Psalms 61:3
Psalms 61:3 in Multiple Translations
For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
For you have been my secret place, and my high tower from those who made war on me.
for you are my protection, a strong tower where my enemies cannot attack me.
For thou hast bene mine hope, and a strong tower against the enemie.
For Thou hast been a refuge for me, A tower of strength because of the enemy.
For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
For he is my God and my saviour: he is my protector, I shall be moved no more.
You have been my refuge; you have been like a strong tower [MET] in which I am safe from being attacked by my enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 61:3
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 61:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/קְצֵ֤ה
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
אֶ֭קְרָא
בַּ/עֲטֹ֣ף
לִבִּ֑/י
בְּ/צוּר
יָר֖וּם
מִמֶּ֣/נִּי
תַנְחֵֽ/נִי
מִ/קְצֵ֤ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֶ֭קְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בַּ/עֲטֹ֣ף
ʻâṭaph
H5848
to turn aside
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/צוּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
Prep | N-ms
יָר֖וּם
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִמֶּ֣/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
תַנְחֵֽ/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
to lead
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 61:3
מִ/קְצֵ֤ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֶ֭קְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בַּ/עֲטֹ֣ף
ʻâṭaph
H5848
"to turn aside"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to feel weak or faint, like when someone is overwhelmed and can't cope. It appears in the Bible when people are struggling, like in Psalm 61:2. The word also means to be covered or hidden.
Definition: 1) to turn aside 1a) (Qal) to turn aside, turn (in order to cover)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cover (over), fail, faint, feebler, hide self, be overwhelmed, swoon. See also: Genesis 30:42; Psalms 107:5; Psalms 61:3.
לִבִּ֑/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
בְּ/צוּר
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
Prep | N-ms
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
יָר֖וּם
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
מִמֶּ֣/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
תַנְחֵֽ/נִי
nâchâh
H5148
"to lead"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 61:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 61:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 61:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 61:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 61:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 61:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
- Sermons on Psalms 61:3
Context — You Have Heard My Vows
1Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.
2From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.
4Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah 5For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:10 | The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. |
| 2 | Psalms 62:7 | My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. |
| 3 | Psalms 140:7 | O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. |
| 4 | Psalms 116:2 | Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. |
| 5 | Psalms 18:2 | The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 1:10 | He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:3–4 | “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. |
| 8 | Psalms 4:6–7 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. |
Psalms 61:3 Summary
Psalms 61:3 tells us that God is our safe place, where we can run for protection from the things that scare us or hurt us. Just like a strong tower keeps us safe from harm, God keeps us safe from our enemies and the hard things in life (as seen in Psalms 91:4). When we feel weak or afraid, we can remember that God is our rock and our strength, and He will help us through the tough times (like in Deuteronomy 33:27). By trusting in God and His love for us, we can find peace and feel safe, no matter what is happening around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to be a 'refuge' as mentioned in Psalms 61:3?
In this context, a refuge refers to a safe place or shelter from danger or trouble, much like the concept of God being our rock in Psalms 18:2 or our hiding place in Psalms 32:7.
Who is the enemy that God is a tower of strength against?
The enemy can refer to both spiritual forces of darkness, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, and the challenges or pressures of life that we face, knowing that God is our strength in times of trouble as seen in Psalms 46:1.
How can we experience God as our tower of strength?
We can experience God's strength by trusting in Him, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by seeking a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer and reading His word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:114.
What role does faith play in making God our refuge and tower of strength?
Faith is crucial as it allows us to trust in God's power and promises, like the promise in Matthew 28:20 that He will be with us always, and to seek refuge in Him during times of distress or fear, as seen in the example of David in Psalms 23:4.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have you seen God be your refuge in times of trouble, and how did that experience shape your faith?
- How does understanding God as a 'tower of strength' change your approach to facing challenges or enemies in your life?
- Reflect on a current situation where you feel overwhelmed; how can you apply the truth of Psalms 61:3 to find strength and refuge in God?
- What practices or habits can you develop to deepen your trust in God as your refuge and strength, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 61:3
For thou hast been a shelter for me,.... Or "refuge" (y), from avenging justice; a hiding place and covert from the storms and tempests of divine wrath; a shadow and a screen from the heat of Satan's
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 61:3
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. For thou hast been a shelter for me - and always art so. And a strong tower from the enemy - literally, 'from the face of the enemy' (Proverbs 18:10).
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy.Ver. 3. For thou hast been a shelter for me] Thou hast, and therefore thou wilt, is an ordinary Scripture medium, and well it may; for God is unchangeable, and his decree for preserving his people is (as the poet saith well) ουπαλιναγρετον, Irrevocable.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
(3) A strong tower.—Comp. Proverbs 18:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
Verse 3. Thou hast been a shelter for me] During the whole duration of the captivity God marvellously dealt with the poor Jews; so that, although they were cast down, they were not utterly forsaken.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 61:3
3. For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy (R.V.). He appeals to past experience. “In Thee have I taken refuge” is the constant cry with which faith approaches God (Psalms 7:1; Psalms 11:1; Psalms 16:1; Psalms 31:1; Psalms 57:1; Psalms 71:1; &c.). In Psalms 18:2 David addresses God as “my Rock in whom I take refuge.” We may see from Judges 9:51 what ‘a strong tower’ meant literally: for the metaphor cp. Proverbs 18:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 61:3
For thou hast been a shelter for me - A place of refuge; a place where I have found safety. He refers here to what had occurred in former times.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 61:3
3. For thou hast been a shelter… a strong tower—A bringing out the figure of “the rock… higher than I,” in previous verse. Thou hast been— A remembrance of former mighty perils and deliverances.
Sermons on Psalms 61:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Praise - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praise in the life of a believer. He shares his personal experience of going through inner conflicts and finding resolution |
|
Keys to Prevailing Prayer by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking His will in our prayers. He uses the example of Little Douglas MacArthur and the miraculous res |
|
Shadows of the Great Rock by John MacDuff | John MacDuff preaches about Christ being the ultimate shelter and refuge for His people, using the imagery of a rock providing shade in the desert to illustrate how Christ adapts t |
|
The Chief by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that Christ is the chief good, the ultimate source of all goodness for Christians. He illustrates how Christ fulfills every need, serving as bread for nour |
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March 1. 1678. the Flaming Tent. a Vision. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the importance of wisely using our time to seek favor with God, emphasizing the need for a solid testimony within us before the sudden and dreadful day arr |
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The Name of Jehovah by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the significance of the name Jehovah as a strong tower where the righteous can find safety and refuge. It delves into various compound names of Jehovah found |
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Communism in China (Reading) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the method of spreading the gospel message to communist countries, particularly China. They describe how clear plastic envelopes containing th |