Psalms 121:3 — Word Study
WLCאַל־ יִתֵּ֣ן לַמּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑ךָ אַל־ יָ֝נ֗וּם שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ׃
BSAHe will notʼal [under any circumstances] allownâthan▸ your footregel [the path of your life] to slipmôwṭ your Protectorshâmar [the One who keeps and watches over you, your Guardian] will notʼal [fall into a state of] slumbernûwm▸ [become drowsy or careless]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| יִתֵּ֣ן | he permit | Verb, Qal, jussive third person masculine singular |
| לַמּ֣וֹט | to slip | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| רַגְלֶ֑ךָ | foot your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| יָ֝נ֗וּם | he slumber | Verb, Qal, jussive third person masculine singular |
| שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ׃ | protector your | Verb qal participle (active) masculine singular common, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. |
| KJV | He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. |
| ASV | He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. |
| YLT | He suffereth not thy foot to be moved, Thy preserver slumbereth not. |
| WEB | He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. |
| BBE | May he not let your foot be moved: no need of sleep has he who keeps you. |
Where they part company is יָ֝נ֗וּם — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of two main clauses, each emphasizing God's protective nature, with additional phrases providing context and assurance.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbנָתַן
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 121:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Assurance of God's Protectiongenerated
Psalm 121:3 assures the believer that God will not allow their foot to slip, emphasizing His protective nature. This verse is part of a larger psalm that speaks of God's unwavering vigilance over His people, as seen in the surrounding verses. The psalmist expresses confidence in God's ability to guard and protect, contrasting human vulnerability with divine strength.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 91:12 | They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 2:9 | He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. |
| 3 | Proverbs 2:8 | to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:23–26 | Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:5 | who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ, Sho.me.Re.khagenerated
The word שָׁמַר (shamar) means 'to keep' or 'to guard.' It conveys the idea of protection and vigilance, indicating that God actively watches over His people. The parsing as a participle suggests an ongoing action, reinforcing the notion that God is continuously attentive.
This word encompasses a wide range of meanings, including to observe, attend to, and protect. It is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance, which is crucial in understanding God's role as a protector.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in the verse is יִתֵּ֣ן, he will allow, governing the clause that follows. The structure includes a prepositional phrase indicating the object לַמּ֣וֹט, to slip, and a second clause that emphasizes God's vigilance.
The word order places emphasis on the protective nature of God, with the negative particle אַל appearing at the beginning to stress the certainty that God will not allow the believer to stumble.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew אַל is rendered as μὴ, which maintains the negation. This choice reflects the same assurance of protection present in the Hebrew text.
The Greek word for שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ is σε, indicating a direct address to the individual being protected, similar to the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 121:3 tells us that God will not let you stumble; He is always awake and watching over you. This verse is part of a psalm that emphasizes God's protection and care for His people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that God is actively protecting you from falling or failing in your life.
This emphasizes God's constant vigilance and attentiveness, assuring believers that He is always aware of their needs.
Trusting in God's protection involves faith in His promises and recognizing His presence in your life.
Having God as your Protector means that He is actively guarding and watching over you, ensuring your safety and well-being.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God more for protection?
- How can I remind myself of God's vigilance over me in difficult times?
- What are some ways I can express gratitude for God's protection in my life?
- How does knowing God is my Protector change the way I approach challenges?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early church fathers often referenced this psalm to discuss God's unwavering protection. Here, Augustine of Hippo quotes it to illustrate the security found in God's guidance.
Sing therefore what follows; if you wish to hear how you may most securely set your feet on the steps, so that you may not be fatigued in that ascent,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 121 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 121:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe wilt not suffer thy foot to be moved,.... This is either an address of the psalmist to his own soul; or to any other good man, his friend and acquaintance, assuring of stability, and of final perseverance in grace to glory.
Read John Gill on Psalms 121 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 121 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe speaketh as it were from God to himself, but withal to the encouragement of his followers and of all good men. To be moved, to wit, so as fall into mischief. Will not slumber; will not overlook nor neglect any thing which is necessary for thy preservation.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 121 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.Ver. 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved] Not greatly moved, Psalms 62:2, an utter prolapsion. He that keepeth thee will not slumber] And if King Philip could say that he could sleep securely because his friend Antipater watched by him, may not we be much more confident who have God to keep us?
Read John Trapp on Psalms 121 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3) He will not.—The LXX. and Vulg. rightly, “may He not suffer,” &c. The Hebrew cannot be a simple negative. That it is Israel which is addressed the next verse seems to prove.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 121 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved] The foundation, God's infinite power and goodness, on which thou standest, cannot be moved; and whilst thou standest on this basis, thy foot cannot be moved.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 121 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3, 4. It is possible to suppose that the speaker of Psa 121:1-2. addresses himself, but it is more natural to hear in these verses the voice of another speaker, answering the first with words of encouragement.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 121 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe will not suffer thy foot to be moved - He will enable you to stand firm. You are safe in his protection. Compare the notes at Psalms 38:16.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 121 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
May he not allow your foot to slip! May your protector not sleep!
Tyndale line
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
He wil not suffer thy foote to slippe: for he that keepeth thee, will not slumber.
Strictly literal
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
He suffereth not thy foot to be moved, Thy preserver slumbereth not.
