Psalms 118:6

KJV

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is on my side; I will not fear {H3372}: what can {H6213} man {H120} do {H6213} unto me?

Complete Jewish Bible

With ADONAI on my side, I fear nothing -what can human beings do to me?

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

American Standard Version

Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:6 stands as a resolute declaration of faith, proclaiming unwavering confidence in God's active presence and protective power. It asserts that because the sovereign LORD is an ally, fear of human opposition is rendered baseless, and any earthly threat is ultimately impotent against divine might. This verse encapsulates a profound theological truth: the believer's security is rooted not in self-strength or favorable circumstances, but in the omnipotent God who personally intervenes on behalf of His people, transforming potential dread into courageous trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 118 is the final psalm of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, particularly Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot. Its placement as the climax of this Hallel underscores its significance as a song of triumphant thanksgiving and deliverance. The psalm moves from a general call to praise God for His steadfast love (hesed) to a personal testimony of distress and miraculous rescue, culminating in a celebration of God's saving work and the prophetic "stone the builders rejected" found in [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). Verse 6 specifically follows the psalmist's recounting of being surrounded by enemies and crying out to the LORD, who answered and set him free, as detailed in [Psalms 118:5](/psalms/118-5 "Psalms 118:5 - Call to the LORD in Distress"). Thus, it is a statement born out of lived experience of divine intervention, not mere theoretical assertion, grounding the declaration in a tangible history of God's faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting is debated, Psalms 118 likely reflects a communal or royal thanksgiving following a significant national deliverance, possibly a military victory or release from oppression. The "man" (אדם, *adam*) in the verse refers to human adversaries, whether individuals, groups, or even hostile nations. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's or nation's strength was often measured by their military might and ability to deter enemies. The psalmist's declaration flips this paradigm, asserting that true security comes not from human power or alliances, but from the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The public nature of the Hallel psalms suggests they were sung in the temple context, reinforcing a corporate identity rooted in God's faithfulness, even amidst external threats to the community of faith, making this a bold public confession of divine reliance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing that God's power far surpasses any human capacity to harm or hinder. Secondly, it underscores **God's Personal Involvement and Faithfulness** to His people, as indicated by the phrase "on my side," signifying His active advocacy and support. This leads directly to the theme of **Trust Over Fear**, presenting confidence in God as the antidote to human anxiety and dread. The rhetorical question "what can man do unto me?" further reinforces the theme of **Human Impotence in the Face of Divine Protection**, a concept echoed in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You") and [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The LORD is My Light and Salvation"). Ultimately, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Deliverance and Salvation** found throughout the psalm, celebrating God as the ultimate source of rescue and security for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (H3068), the sacred, self-revealed covenant name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature, emphasizing that it is not a generic deity but the personal, active God of Israel, who has revealed Himself and entered into a relationship with His people, who is "on my side." This name underscores His faithfulness and power to fulfill His promises, making Him the ultimate reliable protector.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3372) means "to fear," "to be afraid," or "to dread"; morally, it can also mean "to revere." In this context, it denotes a state of active apprehension, terror, or anxiety. The psalmist's declaration "I will not fear" is not a denial of potential danger, but a resolute refusal to succumb to its psychological grip, because his trust is firmly anchored in a greater reality—God's presence and power. It implies a conscious act of the will to reject debilitating fear in the face of perceived threats.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This term (H120) refers to a human being, an individual or the species, mankind. It highlights the contrast between finite, mortal humanity and the infinite, eternal God. When the psalmist asks "what can man do unto me?", he is emphasizing the limited capacity of any human adversary, regardless of their power or malice, to ultimately harm one whom the omnipotent God protects. It points to the ultimate impotence of human opposition against divine sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is on my side":** This opening clause is the foundational premise of the entire verse, a confident assertion of God's active and personal presence as an ally. The psalmist declares that the sovereign, covenant-keeping God (YHWH) is not merely observing from a distance but is intimately involved, taking his part, and actively supporting him. This is a statement of divine advocacy and protective alignment, the wellspring of all subsequent confidence and the basis for the psalmist's unwavering trust.
* **"I will not fear":** This is the direct, logical consequence of the first clause. Because the Almighty God is actively "for" the psalmist, the natural human response of fear, dread, or anxiety is rendered unnecessary and, indeed, illogical. This is not a passive absence of fear but an active, willed rejection of it, born from a deep-seated trust in God's superior power and protective care. It is a declaration of internal fortitude derived from an external, divine source, a courageous stance against the anxieties of the world.
* **"what can man do unto me?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves to underscore the utter impotence of human opposition when contrasted with divine omnipotence. It is not a naive dismissal of real-world threats or the capacity of humans to cause harm, but rather a profound theological statement that any harm inflicted by "man" is ultimately limited and cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes or fundamentally undermine the security of one protected by Him. It elevates God's power far above any earthly adversary, inviting the listener to consider the vast disparity between finite human strength and infinite divine power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "what can man do unto me?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion: human power is utterly insignificant when God is one's protector. It invites the listener to consider the vast disparity between finite human strength and infinite divine power, leading to a profound sense of security. There is also a clear element of **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, as the psalmist confidently states, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear." This is a bold, unwavering pronouncement of faith, not a tentative hope, establishing the psalmist's resolute stance. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the limited capabilities of "man" and the boundless, protective power of "the LORD," which serves to amplify the psalmist's confidence and highlight the source of his security. The verse also functions as a subtle **Chiasm** (ABBA structure) in its underlying thought: God (A) is on my side (B), therefore I will not fear (B'), what can man do (A'). This structure emphasizes the central theme of fearlessness stemming directly from divine protection, creating a memorable and impactful statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:6 is a foundational statement of divine protection and human trust, echoing throughout biblical theology. It articulates the profound truth that God's active presence and advocacy for His people render all human opposition ultimately powerless. This principle is deeply woven into the fabric of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where His faithfulness is the ultimate guarantor of their security and well-being. It speaks to God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to those who place their trust in Him, transforming fear into courage and vulnerability into strength. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true security is found not in human strength, political alliances, or material possessions, but solely in the sovereign LORD, who actively defends His own.

* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God Is For Us")
* [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "The Lord Is My Helper")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, opposition, and various forms of human threat—whether through criticism, injustice, or direct harm—Psalms 118:6 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It calls believers to shift their focus from the perceived power of adversaries to the absolute power of God. This verse is not a promise that no harm will ever befall us, but rather an assurance that any harm is ultimately limited and cannot separate us from God's love or thwart His ultimate purposes for our lives. To truly live out this verse means cultivating a radical trust in God's active presence and protection, allowing His "on my side" reality to dismantle the stronghold of fear in our hearts. It encourages us to boldly face challenges, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength or the absence of opposition, but in the unwavering faithfulness of the Almighty. This confidence empowers us to act with courage, speak with conviction, and persevere through trials, understanding that no human force can ultimately prevail against the one whom God defends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears or anxieties do I allow to dominate my thoughts, and how can the truth of "The LORD is on my side" directly confront them?**
* **In what areas of my life am I relying more on human strength or external circumstances than on God's active presence and protection?**
* **How might embracing the rhetorical question "what can man do unto me?" change my perspective on current challenges or opposition?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's unwavering support, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for "The LORD to be on my side" in a practical sense for a believer today?**

Answer: For "The LORD to be on my side" means that the sovereign, all-powerful God of the universe is actively engaged in your life, advocating for you, protecting you, and working all things for your ultimate good and His glory, as [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good") assures us. Practically, this implies that you are never truly alone in your struggles; God's presence is a constant source of strength and guidance. It means that when you face opposition, injustice, or personal weakness, you have the ultimate ally. This doesn't guarantee an absence of trials, but it assures you of divine companionship and ultimate victory. It empowers you to live with courage, knowing that your ultimate security is in Him, and no human scheme or power can ultimately thwart His perfect will for you.

**If "man can do nothing" to me, does that mean believers are immune to suffering or harm from others?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise immunity from physical harm, suffering, or even death at the hands of others. Throughout Scripture, believers have faced persecution, martyrdom, and various forms of human-inflicted suffering, as exemplified by Stephen's martyrdom in [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "Acts 7:54-60 - Stephen's Martyrdom") and Paul's extensive sufferings detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings"). The psalmist's rhetorical question, "what can man do unto me?", speaks to a deeper, spiritual reality. It means that human adversaries cannot ultimately destroy one's soul, separate one from God's love, or thwart God's eternal purposes for their life, as Jesus Himself teaches in [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man"). While man can inflict temporary pain or even end physical life, they cannot touch the believer's eternal security or their relationship with God. The verse is a declaration of ultimate spiritual invincibility and a call to fearless trust in God's sovereign control over all things, even in the face of adversity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's personal declaration, "The LORD is on my side," becomes a cosmic truth in the person and work of Christ. He is Immanuel, "God with us," as prophesied in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"), embodying God's active presence and unwavering commitment to His people. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that no human power, no earthly authority, and certainly no spiritual foe could ultimately "do anything" to thwart God's redemptive plan. Though "man" crucified Him, God raised Him from the dead, triumphing over sin and death, as Peter proclaimed in [Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Acts 2:23-24 - God Raised Him Up"). For the believer, Christ's victory means that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now dwells within them, as affirmed in [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit of Life"), securing their ultimate victory over fear and all adversaries. Because Christ has conquered, believers can confidently declare with the psalmist, "I will not fear," for the ultimate "man" (humanity in its fallen state, represented by those who opposed God) has been decisively defeated by the resurrected "man," Jesus Christ, who now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for His own, as highlighted in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes"). Our security is not merely in God being "on our side," but in being "in Christ," united with the one who has already overcome the world, a truth Jesus Himself declared in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World").

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

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Psalms 56:4

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalms 56:11

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

Psalms 56:9

When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me.