Psalms 112:6

KJV

¶ Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely he shall not be moved {H4131} for ever {H5769}: the righteous {H6662} shall be in everlasting {H5769} remembrance {H2143}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for he will never be moved. The righteous will be remembered forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever.

American Standard Version

For he shall never be moved; The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 112:6 delivers a profound assurance of unwavering stability and an enduring legacy for the individual who lives in accordance with God's will. This verse highlights that the righteous person, grounded in divine principles, will remain steadfast against life's challenges and will be honored with a perpetual remembrance that transcends fleeting human memory, rooted instead in God's eternal recognition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, often regarded as a companion to Psalm 111. While Psalm 111 celebrates the glorious works and righteous character of God, Psalm 112 describes the character and blessedness of the person who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments. The psalm is an acrostic, following the Hebrew alphabet, which emphasizes its didactic nature and aids memorization. Verses 1-5 meticulously outline the attributes and blessings of this righteous individual: their "seed shall be mighty upon earth" ([Psalms 112:2](/psalms/112-2 "Psalms 112:2")), they are "gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous" ([Psalms 112:4](/psalms/112-4 "Psalms 112:4")), and they "will guide his affairs with discretion" ([Psalms 112:5](/psalms/112-5 "Psalms 112:5")). Verse 6 serves as a climactic assurance, summarizing the ultimate security and lasting honor that accrues to such a life, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship between righteousness and blessing that is central to wisdom literature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "remembrance" (Hebrew: _zikaron_) carried significant weight, signifying not merely recollection but active recognition, preservation, and the perpetuation of one's name and legacy. To be forgotten was a profound curse, akin to annihilation, while to be remembered, especially by God, was the highest form of blessing and assurance of continued existence and influence. The concept of a stable household and an enduring "seed" (descendants) was paramount in a patriarchal society, where one's identity and future were intrinsically linked to their lineage. The promise of "not being moved" resonated deeply in a world where stability was often precarious, dependent on political shifts, natural disasters, or personal misfortune. This verse offers a divine guarantee of a steadfast foundation that contrasts sharply with the transient nature of worldly power and human achievements, aligning with the wisdom tradition that elevates divine favor over earthly prosperity alone, as seen in [Proverbs 10:25, which states, "When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation"](/proverbs/10-25 "Proverbs 10:25 - The Righteous as an Everlasting Foundation").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the Psalter and broader wisdom literature. Firstly, **Divine Security and Stability** is paramount; the phrase "Surely he shall not be moved for ever" speaks to an unshakeable foundation for the righteous, not necessarily immunity from earthly trials, but an inner resilience and divine backing that prevents ultimate collapse or spiritual disorientation. This echoes the imagery of [those who trust in the Lord being like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved](/psalms/125-1 "Psalms 125:1 - Trust in the Lord and Stability"). Secondly, **Everlasting Remembrance** underscores that the life, character, and deeds of the righteous will not fade into oblivion. This is not merely human memory, which is fallible, but a divine recognition and an enduring legacy that transcends generations, standing in stark contrast to [the memory of the wicked, which often perishes](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - Memory of the Wicked"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Blessings of Righteousness**, reinforcing the consistent biblical teaching that a life lived in alignment with God's commands yields tangible spiritual and often material benefits, demonstrating that obedience is not burdensome but leads to flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moved (Hebrew, _mûṭ_):** This verb signifies "to waver," "to slip," "to totter," or "to be shaken." Its negation ("shall not be moved") conveys absolute stability, steadfastness, and an unshakeable foundation. It implies that the righteous person, despite external pressures or internal struggles, will not collapse, fall away, or be dislodged from their firm standing in God. This is a promise of spiritual and existential resilience, not physical immobility.
* **Everlasting (Hebrew, _‘ôlām_):** This term denotes "eternity," "perpetuity," "forever," or "long duration." When paired with "remembrance," it emphasizes the enduring, non-transient nature of the recognition. It suggests a quality of permanence that extends beyond the limits of human lifespan or historical record, implying a divine and eternal dimension to the remembrance.
* **Remembrance (Hebrew, _zikrôn_):** More than just a passive recollection, _zikrôn_ implies an active memorial, a record, or a state of being remembered, often with a view to action or honor. In a divine context, God's remembrance is always active and purposeful, leading to blessing or intervention. For the righteous, it means their life and deeds are held in perpetual honor and significance, both by God and in their lasting impact on others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely he shall not be moved for ever":** The adverb "Surely" (אכן, _‘ākhēn_) introduces an emphatic affirmation, underscoring the certainty of the promise. "He" refers back to the "man that fears the Lord" described in Psalms 112:1. The phrase "shall not be moved" signifies an unshakeable inner stability and spiritual foundation, implying resilience against adversity, moral steadfastness, and an enduring faith. This stability is "for ever," indicating its perpetual and unwavering nature, rooted in God's faithfulness rather than human strength.
* **"the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance":** This clause provides the complementary blessing. "The righteous" are those whose lives are characterized by integrity, justice, and obedience to God, as detailed in the preceding verses of the psalm. To be "in everlasting remembrance" means their life, their character, and their good deeds will not be forgotten. This remembrance is not merely human, which fades, but divine, ensuring a lasting legacy and honor that transcends time, a perpetual memorial in the eyes of God and often in the positive influence they leave behind.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 112:6 employs several literary devices to enhance its message. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident, where the second clause ("the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance") echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first ("Surely he shall not be moved for ever"). Both clauses speak to the enduring security and legacy of the righteous, with "not being moved" implying steadfastness and "everlasting remembrance" signifying lasting honor and impact. The phrase "shall not be moved for ever" also functions as **Figurative Language** or **Metaphor**, as it does not imply physical immobility but rather spiritual, moral, and existential stability in the face of life's vicissitudes. Similarly, "everlasting remembrance" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Figurative Language** emphasizing the profound and enduring nature of divine recognition and the lasting impact of a righteous life, contrasting with the fleeting nature of human fame. Implicitly, the psalm uses **Contrast** by highlighting the blessings of the righteous, which inherently sets them apart from the fate of the wicked, whose memory often perishes, as seen in other wisdom texts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as a faithful and just rewarder. It affirms that a life lived in alignment with divine wisdom is not in vain but is eternally valued and secured by God Himself. True stability, therefore, is not found in earthly possessions or fleeting circumstances, but in one's relationship with the sovereign Lord and adherence to His ways. The "everlasting remembrance" speaks to God's meticulous care for His faithful ones, ensuring their deeds and character are preserved and honored, providing profound comfort and motivation for believers to pursue righteousness, knowing their efforts are seen and secured by an eternal God.

