Psalms 91:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Complete Jewish Bible:

They will carry you in their hands, so that you won't trip on a stone.

Berean Standard Bible:

They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

American Standard Version:

They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

They shall bear thee up{H5375}{H8799)} in their hands{H3709}, lest thou dash{H5062}{H8799)} thy foot{H7272} against a stone{H68}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Psalms 37:24

  • Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

Proverbs 3:23

  • Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

Luke 4:11

  • And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Isaiah 63:9

  • In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Matthew 4:6

  • And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Isaiah 46:3

  • Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

Job 5:23

  • For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

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Commentary for Psalms 91:12

Psalm 91:12 is part of a longer psalm that is often characterized as a psalm of protection and refuge. The historical context of the psalms, including Psalm 91, is generally tied to the worship practices of ancient Israel, where these poetic compositions were used in various religious settings, such as temple services and personal devotion. They served as expressions of faith, praise, lament, and wisdom.

The verse itself, "They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone," continues the theme of divine protection that pervades Psalm 91. In this particular verse, the imagery suggests a level of care and support that is both intimate and powerful. The pronoun "they" has been interpreted in different ways: some see it as referring to angels or divine messengers who watch over the faithful, while others interpret it as a metaphor for God's providence working through various means.

The promise that the faithful will be borne up in hands implies that they will be safeguarded from harm, even from the seemingly minor danger of stubbing one's foot on a stone. This speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's protection, which extends to every aspect of life, no matter how small or mundane. The verse reassures the reader that divine assistance is always present, ready to prevent even the smallest of injuries.

In a broader thematic context, Psalm 91:12 emphasizes the trust that the believer can place in God, who is depicted as a reliable guardian. This assurance of safety and deliverance would have been particularly comforting to the ancient Israelites facing various threats and uncertainties, and it continues to resonate with people of faith today who seek solace in the promise of divine care and intervention in their lives.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H5375
    There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָשָׂא
    Transliteration: nâsâʼ
    Pronunciation: naw-saw'
    Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
  2. Strong's Number: H3709
    There are 180 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כַּף
    Transliteration: kaph
    Pronunciation: kaf
    Description: from כָּפַף; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree); figuratively, power; branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.
  3. Strong's Number: H5062
    There are 46 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָגַף
    Transliteration: nâgaph
    Pronunciation: naw-gaf'
    Description: a primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease); beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse.
  4. Strong's Number: H7272
    There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רֶגֶל
    Transliteration: regel
    Pronunciation: reh'-gel
    Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time.
  5. Strong's Number: H68
    There are 1276 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֶבֶן
    Transliteration: ʼeben
    Pronunciation: eh'-ben
    Description: from the root of בָּנָה through the meaning to build; a stone; [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s).