Psalms 118:8

KJV

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is better {H2896} to trust {H2620} in the LORD {H3068} than to put confidence {H982} in man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is better to take refuge in ADONAI than to trust in human beings;

Berean Standard Bible

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

American Standard Version

It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:8 offers a profound declaration of divine wisdom, asserting that true security, unwavering stability, and ultimate well-being are found in placing one's complete trust and reliance in the LORD, rather than in the inherently limited and fallible capabilities or influence of humanity. This verse functions as a foundational theological principle, guiding believers away from the shifting sands of human strength and towards the steadfast faithfulness, omnipotence, and unchanging nature of God, thereby providing an unshakeable anchor for the soul amidst the uncertainties of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 stands as the culminating psalm of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a revered collection traditionally recited during significant Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot. It is a vibrant and triumphal hymn of thanksgiving, celebrating God's enduring steadfast love (`hesed`) and His mighty acts of deliverance. The psalm commences with a universal call to praise God for His goodness (verses 1-4), then transitions into the psalmist's personal testimony of profound distress and God's powerful, decisive intervention (verses 5-7). Verses 8-9 form a distinct and pivotal couplet, acting as a theological summation that encapsulates the core lesson gleaned from the psalmist's harrowing experience: absolute reliance on God is infinitely superior to reliance on any human power or institution. This profound statement is further reinforced by subsequent declarations in verses 10-14, which vividly portray the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's adversaries and the LORD's triumphant victory, culminating in the exultant affirmation of God as the psalmist's strength and song. The psalm then shifts to a communal celebration, anticipating entry into the temple (verses 19-21) and famously declaring the "stone the builders rejected" (verse 22), a verse of immense prophetic and Christological significance that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 118 is not tied to a singular, specific historical event, its themes resonate deeply with Israel's recurring experiences of national peril and miraculous divine rescue. Throughout their history, the nation of Israel frequently faced the temptation to forge strategic alliances with powerful, yet ultimately pagan, nations like Egypt or Assyria, or to place their hope in the strength of charismatic leaders, formidable armies, or political maneuvering, rather than trusting solely in the covenant-keeping God, Yahweh. Prophets consistently issued stern warnings against such misplaced trust, as seen in the admonition against relying on foreign powers found in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who rely on Egypt for help"). The stark contrast drawn between "the LORD" (יהוה, YHWH – God's personal, covenantal, and unchanging name, emphasizing His self-existence and eternal faithfulness) and "man" (אדם, `adam` – signifying humanity in its inherent frailty, mortality, and pervasive fallibility) would have been acutely understood by an ancient Israelite audience. This psalm likely served a vital liturgical function, perhaps being sung by pilgrims ascending to the Temple in Jerusalem or during a national celebration commemorating a significant deliverance, thereby reinforcing the foundational theological truth that God alone is the ultimate and reliable source of security, salvation, and hope for His people.

