Psalms 31:3
Psalms 31:3 in Multiple Translations
For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me.
For you are my Rock and my strong tower; go in front of me and be my guide, because of your name.
You are my rock and my fortress. For the sake of your reputation, please lead me and guide me.
For thou art my rocke and my fortresse: therefore for thy Names sake direct mee and guide me.
For my rock and my bulwark [art] Thou, For Thy name's sake lead me and tend me.
For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Because I was silent my bones grew old; whilst I cried out all the day long.
Yes, you are like my huge rock and my fort; guide me and lead me [DOU] in order that I can honor you [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:3
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 31:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַטֵּ֤ה
אֵלַ֨/י
אָזְנְ/ךָ֮
מְהֵרָ֪ה
הַצִּ֫ילֵ֥/נִי
הֱיֵ֤ה
לִ֨/י
לְֽ/צוּר
מָ֭עוֹז
לְ/בֵ֥ית
מְצוּד֗וֹת
לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵֽ/נִי
הַטֵּ֤ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אֵלַ֨/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אָזְנְ/ךָ֮
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
מְהֵרָ֪ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
haste
N-fs
הַצִּ֫ילֵ֥/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
הֱיֵ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֨/י
Prep | Suff
לְֽ/צוּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
Prep | N-ms
מָ֭עוֹז
mâʻôwz
H4581
security
N-ms
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
מְצוּד֗וֹת
mâtsûwd
H4686
net
N-cp
לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵֽ/נִי
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:3
הַטֵּ֤ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אֵלַ֨/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אָזְנְ/ךָ֮
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
מְהֵרָ֪ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
"haste"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) haste, speed 1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb) 1b) in haste (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly. See also: Numbers 17:11; 2 Kings 1:11; Psalms 31:3.
הַצִּ֫ילֵ֥/נִי
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
הֱיֵ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִ֨/י
""
Prep | Suff
לְֽ/צוּר
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
Prep | N-ms
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
מָ֭עוֹז
mâʻôwz
H4581
"security"
N-ms
A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.
Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מְצוּד֗וֹת
mâtsûwd
H4686
"net"
N-cp
Matsud is a fortress or strong hold, like a castle or net, used for protection and capture, as mentioned in Psalm 31:4. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: 1) net, prey, net prey 1a) net 1b) prey
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place. See also: 1 Samuel 22:4; Job 39:28; Psalms 18:3.
לְ/הוֹשִׁיעֵֽ/נִי
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
- Sermons on Psalms 31:3
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness.
2Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.
3For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.
4You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge. 5Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, God of truth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 143:10–11 | Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble. |
| 2 | Luke 1:79 | to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” |
| 3 | Psalms 79:9 | Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name. |
| 4 | Isaiah 49:10 | They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. |
| 5 | John 16:13 | However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 14:7 | Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 9:12 | You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. |
| 8 | Psalms 25:5 | Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. |
| 9 | Psalms 25:11 | For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great. |
| 10 | Psalms 23:2–3 | He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. |
Psalms 31:3 Summary
Psalms 31:3 tells us that God is our rock and fortress, which means He is our source of strength and protection. Just like how a rock provides a safe place to stand, God gives us a firm foundation to trust in, no matter what we're going through. The psalmist asks God to lead and guide him for the sake of His name, showing us that our goal should be to honor God in all we do (as seen in Colossians 3:17). By trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness, as promised in Psalms 100:5, we can face life's challenges with confidence and peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to call God our 'rock and fortress'?
This expression, as seen in Psalms 31:3, signifies God's strength and protection in our lives, similar to how He is described in Psalms 18:2 as our rock, salvation, and high tower.
Why does the psalmist ask God to lead and guide him for the sake of His name?
The psalmist's request is rooted in a desire to honor God and bring glory to His name, reflecting the principle found in Jeremiah 32:20, where God's great signs and mighty wonders are for the purpose of making His name known.
How does this verse relate to our everyday struggles and challenges?
Just as the psalmist cries out to God for help and guidance, we too can turn to Him in our times of need, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness as expressed in Psalms 23:4, where He is our shepherd who guides us through the darkest valleys.
What does it mean to trust God as our rock and fortress in the midst of uncertainty?
Trusting God as our rock and fortress means having confidence in His power and love, even when we don't understand our circumstances, much like the apostle Paul's declaration in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I practically trust God as my rock and fortress today?
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness impact my response to challenging situations?
- What are some areas of my life where I need God's guidance and leadership, and how can I surrender these to Him?
- How can I honor God's name in my daily choices and actions, reflecting the psalmist's desire to bring glory to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:3
For thou [art] my rock and my fortress,.... What he prayed for he knew him to be, and to have been in times past, and could claim his interest in him; and therefore entreats that he would appear to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:3
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
For thy name’ s sake; for the glory of thy name, i.e. of thy power, and truth, and mercy to thy miserable servant. Lead me, and guide me; two words expressing the same thing with more emphasis. Direct me clearly and continually in a right and safe path; for without thy conduct I can neither discern the right way, or continue in it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
Psalms 31:3 For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’ s sake lead me, and guide me.Ver. 3. For thou art my rock and my fortress] Such places David had been forced to fly to; but still he trusted in God. Lead me, and guide me] Duc me, et deduc me. A metaphor from captains and generals, who lead on their armies with greatest art and industry (Vatab.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
(3) Rock.—As rock in this verse is selâ (LXX. and Vulg., “strength”) instead of tsûr, as in Psalms 31:2, it is better to render “for thou art my cliff fortress;” literally, cliff and fortress.For thy name’s sake—i.e., because Thou hast this name of rock and fortress. Lead me, and guide me.—The future is better, “Thou wilt lead and guide me.” To pray for protection and then stoutly affirm belief, as in Psalms 31:3, has been called illogical; but it is the logic of the heart if not of the intellect; the logic, it may be added, of every prayer of faith.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:3
1–8. The prayer of faith, Psalms 31:1-3 are repeated in that beautiful mosaic, Psalms 71; and Psalms 31:1 a forms the close of the Te Deum.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:3
For thou art my rock and my fortress - See the notes at Psalms 18:2. Therefore for thy name’s sake - For the sake of thine own honor, or for the glory of thy name. See the notes at Psalms 23:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:3
3. For thy name’s sake—See on Psalms 23:3
Sermons on Psalms 31:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalms 61:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of turning to God as our refuge when we feel overwhelmed by life's pressures and stresses. He highlights that in moments of despair, we often |
|
(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the |
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Five Evidences of Genuine Conversion by Reuben Walter | In this sermon, the preacher discusses five evidences of genuine conversion. He emphasizes that Christians should not skip over the first four evidences and focus only on the desir |
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Love and Fear by Alexander Maclaren | Robert W. Rodenmayer leads a sermon on the significance of seeking guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for right judgment, holy comfort, and unity in f |
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Thy Good Spirit by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the often-overlooked significance of the Holy Spirit, highlighting His essential goodness and divine nature. He describes the Holy Spirit as benevolent and |
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Psalm 143 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's faithfulness and righteousness in times of supplication. He highlights the contrast between t |
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How Does Jesus Do It? by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' example of simple obedience and submission to God's will. He contrasts the clutter and complexities of modern interp |