Psalms 62:2 — Word Study
WLCאַךְ־ ה֣וּא צ֭וּרִי וִֽישׁוּעָתִ֑י מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗י לֹא־ אֶמּ֥וֹט רַבָּֽה׃
BSAaloneʼak [my sole refuge] and my salvationyᵉshûwʻâh [deliverance, victory]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַךְ־ | only | Adverb |
| ה֣וּא | he | Pronoun |
| צ֭וּרִי | [is] rock my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וִֽישׁוּעָתִ֑י | and salvation my | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗י | refuge my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| אֶמּ֥וֹט | I will be shaken | Verb, Niphal, imperfect first person common singular |
| רַבָּֽה׃ | much |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. |
| KJV | He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. |
| ASV | He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my high tower; I shall not be greatly moved. |
| YLT | Only — He [is] my rock, and my salvation, My tower, I am not much moved. |
| WEB | He alone is my rock, my salvation, and my fortress. I will never be greatly shaken. |
| BBE | He only is my Rock and my salvation; he is my high tower; I will not be greatly moved. |
All translations agree on the core message without significant variation.
The structure features a main clause followed by supporting phrases that reinforce the psalmist's declaration of faith.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbH4131
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 62:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Trust in God Alonegenerated
Psalm 62:2 emphasizes the psalmist's reliance on God as his sole source of strength and salvation. This declaration follows a statement of finding rest in God alone, establishing a theme of trust amid adversity. The psalmist contrasts his firm foundation in God with the instability of human threats, as seen in the surrounding verses that address the dangers he faces.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 62:6 | He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. |
| 2 | Psalm 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. |
| 3 | Psalm 21:1 | O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How greatly he exults in Your salvation! |
| 4 | Psalm 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? |
| 5 | Psalm 73:25–26 | Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — צ֭וּרִי, Tzu.rigenerated
The word צ֭וּרִי (tzuri) is a noun meaning 'rock' and is used here to describe God as a strong and reliable foundation. It conveys the idea of stability and safety, often used in biblical poetry to illustrate God's protective nature.
The construction of the phrase indicates that God is not just a rock but the psalmist's personal rock, emphasizing a deep, individual relationship with the divine. This word, along with the context, underscores the theme of divine protection and security.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) as the base for comparison.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause of the verse is governed by the finite verb אֶמּ֥וֹט, I will be shaken, which is supported by noun phrases that describe the subject and predicate. The structure emphasizes the psalmist's confident assertion of God's role in his life.
The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the subject ה֣וּא (he) at the beginning, drawing attention to God as the central figure in the psalmist's declaration of faith and security.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates צ֭וּרִי as ὑποταγήσεται, which suggests a focus on submission or reliance. This choice may reflect an interpretive nuance, emphasizing the psalmist's dependence on God as a source of strength.
This rendering indicates a slightly different emphasis than the Hebrew, which directly presents God as a rock, while the Greek version implies a relational aspect of submission to that strength.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 62:2 expresses the psalmist's deep trust in God as his only source of strength and salvation. He declares that God is his rock and fortress, emphasizing that he will not be shaken or moved, even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The term 'rock' signifies stability and strength, indicating that the psalmist relies on God for protection and support.
The emphasis on 'alone' highlights the psalmist's exclusive trust in God, contrasting it with the instability of human help.
To not be shaken means to remain steadfast and secure, regardless of external pressures or threats.
This verse sets the foundation for the psalmist's confidence in God, which is further explored in the following verses that address the challenges he faces.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God as my rock and fortress?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God in times of trouble?
- What does it mean for me to find rest in God alone?
- How can I encourage others to see God as their source of strength?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers, like Augustine of Hippo, referenced this verse to illustrate God's role as a source of strength and salvation.
"For Himself is my God and my salvation, my taker up, I shall not be moved more" [Psalms 62:2].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 62 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 62:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe only [is] my Rock and my salvation,.... The Rock on which the church is built, and every believer; and which was David's safety, shelter, and shade, and which made him easy in his present state;
Read John Gill on Psalms 62 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 62 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThough I may be shaken, yet I shall not be overthrown. Compare .
