Psalms 91:12

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 91:12 KJV offers a profound promise of divine safeguarding, assuring the believer of meticulous care and protection from harm. This verse is a cornerstone of the psalm's overarching theme of security found in dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 91, a powerful declaration of God's protection for those who make Him their refuge. The psalm opens with the assurance that "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalms 91:1). Verses 11 and 12 specifically detail the mechanism of this protection: God giving charge to His angels. The imagery throughout the psalm speaks of deliverance from snares, pestilence, terror, and destruction, painting a vivid picture of comprehensive divine oversight for the faithful.

Key Themes

  • Angelic Guardianship: The "they" in this verse directly refers to God's angels, as stated in Psalms 91:11. This highlights the concept of unseen spiritual beings actively working on God's behalf to protect His children. It suggests that God's care is not merely passive but involves active intervention through His heavenly hosts.
  • Meticulous Protection: The phrase "lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" speaks to a very specific and seemingly minor danger. It emphasizes that God's protection is not only from catastrophic events but also extends to the small, everyday hazards and stumbling blocks of life. It implies a detailed, intimate level of care, preventing even slight injury or impediment on one's path.
  • Divine Assurance: This verse, within the broader context of Psalm 91, reinforces the absolute certainty of God's commitment to those who trust in Him. It is a promise of security, peace, and unwavering support amidst life's challenges, assuring believers that they are upheld by a power greater than themselves.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "bear thee up in their hands" (יִשָּׂאוּךְ עַל־כַּפָּיִם, yissa’ûḵa ‘al-kappayim) conveys a sense of tender, careful lifting and carrying. The word kappayim (hands/palms) often implies personal care and protection, as a parent might lift a child to prevent them from falling. This imagery underscores the intimate and personal nature of God's protective love, executed through His angelic agents.

Related Scriptures

This particular verse holds significant biblical weight because it was infamously quoted by Satan during the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11). Satan twisted the promise, urging Jesus to presumptuously test God's protection by leaping from the temple. Jesus' response, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Matthew 4:7), clarifies that God's promises of protection are for faithful living, not for reckless or defiant acts. This interaction highlights that divine protection is conditional upon trust and obedience, not an invitation to presumption.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 91:12 serves as a powerful reminder of God's ever-present care. It encourages a posture of trust, knowing that even in the seemingly small trials and potential pitfalls of daily life, God is actively involved in preserving His people. This verse brings comfort in times of anxiety, reminding us that we are not alone and that divine assistance is at hand. It calls us to walk in faith, assured that God's protective hand is upon us, guiding our steps and preventing us from stumbling, provided we do not presumptuously test His faithfulness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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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