King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:8 Mean?

Psalms 118:8 in the King James Version says “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 118:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

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

10

All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. destroy: Heb. cut them off

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." The comparative tov lachasot b'YHWH mibtoach b'adam (better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man) contrasts two objects of trust. Chasah (take refuge/seek shelter) pictures fleeing to secure hiding place—God as fortress. Batach (trust/be confident) means to rely on, feel secure in. Adam (man/humanity) represents human resources—whether human strength, wisdom, alliances, or support. The verse doesn't forbid appropriate human relationships but warns against ultimate dependence on human aid. Humans are finite, fallible, fickle—they die, fail, disappoint. God alone offers absolute reliability. Jeremiah 17:5-8 elaborates: cursed is one who trusts in man, blessed who trusts in the LORD—one withers like desert shrub, the other flourishes like tree by water.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel repeatedly fell into trusting human alliances rather than divine protection. Isaiah condemned trusting Egypt for military help rather than YHWH (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1-3). Jeremiah opposed alliances with Egypt against Babylon (Jeremiah 37:5-10). Hezekiah foolishly showed Babylonian envoys his treasures, seeking alliance (2 Kings 20:12-19). Psalm 146:3 similarly warns: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." Yet appropriate trust in human leaders under God's authority is proper (Romans 13:1-7, Hebrews 13:17)—the issue is ultimate versus penultimate trust.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of life are you tempted to trust human resources more than divine provision?
  2. How can believers appropriately value human relationships and help without making them ultimate?
  3. What painful experiences of human failure have driven you to deeper trust in God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
ט֗וֹב1 of 5

“It is better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לַחֲס֥וֹת2 of 5

“to trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בַּיהוָ֑ה3 of 5

“in the LORD”

H3068

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

מִ֝בְּטֹ֗חַ4 of 5

“than to put confidence”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בָּאָדָֽם׃5 of 5

“in 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 118:8 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 118:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 40:4Jeremiah 17:5-7Psalms 62:8-9Micah 7:5-7

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