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 62 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 62:2 He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.Ver. 2. He only is my rock, &c.] See Psalms 18:2-3. I shall not be greatly moved] Non labascam multo lapsu (Vatabl.), for the Lord putteth under his hand. I shall not be moved greatly, or into the great abyss, Tehom Rabi bah (as Aben Ezra hath it), into hell (as other Rabbis sense it); I shall not be tempted above that I am able, as 1 Corinthians 10:13; persecuted I may be, but not relinquished; cast down, but not cast off, 2 Corinthians 4:9 : shaken, but for my better settlement at last.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 62 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(2) Defence.—Properly, high tower, as so often. The metaphor is important here from the contrast with the tottering wall of next verse. Shall not be greatly moved . . .—i.e. (as in Psalms 37:24), shall not be made to totter or fall.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 62 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 2. I shall not be greatly moved.] Having God for my rock - strong fortified place, for my salvation - continual safety, and my defence - my elevated tower, which places me out of the reach of my enemies; I shall not be greatly moved - I may be shaken, but cannot be cast down.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 62 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2. The same titles my rock, my salvation, my high tower, are combined in Psalms 18:2. The title Rock is frequently used to symbolise the strength, faithfulness, and unchangeableness of Jehovah: here (cp. Psalms 61:7) with the special thought of an asylum in danger. I shall not be greatly moved] In other words, “though he may fall he shall not lie prostrate” (Psalms 37:24; cp. Proverbs 24:16).
Read Cambridge on Psalms 62 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe only is my rock ... - See the notes at Psalms 18:2. I shall not be greatly moved - The word greatly here, or much - “I shall not be much moved,” implies that he did not anticipate perfect security
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 62 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
He alone is my rock, my salvation, and my fortress. I will never be greatly shaken.
He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
He alone is my protector and deliverer. He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
Tyndale line
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
Yet he is my strength and my saluation, and my defence: therefore I shall not much be mooued.
Strictly literal
He only is my rock and my salvation; my high fortress: I shall not be greatly moved.
Only — He [is] my rock, and my salvation, My tower, I am not much moved.
He alone [is] my rock, and my salvation, || My tower, I am not much moved.
(62:3) Only he is my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defense: I shall not be greatly moved.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my high tower; I will not be greatly moved.
From the Latin
O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!
Simplified
He is the one who protects me and saves me; he keeps me safe so I will never be in danger.
He only is my Rock and my salvation; he is my high tower; I will not be greatly moved.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text presents the verse as אַךְ־ ה֣וּא צ֭וּרִי וִֽישׁוּעָתִ֑י מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗י לֹא־ אֶמּ֥וֹט רַבָּֽה׃. The Septuagint aligns with the Hebrew in meaning, though it features different word order and articles, reflecting its own linguistic style.
אַךְ־ ה֣וּא צ֭וּרִי וִֽישׁוּעָתִ֑י מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗י לֹא־ אֶמּ֥וֹט רַבָּֽה׃
6 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 62:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַךְ (ak) is an adverb meaning 'surely' or 'indeed,' often used to emphasize what follows. It can also carry a restrictive sense, translating to 'only' or 'but.' The entries indicate its use in various contexts, but do not provide specific verse references.
אַךְ 159 adv. 1. surely. 2. with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows
base
H389 אַךְ 1. surely. 2. with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows
389 'ak ak
akin to 403; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by
limitation) only:--also, in any wise, at least, but,
certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only,
save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, + wherefore, yet
(but).
see HEBREW for 0403
אַךְ (akh) — surely.
1) indeed, surely (emphatic)
2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
DirObjM — AdverbHD
הוּא (hu) is a third-person singular pronoun meaning he, she, or it, used for emphasis or when no verb is present. It can also refer to oneself or serve as a demonstrative pronoun. The word has various nuances, including resuming the subject with emphasis or expressing it unobtrusively. It can indicate 'that' or 'those' when used with the definite article.
הוּא m. הִיא f., pron. of the 3rd ps. sing. he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it
an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)
It resumes the subj. with emph.
Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible
It anticipates (as it seems) the subject
As an emph. predicate, of God
In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)
With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.
base
H1931 הוּא, הִיא he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it . an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)
. It resumes the subj. with emph.
. Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible
. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject
. As an emph. predicate, of God
. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)
. With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.
1931 huw' hoo
of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a
primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or
it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also
(intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same;
sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally
(instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self),
it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they,
this, those, which (is), who.
הוּא (hu) — he/she/it.
pron 3p s
1) he, she, it
1a) himself (with emphasis)
1b) resuming subj with emphasis
1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate)
1d) (anticipating subj)
1e) (emphasising predicate)
1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron
2) that (with article)
HPp3ms — PronounHPp3ms
ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.
צוּר (tsur) means rock or cliff, often referring to a sharp rock or boulder. It can also signify a refuge or an edge, and is used in various contexts, including references to God as a rock. The word is built from the root associated with strong, compressed formations, and it appears in different forms, such as in the phrase 'rock of God.'
צוּר n.m. rock, cliff
base
H6697 צוּר rock, cliff
6697 tsuwr tsoor
or tsur {tsoor}; from 6696; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock,
as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a
refuge; also an edge (as precipitous):--edge, X (mighty) God
(one), rock, X sharp, stone, X strength, X strong. See also
1049.
see HEBREW for 06696
see HEBREW for 01049
צוּר (tsur) — Rocks (of Goats).
