Psalms 71:3
Psalms 71:3 in Multiple Translations
Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; For thou art my rock and my fortress.
Be my strong Rock, the strong place of my salvation; for you are my Rock, and my safe place.
Please listen to me, and save me. Be my rock of protection where I can always go and hide. You gave the command to save me; for you are my rock and fortress.
Be thou my strong rocke, whereunto I may alway resort: thou hast giuen commandement to saue me: for thou art my rocke, and my fortresse.
Be to me for a rock — a habitation, To go in continually, Thou hast given command to save me, For my rock and my bulwark [art] Thou.
Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Be thou my strong habitation, to which I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Let the mountains receive peace for the people: and the hills justice.
Be like an overhanging rock [MET] under which I can be safe/protected; be like a strong fortress in which I am safe [DOU]. You continually command (OR, Continually command) your angels to rescue me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 71:3
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 71:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֱיֵ֤ה
לִ֨/י
לְ/צ֥וּר
מָע֡וֹן
לָ/ב֗וֹא
תָּמִ֗יד
צִוִּ֥יתָ
לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
כִּֽי
סַלְעִ֖/י
וּ/מְצוּדָתִ֣/י
אָֽתָּה
הֱיֵ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֨/י
Prep | Suff
לְ/צ֥וּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
Prep | N-ms
מָע֡וֹן
mâʻôwn
H4583
habitation
N-cs
לָ/ב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
תָּמִ֗יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
צִוִּ֥יתָ
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
סַלְעִ֖/י
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מְצוּדָתִ֣/י
mâtsûwd
H4686
net
Conj | N-cs | Suff
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 71:3
הֱיֵ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֨/י
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/צ֥וּר
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.
מָע֡וֹן
mâʻôwn
H4583
"habitation"
N-cs
This Hebrew word means a dwelling place, like a home for people or animals, and can also refer to a safe haven or refuge, as seen in the Tabernacle or Temple.
Definition: 1) dwelling, habitation, refuge 1a) lair, refuge (of jackals) 1b) dwelling
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: den, dwelling((-) place), habitation. See also: Deuteronomy 26:15; Psalms 90:1; Psalms 26:8.
לָ/ב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
תָּמִ֗יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
צִוִּ֥יתָ
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑/נִי
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
סַלְעִ֖/י
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
N-ms | Suff
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
וּ/מְצוּדָתִ֣/י
mâtsûwd
H4686
"net"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Matsud is a fortress or strong hold, like a castle or net, used for protection and capture, as mentioned in Psalm 31:4. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: 1) net, prey, net prey 1a) net 1b) prey
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place. See also: 1 Samuel 22:4; Job 39:28; Psalms 18:3.
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 71:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 71:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
- Sermons on Psalms 71:3
Context — Be My Rock of Refuge
1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me.
3Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.
4Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless. 5For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:9 | Because you have made the LORD your dwelling— my refuge, the Most High— |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:10 | The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. |
| 4 | Psalms 31:2–3 | Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance. For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name. |
| 5 | Psalms 91:11–12 | For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 33:27 | The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, giving the command, ‘Destroy him!’ |
| 7 | Psalms 42:8 | The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life. |
| 8 | Psalms 44:4 | You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. |
| 9 | Isaiah 33:16 | he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. |
| 10 | Psalms 68:28 | Summon Your power, O God; show Your strength, O God, which You have exerted on our behalf. |
Psalms 71:3 Summary
This verse, Psalms 71:3, is a prayer to God, asking Him to be a place of safety and protection, where we can run to in times of trouble. The psalmist is trusting in God's power and authority to rescue him from his troubles, just like God rescued David in 1 Samuel 23:14. We can apply this verse to our own lives by recognizing that God is our ultimate source of safety and protection, and by trusting in Him to deliver us from our troubles, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11. By calling on God as our 'rock and refuge', we can find strength, protection, and security in Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call God a 'rock of refuge'?
This phrase, found in Psalms 71:3, signifies a place of safety and protection, where one can run to in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 18:2 and 2 Samuel 22:3, where God is also described as a rock and a fortress.
Why does the psalmist ask God to 'give the command to save' him?