* [Psalms 125:1](/psalms/125-1 "Psalms 125:1 - Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.")
* [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.")
* [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord... their works do follow them.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 112:6 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to intentional living for believers today. In a world characterized by constant flux, uncertainty, and a relentless pursuit of fleeting recognition, this verse redirects our focus to what truly endures: a life rooted in God's righteousness. It challenges us to build our lives on an unshakeable foundation—the fear of the Lord and delight in His commandments—rather than on transient successes or human approval. The promise of "everlasting remembrance" reminds us that our acts of integrity, compassion, and faithful obedience, even if unnoticed by the world, are profoundly significant in God's eternal ledger. This truth frees us from the pressure of seeking worldly fame and empowers us to live authentically for an audience of One, knowing that our true legacy is secured in Him, impacting not just our present but extending into eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "not being moved" truly mean in the context of my personal struggles and challenges?**
* **How does the promise of "everlasting remembrance" influence my daily choices and long-term aspirations?**
* **In what ways am I building a legacy that aligns with God's values, rather than merely seeking human recognition?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper "fear of the Lord" and delight in His commandments, as described in Psalms 112:1?**

### FAQ

**Does "he shall not be moved for ever" mean the righteous will never face difficulties or suffering?**

Answer: No, this promise does not guarantee an absence of earthly troubles, physical pain, or emotional distress. Instead, "not be moved" refers to an inner, spiritual, and existential stability. It means the righteous person's faith, character, and ultimate standing with God will remain firm and unshakeable, even amidst trials. Their foundation is secure in the Lord, preventing them from being utterly overthrown, dislodged from their hope, or abandoning their trust in God, much like [a house built on a rock that withstands storms](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - The Wise Builder").

**What kind of "remembrance" is implied by "everlasting remembrance"? Is it just human memory?**

Answer: "Everlasting remembrance" (`zikron olam`) is far more profound than mere human memory, which is fallible and fades with time. It primarily signifies a divine remembrance and recognition. It means that the righteous person's life, deeds, and character are eternally valued and preserved in God's sight. This divine remembrance ensures a lasting impact and honor that transcends generations and even death. It implies that their good works and faithful living are not forgotten by God and will have an enduring spiritual legacy, as seen in [Revelation 14:13, which states that the works of the faithful "do follow them"](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Their Works Follow Them").

**How does one become "the righteous" described in this psalm?**

Answer: Psalm 112 itself provides the answer in its opening verse: "Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments" ([Psalms 112:1](/psalms/112-1 "Psalms 112:1")). Becoming "the righteous" is not achieved through perfect human performance, but through a reverent awe of God (fear of the Lord) that leads to a joyful obedience to His revealed will. It is a life characterized by integrity, compassion, and generosity, as outlined in the subsequent verses of the psalm. Ultimately, in a New Testament context, true righteousness is imputed through faith in Christ ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22")), enabling believers to then live out practical righteousness empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 112:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous one. He is the quintessential "man that feareth the LORD" ([Psalms 112:1](/psalms/112-1 "Psalms 112:1")), who delighted perfectly in His Father's commandments, even to the point of death on the cross ([John 14:31](/john/14-31 "John 14:31")). The promise that "Surely he shall not be moved for ever" is supremely true of Christ; He is the unshakeable foundation, the cornerstone upon whom the church is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20")), eternally steadfast and unchanging ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8")). Though He endured the cross, He was not ultimately "moved" or overcome by death, but rose triumphantly, conquering sin and the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24")). Furthermore, the promise that "the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance" is perfectly realized in Jesus. His name is above every name ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9")), His sacrifice is an eternal memorial ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12")), and His reign is forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15")). Believers, united with Christ through faith, partake in His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21")) and thus share in His unshakeable security and everlasting remembrance. Our eternal standing is not based on our own fleeting righteousness, but on His perfect and enduring work, ensuring that we too, in Him, "shall not be moved for ever" and are held in God's eternal, loving remembrance ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Psalms 125:1

¶ A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.

Psalms 62:2

He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psalms 15:5

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalms 62:6

He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved.