Psalms 12:7

KJV

Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt keep {H8104} them, O LORD {H3068}, thou shalt preserve {H5341} them from this {H2098} generation {H1755} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You, ADONAI, protect us; guard us forever from this generation

Berean Standard Bible

You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.

American Standard Version

Thou wilt keep them, O Jehovah, Thou wilt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 12:7 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to protect and preserve His faithful people amidst a world characterized by widespread deceit, oppression, and moral decay. In stark contrast to the fleeting and corrupt words of humanity, this verse asserts the eternal security and vigilant guardianship of the Lord over those who trust in His pure and unfailing promises, shielding them perpetually from the pervasive influence of a hostile and ungodly generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 12 is a lament psalm, opening with a desperate cry from David for divine intervention due to the alarming scarcity of godly individuals and the pervasive nature of deceit. Verses 1-4 paint a grim picture of a society where "godly man ceaseth" and "the faithful fail from among the children of men" ([Psalms 12:1](/psalms/12-1 "Psalm 12:1 - The Decline of Faithfulness")). The wicked are characterized by flattery, lies, and arrogant speech, using their tongues as weapons of oppression against the poor and needy. This widespread human depravity sets the stage for a profound contrast in verse 6, where the psalmist extols the absolute purity and trustworthiness of the Lord's words, likening them to "silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" ([Psalms 12:6](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The Purity of God's Words")). Therefore, verse 7 serves as a confident and direct response to this contrast, asserting God's active preservation of His people *because* His words are true and His character is faithful, providing a secure refuge from the very corruption described in the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "generation" referred to in Psalm 12 is not merely a chronological period but a moral designation for the prevailing society of the psalmist's time. This was an era marked by significant social injustice, where the powerful often exploited the vulnerable through deceitful words and oppressive actions. The lament reflects a common experience in ancient Near Eastern societies where the righteous often felt overwhelmed by the ungodly, who seemed to prosper through dishonesty and violence. The cultural context underscores the importance of the spoken word; in a society where oaths, covenants, and public declarations held immense weight, the prevalence of lies and flattery was not merely a social nuisance but a profound moral and spiritual crisis. God's promise to "keep" and "preserve" His people in such an environment was a radical assurance of divine justice and protection against the very real threats posed by a corrupt leadership and populace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Preservation**, underscoring God's active and vigilant role as the guardian of His people, especially when they are surrounded by moral decay and hostility. This preservation is a direct outflow of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, a stark contrast to the pervasive unfaithfulness of humanity described in the psalm. Despite the widespread deceit, God remains true to His character and His promises, demonstrating that His word is pure and His commitment to His own is steadfast. The phrase "from this generation" introduces the theme of **Protection from a Corrupt Generation**, emphasizing God's shield against the spiritual and moral dangers posed by a society defined by wickedness and oppression. Finally, the concluding phrase "for ever" introduces the theme of **Eternal Security**, assuring believers that God's preservation is not merely temporal but enduring, offering a hope that transcends immediate circumstances and extends into eternity, echoing the profound assurance of divine keeping found in passages like [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb signifies to guard, watch over, observe, or preserve. It implies a diligent and attentive guardianship, much like a watchman guarding a city wall or a shepherd protecting his flock. In this context, it conveys God's active and careful oversight, ensuring the safety and well-being of His people. It's not a passive act but an engaged, protective presence.
* **Preserve (Hebrew, _natsar'_):** Similar to _shamar_, this term also means to watch, protect, or keep safe. However, _natsar_ often carries the nuance of guarding something precious or valuable from harm, reinforcing the idea of God's vigilant care for His people as a treasure. The doubling of these similar verbs (keep and preserve) emphasizes the certainty and totality of God's protective action.
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dor'_):** While literally meaning 'generation' or 'period of time', in this psalm, _dor_ takes on a strong moral and ethical quality. It refers not just to a group of people living at a particular time, but specifically to the character and conduct of that group—a people defined by their wickedness, deceit, and oppression, as described in the preceding verses. Thus, "this generation" signifies a pervasive moral environment of hostility from which God promises to protect His own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt keep them, O LORD":** This clause immediately establishes the divine agent of protection—the sovereign God, Yahweh. The direct address "O LORD" highlights the psalmist's personal plea and confident trust in God's unique power and authority. The verb "keep" (shamar) denotes active, vigilant guardianship, emphasizing God's commitment to watch over and protect His faithful ones.
* **"thou shalt preserve them":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the promise of the first clause. The repetition of "thou shalt" underscores God's unwavering resolve and the certainty of His action. "Preserve" (natsar) reinforces the idea of guarding something precious, implying a careful and deliberate act of shielding from harm. Together, these two verbs convey a comprehensive and secure divine protection.
* **"from this generation":** This specifies the source of the threat. As discussed in the key word analysis, "this generation" refers to the morally corrupt, deceitful, and oppressive society described in the earlier verses of Psalm 12. God's preservation is specifically directed at shielding His people from the destructive influence, schemes, and spiritual dangers posed by such an ungodly environment.
* **"for ever":** This crucial phrase defines the duration and permanence of God's preservation. It signifies an enduring, perpetual protection that transcends temporal circumstances and extends into eternity. It offers profound assurance that God's grip on His people is unbreakable, providing ultimate security beyond any immediate threat or challenge from "this generation."