The psalmist is asking God to intervene on his behalf, to rescue him from his troubles, trusting in God's power and authority, as expressed in Psalms 107:20, where it says 'He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions'
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
You can apply this verse by recognizing that God is your ultimate source of safety and protection, and by trusting in Him to deliver you from your troubles, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding'
What does it mean to say 'You are my rock and my fortress'?
This statement, found in Psalms 71:3, is a declaration of trust and dependence on God, acknowledging that He is the one who provides strength, protection, and security, as also expressed in Psalms 31:3, where David says 'You are my rock and my refuge'
Is this verse only for the psalmist or can it apply to me?
This verse can apply to anyone who calls on God as their rock and refuge, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, where it encourages believers to 'come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God to be my 'rock of refuge'?
- How can I practically trust in God's power and authority to save me from my troubles?
- What are some ways I can 'incline my ear' to God's voice and receive His guidance and rescue?
- In what ways can I declare my trust in God as my 'rock and fortress', just like the psalmist?
- How can I remember that God is always with me, even in times of trouble, and that He is my ultimate source of safety and protection?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:3
Be thou my strong habitation,.... This is very appropiately said, when David was driven out of his dwelling place, and palace at Jerusalem, by his son, as Kimchi observes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:3
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
Commandment; by which he understands God’ s purpose and promise, and his providence watching to execute them; all which are as certain and powerful as a command.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
Psalms 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress.Ver. 3. Thou hast given commandment] sc. To thine angels, and all other thy creatures; or, thou hast commanded, that is, thou hast promised.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
(3) Rock.—Better, cliff (Hebrew selah), to distinguish it from tsûr, above.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
Verse 3. Be thou my strong habitation] Instead of מען maon, habitation, many of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. read מעז maoz, munition or defence. Be thou my rock of defence. Thou hast given commandment to save me] Thou hast determined my escape, and hast ordered thy angels to guard me. See Psalms 91:11-12.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:3
3. Be thou my strong habitation] Better as R.V., Be thou to me a rock of habitation. God is called our habitation in Psalms 90:1; and the phrase may be an intentional modification of the words a rock of stronghold in Psalms 31:2. But some Heb. MSS., the LXX, Symm., and Targ., read stronghold here also, and the word mβ‘ τn (ξςεο) so closely resembles mβ‘ τz (ξςεζ) that the variation is probably due to accident. thou hast given commandment] Cp. Psalms 44:4; Psalms 68:28. To the three Heb. words rendered whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment correspond two words in Psalms 31:2, meaning for a fortress-house. The curious similarity of the consonants in the Heb. suggests that the reading of the Massoretic Text here is a restoration of partially obliterated or faded letters: and the LXX translators, though they give a different rendering, appear to have found the same reading here as in Psalms 31:2, or a closely similar one. The other Versions agree with the Massoretic Text. my rock] My cliff: a different word from that in the first line, recalling the ‘cliff’ (sela) where David had been so unexpectedly delivered from Saul (1 Samuel 23:25 ff.). On the metaphors see note on Psalms 18:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:3
Be thou my strong habitation - Margin, as in Hebrew, “Be thou to me for a rock of habitation.” That is, a rock where I may safely make my abode, or to which I may resort and feel safe.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:3
3. Strong habitation—Literally, my rock of habitation. Psalms 31:2. Continually resort—Continual going to God is the only safety. Commandment to save me—This is the language of faith.
Sermons on Psalms 71:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Be My Strong Habitation (Hiding in Him: Come Down, and Come in.) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of hiding in God as a strong habitation, where believers can find true safety and control through the Holy Spirit. He illustrates that th |
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Psalms 71:3 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is our ultimate refuge and stronghold, as illustrated by David's desire for intimacy with God, not just dwelling in His presence but making God his |
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Letter 128. by James Bourne | James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to Mrs. Tims, encouraging her to persevere in her faith despite challenges and doubts. He emphasizes the importance of seeking Christ's love |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Arrogance and Defeat by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to take the defeat and discouragement out of their spirits and hearts. He emphasizes that failure, whether in business or any othe |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Sources of Danger by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses a metaphor of a frozen eagle to illustrate how we can become entangled in the world and eventually be led to our downfall. He warns against compla |
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Christ in You the Hope of Glory - Version 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher explores the identity and significance of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the answer to who Jesus is and why He holds such a high position can be unde |
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Jewish vs. Hebraic by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the declining civilization and the lack of communication skills in today's generation. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and s |