* **Key Themes:** The central and overarching theme of Psalms 118:8 is the **absolute superiority of divine trust**. It posits that God's unwavering faithfulness, infinite power, and perfect wisdom far exceed any human capacity or resource, thereby establishing Him as the only truly reliable refuge and source of help. This theme is intricately interwoven with the **inherent limitations and pervasive fallibility of humanity**, implicitly highlighting that human strength, wisdom, alliances, or institutions are fundamentally finite, transient, and prone to failure when juxtaposed with the infinite, immutable, and omnipotent nature of God. Consequently, the verse powerfully advocates for **security and refuge in God alone**, presenting trust in the LORD not merely as a religious obligation but as the most profoundly practical and supremely wise path to attaining genuine stability, enduring peace, and ultimate deliverance. This aligns seamlessly with broader biblical teachings that consistently warn against reliance on "flesh" (e.g., [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man")) and fervently encourage wholehearted dependence on God (e.g., [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")). The entire psalm, in its broader scope, celebrates God's **unfailing `hesed` (steadfast love)**, which serves as the immutable foundation for the psalmist's profound confidence and provides the ultimate basis for such radical trust.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) is an adjective meaning "good" in its widest sense, but here functions as an adverb, conveying "well" or "best." In the context of "It is better," it declares a definitive, absolute truth about what is superior, advantageous, and ultimately beneficial. It’s not merely a preference but a statement of ultimate wisdom and rightness, indicating that the path of trusting God yields a qualitatively superior outcome compared to trusting man.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H2620) carries the primary meaning "to flee for protection," "to seek refuge," or "to take shelter." It vividly describes the act of seeking asylum or shelter, often with the imagery of a bird sheltering under its mother's wings. When applied to God, as in this verse, it denotes a profound, active, and complete dependence and reliance, a running to God as one's ultimate sanctuary and protector. It implies a full surrender of self and a confident expectation of safety, provision, and deliverance from the one in whom refuge is sought.
* **Confidence (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This word (H982) means "to trust," "to rely upon," "to feel secure," or "to be confident." While `bâṭach` can be used positively (e.g., trusting in the LORD), its use here in direct contrast with `châçâh` and its object being "man" highlights a misplaced or inferior form of reliance. It points to a sense of security derived from human strength, wisdom, or alliances, which the psalmist declares to be ultimately unreliable and inferior to the refuge found in God. The juxtaposition emphasizes that while one might `bâṭach` (feel secure) in human connections, true and lasting `châçâh` (refuge/shelter) is found only in the LORD.
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** The Hebrew term (H120) refers to a "human being" in general, encompassing an individual or the species (mankind). In this context, it signifies humanity in its inherent limitations, frailty, mortality, and fallibility. It represents any human source of help, strength, wisdom, or authority—whether an individual, a leader, an army, or a human institution—all of which are inherently finite and subject to change or failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is better to trust in the LORD":** This opening clause presents a definitive, absolute declaration of truth, not a mere suggestion. The phrase "It is better" (טוֹב, `ṭôwb`) signifies what is inherently good, right, and ultimately beneficial. To "trust in the LORD" (יהוה, `Yᵉhôvâh`) means to place one's complete, active, and profound reliance, hope, and security in the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This trust is not passive but involves a conscious, deliberate choice to seek refuge in His immutable character, His unfailing promises, and His omnipotent power, acknowledging Him as the supreme authority, ultimate deliverer, and sole source of true help.
* **"than to put confidence in man":** This clause presents the striking antithetical contrast to the first. "Man" (אדם, `ʼâdâm`) refers to humanity in its broadest sense—any human individual, leader, army, or institution. To "put confidence" (`bâṭach`) in man implies deriving one's sense of security, hope, or strength from human sources. The "better" statement in the first clause implicitly declares that such reliance on human means is inherently flawed, limited, and ultimately prone to disappointment, as humans are fallible, mortal, and subject to change, unlike the eternal, unchanging, and perfectly faithful God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:8 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where two lines express contrasting or opposing ideas to highlight a central truth. Here, the first clause ("It is better to trust in the LORD") is directly juxtaposed with the second ("than to put confidence in man"), creating a powerful **Contrast** that underscores the fundamental difference in reliability and wisdom between divine and human sources of help. This stark comparison serves to emphasize the absolute superiority of trusting God. The verse also functions as a concise yet profound **Didactic Statement** or **Admonition**, teaching a foundational principle of faith and guiding the reader towards proper theological understanding and practical living. Its memorable and concise structure enhances its impact, making it easily quotable and reinforcing its central, life-altering message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of Psalms 118:8 is immense, serving as a cornerstone for understanding the very nature of true faith and the absolute sovereignty of God. It powerfully underscores the biblical truth that God alone is supremely worthy of ultimate trust because He is immutable, omnipotent, omniscient, and perfectly faithful, utterly unlike fallible and finite humanity. This verse implicitly highlights the profound doctrines of divine self-sufficiency and human dependence, serving as a potent reminder that any strength, wisdom, or security derived from human sources is ultimately tenuous, temporary, and prone to failure. It calls believers to a radical reorientation of their hope, shifting it from finite, created beings and their capabilities to the infinite, uncreated Creator. This principle is not a rejection of healthy human relationships or responsible human action, but rather a crucial prioritization of God as the ultimate refuge and provider, recognizing that even when God graciously uses human instruments, the true source of blessing, deliverance, and lasting security remains solely with Him.

* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:8 stands as a timeless and profoundly practical principle for navigating the inherent complexities and uncertainties of life. In a world that frequently encourages self-reliance, dependence on powerful institutions, or unwavering trust in charismatic leaders, this verse calls us to embrace a counter-cultural posture of radical and unwavering dependence on God. It compels us to honestly examine the true locus of our ultimate hope and security: Is it primarily in our financial portfolios, our professional networks, our political affiliations, our personal strength and ingenuity, or even the indispensable love and support of family and friends? While all these can be good and God-given blessings, this verse serves as a vital reminder that they are ultimately finite, fallible, and temporary. True and lasting peace, along with unwavering stability, emanates solely from anchoring our souls in the unshakeable character and omnipotent power of God. This means consciously choosing to bring our anxieties, our deepest needs, and our future plans before the LORD, releasing our grip on human solutions, and resting in His sovereign wisdom and perfect power. It is an invitation to live a life liberated from the anxieties of human failure and disappointment, secure in the profound knowledge that our ultimate refuge and unfailing help are found in the One who never fails, never changes, and never disappoints.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life—be it finances, career, relationships, or health—do you find yourself relying more on human wisdom, resources, or control than on God's sovereignty and provision?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can you commit to taking this week to intentionally shift your ultimate confidence from "man" (including yourself) to the LORD in those identified areas?**
* **How does a deeper understanding of God's unchanging nature, His `hesed` (steadfast love), and His perfect faithfulness strengthen your ability to trust Him more fully and release your anxieties?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we should never trust or rely on other people, or that human relationships are unimportant?**

Answer: No, Psalms 118:8 does not advocate for a complete distrust of all humanity, nor does it promote isolation from others. The Bible consistently affirms the profound importance of community, mutual support, and healthy, trusting relationships (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10](/ecclesiastes/4-9-10 "Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one")). Rather, this verse speaks to the *ultimate* source of our confidence, security, and hope. It issues a profound warning against placing our *ultimate* hope, our *ultimate* refuge, or our *ultimate* faith in human beings, human systems, or human institutions, precisely because they are inherently limited, fallible, and temporary. We can and should trust people in appropriate ways, exercising discernment and wisdom, but our foundational, unwavering, and absolute trust must be reserved for God alone. He is the only truly infallible, eternal, and omnipotent source of help, salvation, and security. He is the one who sovereignly upholds and orchestrates all things, including all human relationships and institutions, within His perfect plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:8 finds its most profound and complete Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of God's trustworthiness and the ultimate, worthy object of our faith. While the Old Testament powerfully contrasts the inherent fallibility of "man" with the absolute reliability of "the LORD," Jesus Christ uniquely bridges this divide, being simultaneously truly God and truly man. As the God-man, He is the one in whom we can place our absolute, unreserved confidence, for He is both perfectly divine and perfectly human, yet without sin. He is the very "arm of the LORD" (cf. [Isaiah 53:1](/isaiah/53-1 "Isaiah 53:1 - Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?")), the manifest power of God made flesh for our salvation. It is significant that Psalm 118 itself is deeply messianic, particularly in its declaration of "the stone the builders rejected" becoming "the cornerstone" (cf. [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")), a prophecy Jesus Himself explicitly applied to His own person and ministry (cf. [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). In Christ, we encounter the perfect example of unwavering trust in the Father (cf. [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son can do nothing of Himself")) and the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness to all His promises (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He is the secure and unshakeable foundation upon which we can build our entire lives (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ")), the true refuge for our souls, and the ultimate divine answer to the pervasive human dilemma of misplaced trust. Therefore, for the New Testament believer, to truly "trust in the LORD" is to trust wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ, through whom God has perfectly revealed His saving power, His unwavering love, and His eternal faithfulness.

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

Psalms 40:4

Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Jeremiah 17:5

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalms 62:9

Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Micah 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.