King James Version

What Does Psalms 3:5 Mean?

Psalms 3:5 in the King James Version says “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

Psalms 3:5 · KJV

Context

3

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. for: or, about

4

I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

7

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Read Psalms 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse testifies to God's sustaining grace through the night: 'I laid me down and slept' describes peaceful rest despite mortal danger. The Hebrew shakab (lay down) and yashen (sleep) depict normal, restful sleep—remarkable given David's circumstances. Pursued by armies, facing possible assassination, experiencing emotional turmoil from Absalom's betrayal—yet David slept.

The sequence continues: 'I awaked' states the obvious—he survived the night. But the final clause reveals the source: 'for the LORD sustained me'. The Hebrew samak (sustain/support/uphold) suggests active preservation—God maintained David's life and peace. The causal 'for' (ki) explains the possibility of sleep: divine sustenance enables rest amid danger.

This verse demonstrates faith's practical outworking. Psalm 127:2 states, 'He giveth his beloved sleep'—rest is divine gift, not natural achievement. Jesus slept during the storm (Mark 4:38), exhibiting this same trust. Believers facing anxiety, insomnia, or fear find instruction here: faith should produce peace enabling rest, trusting God's sustaining power through the night. Each morning's awakening testifies to divine preservation—we live because God sustains, not merely by natural processes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's flight included nights in the wilderness, vulnerable to attack. Ancient assassination often occurred at night when victims slept—Abner was killed treacherously (2 Samuel 3:27), Ish-bosheth murdered in bed (2 Samuel 4:5-7). David had reason for sleepless vigilance. Yet this verse testifies he slept—God provided both security and peace of mind. The guards protecting him were themselves under God's protection.

This historical moment speaks to perennial human experience: anxiety disrupting sleep, fear preventing rest, worry stealing peace. David's testimony—sleeping while endangered—became encouragement for centuries of believers facing persecution, imprisonment, or threat. Peter slept in prison awaiting execution (Acts 12:6); Paul and Silas slept after beating in Philippi jail (Acts 16:25). Church history records martyrs sleeping peacefully before execution. This psalm provided language for such faith—divine sustenance enables rest regardless of external circumstances. The historical David's experience became typological for all God's endangered servants.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does David's ability to sleep during crisis challenge contemporary Christian anxiety and worry?
  2. What is the relationship between faith in God's sustaining power and practical peace/rest in daily life?
  3. How can believers cultivate the kind of trust that enables peaceful sleep despite legitimate concerns or dangers?
  4. In what ways does each morning's awakening serve as testimony to God's ongoing sustaining grace?
  5. How does this verse inform Christian responses to insomnia, anxiety, or fear—what spiritual practices correspond to David's example?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֲנִ֥י1 of 7
H589

i

שָׁכַ֗בְתִּי2 of 7

“I laid me down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

וָֽאִ֫ישָׁ֥נָה3 of 7

“and slept”

H3462

properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate

הֱקִיצ֑וֹתִי4 of 7

“I awaked”

H6974

to awake (literally or figuratively)

כִּ֖י5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 7

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

יִסְמְכֵֽנִי׃7 of 7

“sustained”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 4:8Proverbs 3:24Isaiah 26:3Leviticus 26:6Job 11:18-19Psalms 127:2

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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