King James Version
What Does Psalms 121:5 Mean?
“The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.”
Context
3
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Thy keeper.**—Notice again how the prominent word is caught up from the preceding verse and amplified, and then again repeated, and again amplified in Psalm 121:7-8, where *preserve *is an unfortunate substitution by the Authorised Version.
**Shade.**—An image of protection, and one peculiarly attractive to the Oriental. (See Numbers 14:9, margin; Psalm 91:1; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 32:2.)
**Upon thy right hand.**—Some commentators combine this expression with the figure of the shadow, supposing the psalmist, in the phrase “right hand,” to allude to the *south *or *sunny *side. But this is prosaic. No doubt there is here, as so often, a confused combination of metaphors. We have several times met with the figure of the right-hand comrade in war, a protection to the unshielded side (Psalm 16:8; Psalm 109:31, &c).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 121:5 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 121:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge