate that trust?
- In what ways do I feel vulnerable or exposed to harm, and how can I bring those feelings to God in prayer, asking for His protection and care?
- What are some things that I can do to rest in God's promise of protection, and to live a life that is free from fear and anxiety?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:6
The sun shall not smite thee by day,.... With its rays, which it shoots forth like darts, and which fly swiftly, and pierce and hurt: hence Apollo, the same with the sun, is represented with a bow
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:6
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The sun shall not smite thee by day - with heat. Nor the moon by night - with cold.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
The sun shall not smite thee with excessive heat, nor the moon with that cold and moisture which comes into the air by it and with it. Intemperate heats and colds are the two springs of many diseases. He alludes both to the conditions of soldiers or travellers, who are exposed to the open air by day and by night, and also to the cloudy pillar which defended the Israelites both by day and by night. The sense is, He shall protect thee from all evils both by day and night.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
Psalms 121:6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.Ver. 6. The sun shall not smite thee by day] So choice and chary is God of his children, that he will have no creature to hurt them (parching heat by day or pinching cold by night), but both north and south must blow good to them, Son 4:16, and all creatures must cater for them, Hosea 2:21-22, yet ever with exception of the cross, if need be, 1 Peter 1:6. But let the pope be the sun and the emperor the moon (as the canonists called them), yet the sun shall not smite the Church by day nor the moon by night. Luther was at the same time excommunicated by the pope and proscribed by the emperor; yet died he in his bed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
(6) Smite thee.—The mention of shade leads to the amplification of the figure. The evil effects of sunstroke are too well known to need comment. They are often mentioned in the Bible (2 Kings 4:18; 2 Kings 4:20; Jonah 4; Jdt 8:3). Nor the moon by night.—Possibly there is allusion to the belief, so common in old times, of the harmful influence of the moon’s light—a belief still recalled in the word lunacy. It is a fact that temporary blindness is often caused by moonlight. (See authorities referred to by Ewald and Delitzsch.) Others, again, think that the injurious cold of the night is here placed in antithesis to the heat of the noonday sun (comp. Genesis 31:40; Jeremiah 36:30), the impression that intense cold burns being common in the East, as indeed everywhere. Tennyson speaks of the moon being “keen with frost.” But it is also possible that the generally harmful effects of night air are intended.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
Verse 6. The sun shall not smite thee by day] Thus expressed by the Chaldee: "The morning spectres shall not smite thee by day, during the government of the sun; nor the nocturnal spectres by night, during the government of the moon." I believe the psalmist simply means, they shall not be injured by heat nor cold; by a sun-stroke by day, nor a frost-bite by night.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:6
6. The metaphor is naturally suggested by ‘shade’ in Psalms 121:5. Sunstroke is of course common and dangerous in the East (2 Kings 4:19; Isaiah 49:10); and the belief in ‘moonstroke’ as and is widely spread.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:6
The sun shall not smite thee by day - The Septuagint renders this, “shall not burn thee” - συγκαύσει sungkausei. So the Latin Vulgate.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:6
6. Sun shall not smite, etc.—It is well known that a sunstroke in the East is a common liability, sometimes producing instant death to man and beast. Probably 2 Kings 4:18-20, was an instance.
Sermons on Psalms 121:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Revelation 7-9 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon on the book of Revelation, the speaker begins by recapping the previous chapters. He describes the heavenly scene where John sees the throne of God and the worship o |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 4 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, Dr. McCabe talks about the importance of awakening and rising up in the Lord. He refers to three calls to awake: one to the arm of the Lord, one to Jerusalem in its |
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The Blessedness of the Hungry and the Thirsty by Michael Durham | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. He encourages listeners to return to the Father's table and seek spiritual no |
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Rev. 21:10. the Holy City by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar preaches about the Holy City, the heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing its divine origin and the necessity of the blood of the Lamb for its purification and the protectio |
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Matthew 15:32 to End. Christ Feeds Five Thousand With Seven Loaves. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the compassion and beneficence of our Lord, as seen in the feeding of the multitude with five loaves and two fish. He highlights the importance o |
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Hungering by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness that arises from a deep awareness of one's own sinfulness and need for salvation. He explains that t |
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Our Lord's First Miracle John 2:1-12 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, emphasizing the significance of His presence at joyful occasions and the importance of inviting Him into our lives |