He does not permit your foot to be moved, || He who is preserving you does not slumber.
He will not suffer thy foot to slip: thy keeper doth not slumber.
He will not allow your foot to slip; he who protects you will not slumber.
From the Latin
Jerusalem, which is built as a city, which is compact together.
Simplified
He will not let you fall; he who watches over you won't fall asleep.
May he not let your foot be moved: no need of sleep has he who keeps you.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: אַל־ יִתֵּ֣ן לַמּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑ךָ אַל־ יָ֝נ֗וּם שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ׃. The Septuagint matches this closely, with all words corresponding directly. The Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration but agree with the Masoretic Text in the main elements, indicating a strong textual consistency.
אַל־ יִתֵּ֣ן לַמּ֣וֹט רַגְלֶ֑ךָ אַל־ יָ֝נ֗וּם שֹֽׁמְרֶֽךָ׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
אל יתן [למוט] רגל׳כה ואל ינום שומר׳כה
4 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 1 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 121:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: give/deliver/send/produce
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
1a3) to make, constitute
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
1c2) to be put upon
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
V-Qal-Juss-3ms — Verb · Qal · jussive third person masculine singularHVqj3ms
מוֹט (mowt) refers to a concept of shaking or wavering, often associated with a pole or bar, particularly in the context of a yoke. It can denote a staff or a bar used for carrying, emphasizing the idea of movement or instability. The entries consistently highlight its connection to yokes and poles, with no notable disagreements among the lexicons.
מוֹט n.[m.] shaking, pole, bar of yoke
a shaking, tottering
pole, or bar for carrying (named from springing motion)
bar of yoke
base
H4132 מוֹט
4132 mowt mote
from 4131; a wavering, i.e. fall; by implication, a pole (as
shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole):--bar,
be moved, staff, yoke.
see HEBREW for 04131
מוֹט (mot) — yoke.
1) a shaking, wavering, pole, bar of yoke
1a) a shaking, tottering
1b) pole, bar (for carrying)
1c) bar of yoke
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
As meaning "a cutting from a plant," it is still good English. In this sense in Isa 17:10 for zemorah, "branch," "twig." For the phrase "slip of the tongue" compare Sirach 14:1; 19:16; 20:18; 21:7; 25:8.
רֶ֫גֶל (regel) means 'foot' and can refer to a foot or leg in various contexts, including anthropomorphic references to God and other beings. It also implies steps or paces. The word is derived from a root meaning related to walking, and it appears in multiple forms, such as feet and paces.
רֶ֫גֶל 247 n.f. foot
foot
three times (feet, paces)
base
H7272 רֶ֫גֶל foot . foot
. three times (feet, paces)
7272 regel reh'-gel
from 7270; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a
step; by euphem. the pudenda:--X be able to endure, X
according as, X after, X coming, X follow,
((broken-))foot((-ed, -stool)), X great toe, X haunt, X
journey, leg, + piss, + possession, time.
see HEBREW for 07270
רֶ֫גֶל (re.gel) — foot.
1) foot
1a) foot, leg
1b) of God (anthropomorphic)
1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table
1d) according to the pace of (with prep)
1e) three times (feet, paces)
Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2ms
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Part — ParticleHTn
נוּם (nuwm) is a primitive root meaning to slumber or be drowsy. The entries indicate that it encompasses the concepts of sleep and drowsiness, particularly in the Qal form. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meaning.
נוּם vb. be drowsy, slumber
base
H5123 נוּם be drowsy, slumber
5123 nuwm noom
a primitive root; to slumber (from drowsiness):--sleep,
slumber.
נוּם (num) — to slumber.
1) to be drowsy, slumber, sleep
1a) (Qal) to slumber, be drowsy
V-Qal-Juss-3ms — Verb · Qal · jussive third person masculine singularHVqj3ms
The Hebrew word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) is a primitive root meaning to keep, guard, or observe. It encompasses a wide range of actions including protecting, waiting for, and celebrating obligations like the Sabbath. The verb appears in various forms, indicating nuances such as being on guard or refraining from certain actions. It is used extensively in the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance.
שָׁמַר 465 vb. keep, watch, preserve
Qal 425
keep, have charge of
keep, guard, captives
hence, watch for, wait for
watch, observe
keep, retain, of storing up (food)
keep within bounds, restrain
observe, celebrate
keep sabbath
of other obligations
observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
sts. י׳ subj.
keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
Niph.
36be on one's guard
keep oneself, refrain, abstain
be kept, guarded
Pi. those paying regard to false vanities
Hithp. I kept myself from
base
H8104 שָׁמַר keep, watch, preserve .. . keep, have charge of
. keep, guard, captives
. hence, watch for, wait for
. watch, observe
. . keep, retain, of storing up (food)
. keep within bounds, restrain
. . observe, celebrate
. keep sabbath
. of other obligations
. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
. sts. י׳ subj.
. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
. . be on one's guard
. keep oneself, refrain, abstain
. be kept, guarded
. those paying regard to false vanities
. I kept myself from
8104 shamar shaw-mar'
a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns),
i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--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).
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: obey.
: 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
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: guard.
: guard
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)
V-Qal | Suff — Verb qal participle (active) masculine singular common · suffixHVqrmsc/Sp2ms