King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:6 Mean?

Psalms 118:6 in the King James Version says “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? on: Heb. for me” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? on: Heb. for me”

Psalms 118:6 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress

6

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? on: Heb. for me

7

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" The confession YHWH li (the LORD for me/on my side) expresses covenant confidence—God as ally, advocate, defender. The result: lo ira (I will not fear). Fear dissipates when God's presence is assured. The rhetorical question mah ya'aseh li adam (what can man do to me?) deflates human threat. Adam (man/humanity) represents human opposition—whether armies, authorities, or adversaries. Compared to YHWH's power and commitment, human hostility becomes impotent. This echoes Moses's confidence: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) and David's defiance of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47). The verse doesn't deny human threats but relativizes them—with God as ally, no human enemy can ultimately prevail.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel faced constant military threats—Egyptians, Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, Assyrians, Babylonians. Yet Israel's survival depended not on military might but divine protection. When trusting God, small forces defeated large armies (Gideon: Judges 7, Jonathan: 1 Samuel 14). When relying on human alliances, even large forces failed (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1-3). David's victories flowed from covenant confidence (1 Samuel 17:37, 2 Samuel 22:1-51). Later martyrs demonstrated similar fearlessness: Daniel in the lions' den, three friends in the furnace, early Christians facing Roman persecution. Hebrews 13:6 quotes this verse, applying it to New Covenant believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific situations do human threats tempt you to fear despite God's presence?
  2. How does regularly affirming "the LORD is on my side" reshape emotional responses to opposition?
  3. What is the difference between biblical fearlessness (trusting God despite danger) and foolish recklessness (presuming on God)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יְהוָ֣ה1 of 8

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִ֭י2 of 8
H0
לֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אִירָ֑א4 of 8

“is on my side I will not fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מַה5 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה6 of 8

“do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֣י7 of 8
H0
אָדָֽם׃8 of 8

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:6Romans 8:31Psalms 56:4Psalms 56:11Micah 7:8-10Psalms 56:9

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