Psalms 121:8
Psalms 121:8 in Multiple Translations
The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore.
The Lord will keep watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time and for ever.
The Lord will look after you when you leave, and when you return, now and forever.
The Lord shall preserue thy going out, and thy comming in from henceforth and for euer.
Jehovah preserveth thy going out and thy coming in, From henceforth even unto the age!
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.
The LORD will preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for ever.
For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, I spoke peace of thee.
He will protect us from the time that we leave our houses in the morning until we return in the evening; he will protect us now, and he will protect us forever.
Whenever you go anywhere, God will go with you all the way, and he will keep you safe. He will do that now, and he will keep doing that all the time, for ever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 121:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Psalms 121:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהוָ֗ה
יִשְׁמָר
צֵאתְ/ךָ֥
וּ/בוֹאֶ֑/ךָ
מֵֽ֝/עַתָּ֗ה
וְ/עַד
עוֹלָֽם
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יִשְׁמָר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
צֵאתְ/ךָ֥
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וּ/בוֹאֶ֑/ךָ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מֵֽ֝/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Prep | Adv
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 121:8
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
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.
יִשְׁמָר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
צֵאתְ/ךָ֥
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וּ/בוֹאֶ֑/ךָ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מֵֽ֝/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Prep | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 121:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 121:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
- Sermons on Psalms 121:8
Context — I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills
6The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.
8The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:6 | You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:8 | to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 4 | Psalms 113:2 | Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore. |
| 5 | Ezra 8:31 | On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way. |
| 6 | Psalms 115:18 | But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah! |
| 7 | James 4:13–16 | Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. |
| 8 | Ezra 8:21 | And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 5:2 | Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 28:19 | You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out. |
Psalms 121:8 Summary
This verse means that God is always looking out for us, no matter where we are going or what we are doing, and He will keep doing this forever. It's like having a guardian who never takes a break, always making sure we are safe and loved. This is similar to what we read in Joshua 1:9, where God promises to be with us wherever we go, and in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus says He will be with us always, even to the end of the age. This promise should give us peace and comfort, knowing that God cares about every detail of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to watch over my coming and going?
This means God is always with us, guiding and protecting us in every aspect of our lives, whether we are moving forward or staying in one place, as seen in Psalms 139:7-10 which says He is always with us.
Is this promise only for now or does it extend into eternity?
According to Psalms 121:8, this promise extends both now and forevermore, reassuring us of God's eternal care and presence in our lives, much like the promise in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from God's love.
How does this relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over our lives, demonstrating that He is actively involved in our daily comings and goings, a theme also seen in Jeremiah 29:11 where God says He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
Can I trust that God will watch over me even when I feel alone or abandoned?
Yes, this verse promises that God's watchful care is constant, regardless of our feelings or circumstances, echoing the reassurance in Deuteronomy 31:6 that God will never leave us or forsake us.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have you experienced God's watchful care over your life, and how can you be more mindful of this in your daily activities?
- How does the knowledge that God is watching over your coming and going impact your sense of security and trust in Him?
- What are some areas of your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty, and how can you apply the promise of Psalms 121:8 to those areas?
- Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence and guidance in a significant way; how did that experience shape your understanding of God's watchful care?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 121:8
The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in,.... In transacting all the business of life, in going in and out about it; in all ways, works, and conversation; in journeying and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 121:8
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
Shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in; shall guard and assist thee in all thy expeditions, and affairs, and actions, either at home or abroad. So this phrase is used .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
Psalms 121:8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.Ver. 8. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, &c.] Thou shalt have his safe-conduct, his public faith for thy defence, in all thy lawful enterprises at home and abroad; together with good success in all thine affairs and actions, Proverbs 3:6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
(8) Thy going out and thy coming in.—A common Hebrew expression to denote the whole of life. (See Deuteronomy 28:6, &c; comp. St. Paul’s prayer, 1 Thessalonians 5:23.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
Verse 8. Thy going out and thy coming in] Night and day - in all thy business and undertakings; and this through the whole course of thy life: for evermore. ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST PSALM The scope of this Psalm is to show that God alone is the refuge of the distressed. I. While some are looking for earthly comfort and support, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," c. II. Faith sees God, the only helper and says, "My help is the Lord." And the first reason for this is given: God's omnipotence and sufficiency. "The Lord that made heaven and earth," and is consequently the author and dispenser of all spiritual and temporal blessings. And the second reason is, his grace and goodness; "he will not suffer thy foot to be moved." A third reason is, his watchful care: "He that keepeth thee will not slumber." III. The end which God proposes in his watching, - to keep them. 1.
He is the "Keeper of Israel." He guards his Church; he is as a wall of fire about it. 2. He is a shade. This certainly refers to that kind of umbraculum, or parasol, which was in very ancient use in the eastern countries. The sense of the passage is, Neither the day of prosperity nor the night of adversity shall hurt thee; nor the heat of persecution, nor the coldness of friends or relatives: all these shall work for thy good. 3. "He shall preserve thee from all evil;" - and, 4. Especially from every thing that might hurt thy soul: "He shall preserve thy soul." The psalmist concludes with this encouraging assurance. 1. "The Lord shall preserve thy going out." We are always beginning or ending some action, going abroad or returning home; and we need the protecting care of God in all. 2. "From this time forth." Now that thou hast put thy whole trust and confidence in God, he will be thy continual portion and defence in all places, in all times, in all actions; in life, in prosperity, in adversity, in death, in time, and in eternity.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 121:8
8. thy going out and thy coming in] All thy undertakings and occupations. Cp. Deuteronomy 28:6; &c. Perhaps too a special allusion to the pilgrims’ journey to Jerusalem is intended. from this time forth, and [omit even] for evermore] Personal hopes here lose themselves in national hopes: but in the light of the Gospel the individual can appropriate these words to himself. Cp. Psalms 115:18. Every pious Jew, as he leaves or enters the house, touches the Mezuza, i.e. the small metal cylinder affixed to the right-hand door-post, containing a piece of parchment inscribed with Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and recites this verse. Kitto’s Biblical Cyclopaedia, s.v. Mezuza.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 121:8
The Lord shall preserve thou going out and thy coming in - Preserve thee in going out and coming in; in going from thy dwelling, and returning to it; in going from home and coming back; that is, everywhere, and at all times.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 121:8
8. Going out and… coming in—A phrase of beautiful simplicity for daily undertakings. The “going out” to labour, and the returning home to rest, describe the sweep of life’s pendulum.
Sermons on Psalms 121:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lord Is Thy Keeper by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the sinfulness of sin in order to comprehend the loving nature of God and His grace. He uses the example of |
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Help for Those That Seek It by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of believing in a Creator and seeing God in creation. He highlights that believing in a Creator gives life meaning and |
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Every Day a Portion, All the Days by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes God's unwavering provision for His children, drawing a parallel between the care shown to Jehoiachin by the king of Babylon and the divine care God offers to |
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A Heavenly Escort by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the assurance of God's presence and protection as believers journey through life, highlighting that God's promise to keep us is a source of comfort and str |
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Put Forth by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting truth that God goes before us in all circumstances, just like the Oriental shepherd who was always ahead of his sheep, ensuring thei |
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The Eye of Their God Was Upon by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the comforting truth that God's watchful eye is upon His people, particularly in times of opposition and hardship, as illustrated by the Jews during their tem |
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Epistle 390 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the holy seed of Christ, which brings blessings and renewal into the image of God. He warns against the deceptive spirits and fals |