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 12:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "keep" (_shamar_) and "preserve" (_natsar_). These two verbs, while distinct in nuance, essentially convey the same core idea of protection, reinforcing the certainty and comprehensiveness of God's guardianship. This repetition serves to emphasize God's active and vigilant role. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the earlier descriptions of human deceit and unfaithfulness (vv. 2-4). While human words are fleeting and corrupt, God's words (v. 6) are pure, and His promise to preserve is eternal, highlighting the vast difference between divine and human character. The phrase "for ever" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, not just indicating an indefinite future, but underscoring the absolute and enduring nature of God's commitment, providing ultimate comfort and security to the beleaguered righteous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 12:7 beautifully articulates a foundational theological truth: God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. In a world characterized by moral decay and spiritual compromise, this verse anchors the believer's hope in the immutable character of God. It asserts divine sovereignty over human depravity, demonstrating that even when evil seems to triumph, God remains the ultimate protector and preserver of those who are faithful to Him. This preservation is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual integrity and ultimate destiny, ensuring that the influence of "this generation" does not ultimately corrupt or destroy the righteous. It speaks to God's faithfulness in upholding His promises, even when human faithfulness falters, providing a secure refuge in His unchanging nature amidst a constantly shifting moral landscape.

* [Deuteronomy 32:10](/deuteronomy/32-10 "Deuteronomy 32:10 - God's Preservation of Israel")
* [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - The Lord Loves Justice and Will Not Forsake His Saints")
* [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Falling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age often defined by pervasive misinformation, moral relativism, and social pressures that can feel overwhelming, Psalms 12:7 offers profound comfort and a clear call to trust. Just as the psalmist faced a "generation" marked by deceit and oppression, believers today navigate complex environments where truth is often distorted and integrity is challenged. This verse reminds us that God sees our struggles and is actively engaged in protecting His own. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in fleeting human systems, political promises, or cultural trends, but in the unchanging and faithful character of God, whose word is pure and whose promise to preserve is eternal. The assurance that God will "keep them" and "preserve them from this generation for ever" provides profound peace regarding our ultimate security. Though we may face trials, temptations, and even hostility from the prevailing culture, God's grip on His children is eternal and unbreakable, empowering us to stand firm in faith and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between human deceit and God's purity in Psalm 12 inform your trust in Him today, particularly in an age of widespread misinformation?**
* **In what specific ways do you experience the need for God's preservation "from this generation" in your daily life, whether spiritually, emotionally, or morally?**
* **How does the promise of God's preservation "for ever" shape your perspective on present trials and your ultimate hope in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Who are "them" that God will keep and preserve?**

Answer: "Them" refers to the righteous, the godly, and the faithful ones who are contrasted with the wicked throughout Psalm 12. These are the individuals whose numbers are dwindling ("godly man ceaseth," [Psalms 12:1](/psalms/12-1 "Psalm 12:1 - The Decline of Faithfulness")) and who are oppressed by the deceitful. God's promise of preservation is specifically for those who align themselves with His truth and character, trusting in His pure word amidst a corrupt world.

**What does "this generation" refer to?**

Answer: "This generation" in Psalm 12:7 refers to the morally corrupt and oppressive society described in the preceding verses of the psalm. It is not merely a chronological period but a moral designation, signifying a group of people characterized by their deceitful speech, flattery, arrogance, and exploitation of the poor and needy ([Psalms 12:2-5](/psalms/12-2 "Psalm 12:2-5 - The Deceitful Words of Men")). It represents the pervasive spiritual and moral dangers from which God promises to protect His faithful.

**How does God "preserve" His people? Does it mean they won't face any harm or suffering?**

Answer: God's preservation of His people does not guarantee immunity from all suffering, physical harm, or worldly trials. Rather, it signifies His vigilant guardianship over their spiritual integrity, their faith, and their ultimate destiny. God preserves His people *through* trials, keeping them from being utterly consumed or spiritually corrupted by the "generation" around them. It assures their ultimate security in His hands, ensuring that no external force can snatch them away from His eternal purpose or eternal life ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus' Promise of Eternal Security")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 12:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "keeper" and "preserver" of His people, standing as the perfect contrast to the deceitful and corrupt "generation" of His own time. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus continually confronted the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the religious and political powers, speaking words of truth and life that were "pure words" in a world of lies ([John 8:45](/john/8-45 "John 8:45 - Jesus Speaks the Truth")). His life was a testament to God's preservation, as He was kept from the spiritual defilement of the world, though He experienced its physical hostility. Ultimately, Christ's death and resurrection represent the supreme act of divine preservation, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him. He conquered sin, death, and the power of the corrupt "generation," guaranteeing that those who are "in Him" are eternally preserved. As our great High Priest, He ever lives to intercede for us, continually "keeping" and "preserving" us from falling, presenting us blameless before God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Ability to Save Completely"); [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God's Power to Keep Us from Falling")). The promise of Psalms 12:7 is realized in the secure and everlasting grip of the Good Shepherd, who ensures that none of His sheep will perish ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus' Promise of Eternal Life")).

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

1 Samuel 2:9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Psalms 145:20

The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalms 37:40

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalms 10:18

To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.

Matthew 3:7

¶ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?