Psalms 118:9
Psalms 118:9 in Multiple Translations
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in princes.
It is better to have faith in the Lord than to put one's hope in rulers.
It's better to rely on the Lord than to trust in the rich and powerful.
It is better to trust in the Lord, then to haue confidence in princes.
Better to take refuge in Jehovah, Than to trust in princes.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
BETH. By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words.
It is better to trust Yahweh to protect us than to trust that influential/important people will protect us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 118:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 118:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֗וֹב
לַ/חֲס֥וֹת
בַּ/יהוָ֑ה
מִ֝/בְּטֹ֗חַ
בִּ/נְדִיבִֽים
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לַ/חֲס֥וֹת
châçâh
H2620
to seek refuge
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מִ֝/בְּטֹ֗חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּ/נְדִיבִֽים
nâdîyb
H5081
noble
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 118:9
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לַ/חֲס֥וֹת
châçâh
H2620
"to seek refuge"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.
בַּ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ֝/בְּטֹ֗חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בִּ/נְדִיבִֽים
nâdîyb
H5081
"noble"
Prep | Adj
Noble or generous, describing someone of high rank or character, like a prince, or a person with a willing and liberal heart, as seen in the stories of David and Solomon.
Definition: : noble n m 1) noble one adj 2) inclined, willing, noble, generous 1a) incited, inclined, willing 1b) noble, princely (in rank) 1c) noble (in mind and character)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). See also: Exodus 35:5; Psalms 113:8; Psalms 47:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 118:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 118:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
- Sermons on Psalms 118:9
Context — The LORD Is on My Side
7The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
10All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 11They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 146:3–5 | Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 29:7 | When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched. |
| 3 | Isaiah 30:2–3 | They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. |
| 4 | Isaiah 31:8 | “Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. |
| 5 | Isaiah 31:1 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:15–17 | For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence— but you were not willing.” “No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster. A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill. |
| 7 | Isaiah 36:6–7 | Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar’? |
Psalms 118:9 Summary
This verse means that it's better to trust in God's power and protection than to rely on powerful people or leaders. When we trust in the Lord, we can have confidence that He will take care of us, as seen in Psalms 23:4, where it says 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me'. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't respect or obey our leaders, but rather that we should look to the Lord as our ultimate source of help and guidance. By trusting in the Lord, we can find peace and security, even in uncertain times, as promised in Isaiah 26:3, which says 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to take refuge in the Lord?
Taking refuge in the Lord means trusting in Him for protection, guidance, and provision, as seen in Psalms 91:4, where it says 'He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge'
Why is it better to trust in the Lord than in princes?
It is better to trust in the Lord than in princes because princes and earthly leaders are fallible and can let us down, but the Lord is always faithful and true, as stated in Psalms 146:3, which says 'Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save'
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse to your everyday life by choosing to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with difficult circumstances, and remembering that He is our ultimate Helper, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, which encourages us to 'approach God’s throne of grace with confidence'
What is the difference between trusting in man and trusting in princes?
Trusting in man and trusting in princes both involve putting our faith in earthly sources of power and protection, but princes typically refer to those in positions of high authority, whereas man can refer to anyone, as seen in Psalms 118:8-9, where both are contrasted with trusting in the Lord
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I currently trusting in princes or earthly leaders instead of the Lord?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in the Lord's goodness and sovereignty in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can take refuge in the Lord when faced with challenges or uncertainties?
- How does this verse relate to my relationships with others, and how can I trust in the Lord to guide those interactions?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:9
[It is] better to trust in the Lord,.... The Targum is, "in the Word of the Lord.'' This is repeated for the sake of what follows: than to put confidence in princes; who have greater ability to help,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:9
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. -At the beginning (Psalms 118:5) and at the close of this division (Psalms 118:13-14) the salvation already received is described.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
Psalms 118:9 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.Ver. 9. Than to put confidence in princes] In ingenuis. Great men’ s words, saith one, are like dead men’ s shoes; he may go barefoot that waiteth for them. "Surely men of high degree are a lie," Psalms 52:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
(9) Trust.—The word constantly used of the security the Israelite found in his relation to Jehovah. The meaning here is apparently, “Fidelity to the covenant is better than alliance with foreign princes,” though, of course, the larger sense, in which the words are applicable to all men, may be read into the words.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
Verse 9. In princes.] Men of high estate are generally proud, vain-glorious, self-confident, and rash: it is better to trust in God than in them. Often they cannot deliver, and often they will not when they can. However, in the concerns of our salvation, and in matters which belong to Providence, they can do nothing.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:9
5–9. Israel speaks as one man; acknowledging that it is Jehovah Who has delivered them. With Him as their ally they have nothing to fear.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:9
It is better ... than to put confidence in princes - Even in the most mighty of the human race; in those who of all people may be supposed to have the most ability to aid us; in those whose favor is
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:9
9. Princes—The representatives of earthly power. This is an advance in the thought from “man,” in the preceding line.
Sermons on Psalms 118:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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What Is Your Life - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the themes of materialism, the inevitability of progress, and the sufficiency of man, reflecting on historical events like World War I and II, the devastati |
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Unite My Heart by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the hope that people attach to political leaders and programs every four years. He emphasizes that throughout human history, people have sou |
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The Burning Bush by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preserving a pure testimony for God, focusing on the need to die to self, let go of personal opinions, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. |
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Wonders of Creation Redemption - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young brother in Austria who has two epileptic children. Despite the challenges they face, the speaker points out that i |
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The Spirit of Egypt - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon reflects on a time of imminent danger during the Japanese invasion of Madras, where the speaker's father used the opportunity to preach the gospel. It emphasizes seekin |
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Trusting in the Lord by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of trust in the Lord, highlighting how trust in God can lead to restoration, blessings, and deliverance. Joshua Daniel shares |