Combined with ya.el (יָעֵל "Wildgoats'" H3277)
This name means rock, cliff
צוּר (tsur) — rock.
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)
HNcmsc/Sp1bs — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah) refers to concepts of salvation, deliverance, and welfare, often with a spiritual dimension. It is derived from a root meaning to save and encompasses ideas of victory and prosperity. The term is used in contexts related to divine aid and protection, emphasizing both physical and spiritual deliverance.
יְשׁוּעָה n.f. salvation
welfare, prosperity
deliverance
salvation by God, primarily from external evils, but often with added spiritual idea
victory
base
H3444 יְשׁוּעָה salvation . welfare, prosperity
. deliverance
. salvation by God, primarily from external evils, but often with added spiritual idea
. victory
3444 yshuw`ah yesh-oo'-aw
feminine passive participle of 3467; something saved, i.e.
(abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory,
prosperity:--deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save,
saving (health), welfare.
see HEBREW for 03467
יְשׁוּעָה (ye.shu.ah) — salvation.
1) salvation, deliverance
1a) welfare, prosperity
1b) deliverance
1c) salvation (by God)
1d) victory
N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp1bs
מִשְׂגָּב (misgab) refers to a secure height or retreat, often understood as a refuge or stronghold. It can denote a lofty or inaccessible place, and is specifically mentioned as a location in Moab in Jeremiah 48:1. The term emphasizes both physical elevation and the concept of safety.
ref
H4869a מִשְׂגָּב secure height, retreat H4869b מִשְׂגָּב in Moab
4869 misgab mis-gawb'
from 7682; properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible
place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge:--
defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in
Moab:--Misgab.
see HEBREW for 07682
מִשְׂגָּב (mis.gav) — high refuge.
1) high place, refuge, secure height, retreat
1a) stronghold
1b) refuge (of God)
מִשְׂגָּב (mis.gav) — Misgab.
Word sometimes translated as a name, only mentioned at Jer.48.1
§ Misgab = "height"
a place in Moab
HNcmsc/Sp1bs — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
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)
HTn — ParticleHTn
מוֹט (mot) is a Hebrew verb meaning to totter, shake, or slip. It has various forms, including Qal (to totter), Niphal (to be shaken), Hiphil (to dislodge), and Hithpael (to be greatly shaken). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to instability and movement, but do not specify any particular Old Testament verses.
[מוֹט] vb. totter, shake, slip
Qal totter, slip
Niph. be shaken, moved, overthrown
Hiph. dislodge, let fall, drop
Hithpo‛l. be greatly shaken
base
H4131 [מוֹט] totter, shake, slip
4131 mowt mote
a primitive root; to waver; by implication , to slip, shake,
fall:--be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in
decay, X exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-)moved, be
ready, shake, slide, slip.
מוֹט (mot) — to shake.
1) to totter, shake, slip
1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip
1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown
1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop
1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
HVNi1cs — Verb · Niphal · imperfect first person common singularHVNi1cs
רַב (rav) means much, many, or great, often used in contrast to מְעַט (me'at). It can describe abundance in quantity or rank and is also used as a noun for chief or captain. The word conveys a range of meanings from numerous to exceedingly, and it can function as both an adjective and a noun.
רַב 429 adj. much, many, great
(oft. opp. מְעַט)
much: of substances
esp. of collectives, numerous
pl. many
רַב as subst. coll. pers.
cstr. = abounding in
מִן comp. = more numerous than
רַב = abundant, enough
as adv. much, exceedingly
less oft. great
base
רַב 49 n.m. chief
base
H7227a רַב much, many, great . (oft. opp. מְעַט) . . much: of substances
. esp. of collectives, numerous
. pl. many
. רַב as subst. coll. pers.
. cstr. = abounding in
. + מִן comp. = more numerous than
. רַב = abundant, enough
. as adv. much, exceedingly
. less oft. great
H7227b רַב chief
7227 rab rab
by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age,
number, rank, quality):--(in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly),
captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man,
one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold,
things, a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very)
much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous,
populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).
see HEBREW for 07231
רַב (rav) — many.
adj
1) much, many, great
1a) much
1b) many
1c) abounding in
1d) more numerous than
1e) abundant, enough
1f) great
1g) strong
1h) greater than
adv
1i) much, exceedingly
רַב (rav) — chief.
captain, chief
Aramaic equivalent: rav.re.van (רַבְרְבָן "noble" H7261)
רַב (rav) — (Sidon) the Great.
Combined with tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
§ captain, chief
HAafsa — HAafsa
