Psalm 121:5

Translations

Modern

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

Traditional

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Literal

YHWH is the One guarding you; YHWH is your shade on your right hand.

Latin

Dominus custodit te; Dominus protectio tua super manum dexteram tuam.

Original

Hebrew

English

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

Notes

Psalms 121:4–6

The Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2) protects Israel.
God stands with Israel, offering support and care to the faithful (see Psalm 16:7–8).
Both the sun and the moon were worshiped as gods in the ancient Near East. But God limits their power. They are part of creation and also praise the Lord (Psalm 148:3).

Psalms 121:1–8

The leader of the group of pilgrims uses word pictures to assure the group of the Lord’s presence during the journey.

Psalms 120:1–134:3

These short and memorable songs were sung by pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for the national festivals held three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16). The title of these psalms includes a Hebrew word that can mean “steps” or “stairs.” Some scholars understand it to mean “going up to Jerusalem.” These psalms, often called the Songs of Ascents, lead the listener on a journey to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel through history.

Theme notes and profiles

Salvation in the Psalms Spirit Empowerment

Related verses

Isaiah 25:4
For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night.
Isaiah 4:5–6
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,
Psalm 109:31
For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul.
Isaiah 32:2
Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.
Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Degrees, Song of Hallel Music Psalms, Book of Song of Ascents Song of Ascents, Song of Degrees

Topics

Eye: Anthropomorphic Uses of God: Preserver Nightmares Privileges of Saints: Having God for Their: Keeper Righteous: Promises To, Expressed or Implied Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Jews: Under God's Special Protection

Psalm 121:5

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