Psalms 121:3

KJV

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

KJV (with Strong's)

He will not suffer {H5414} thy foot {H7272} to be moved {H4132}: he that keepeth {H8104} thee will not slumber {H5123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will not let your foot slip -your guardian is not asleep.

Berean Standard Bible

He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

American Standard Version

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 121:3 delivers a profound message of divine assurance, declaring God's ceaseless and vigilant guardianship over His people. It stands as a powerful affirmation of the Lord's unwavering commitment to protect and sustain those who trust in Him, ensuring their steadfastness and security throughout life's journey, for the ultimate Keeper neither falters nor sleeps.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Psalm 121, one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134). These psalms served as anthems for pilgrims journeying "up" to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The psalm opens with the pilgrim's hopeful gaze towards the hills, posing the question, "From whence cometh my help?" [Psalm 121:1](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1 - Where Does My Help Come From?"). The immediate and emphatic response in [Psalm 121:2](/psalms/121-2 "Psalm 121:2 - The Lord, Maker of Heaven and Earth, is My Help") firmly establishes the source of help: "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Verse 3 then elaborates on the nature of this divine assistance, specifically addressing the individual's stability and the Lord's tireless watchfulness. This sets the stage for the recurring motif of God as the "Keeper" (Hebrew: *shomer*) that permeates the remainder of the psalm, reinforcing the theme of divine protection in every aspect of the pilgrim's life, as seen in [Psalm 121:4-8](/psalms/121-4-8 "Psalm 121:4-8 - The Lord is Your Keeper").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey to Jerusalem was often perilous. Pilgrims navigated rugged, steep, and potentially slippery terrain, making a secure footing essential. Beyond the physical challenges, dangers included wild animals, bandits, and the general vulnerability of travel in ancient times. In such a context, the concept of a "keeper" or "guardian" was deeply significant; travelers often relied on guides or armed escorts. The imagery of one's "foot being moved" would resonate profoundly with the risk of stumbling or falling on such a difficult path. Furthermore, the promise of a guardian who "does not slumber" directly contrasts with human watchmen, who, despite their best efforts, are susceptible to fatigue and sleep, leaving those under their care vulnerable. This historical reality underscores the radical and comforting assurance offered by the promise of a divine Guardian who is perpetually awake and attentive, unlike any human counterpart.
* **Key Themes:** Two major theological themes are powerfully articulated in Psalms 121:3. The first is **Divine Stability and Preservation**. The declaration "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved" speaks to God's active, preventive, and sustaining role in ensuring the steadfastness of His followers. This extends beyond mere physical stability on a treacherous path to encompass spiritual, moral, and existential security, preventing believers from being utterly overthrown by life's challenges, temptations, or adversities. It assures a profound sense of divine support and resilience, highlighting God's commitment to His people's journey and ultimate well-being, echoing promises found in [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - God is Able to Keep You from Stumbling"). The second key theme is **Unceasing Vigilance**. The phrase "he that keepeth thee will not slumber" emphasizes God's constant, unwavering, and tireless attention. Unlike human guardians who tire, sleep, or become distracted, God is always awake, always alert, and perpetually watchful over His own. This theme reassures the believer that they are never outside the scope of His protective gaze, emphasizing God's omnipotence and omnipresence in His providential care, a truth also powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God Never Faints or Grows Weary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moved (Hebrew, _môwṭ'_):** This word (H4132) conveys the idea of tottering, slipping, shaking, or being dislodged from a stable position. It implies instability, precariousness, or a loss of footing. In a broader sense, it can refer to a fall, overthrow, or collapse. The negation "will not suffer thy foot to be moved" therefore promises not just physical stability on a journey, but also spiritual, moral, and existential steadfastness, preventing one from being utterly overthrown or failing in their walk with God.
* **Keepeth (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This primitive root (H8104) signifies the act of hedging about (as with thorns), guarding, protecting, or watching over diligently. It implies active, attentive, and responsible oversight. The term, appearing as a participle ("he that keepeth"), is repeated multiple times throughout Psalm 121 (vv. 4, 5, 7, 8), forming a central motif of God's role as the ever-present, active Guardian of His people. It is a covenantal term, reflecting God's faithfulness to preserve and protect those He has chosen.
* **Slumber (Hebrew, _nûwm'_):** This primitive root (H5123) means to doze, nod off, or fall into a light sleep from drowsiness. The negative "will not slumber" is a powerful anthropomorphic statement, emphasizing that God does not even briefly lose His full attention or vigilance. Unlike human watchmen who must rest, God's nature is such that He is perpetually awake, alert, and fully engaged in His protective and providential care for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved":** This clause presents a profound promise of divine preservation and stability. The "foot" is a synecdoche, representing the entire person's journey, walk, and life path. To "suffer the foot to be moved" would imply stumbling, falling, or being overthrown by adversity, temptation, or external threats. God's promise is to actively prevent such ultimate dislodgement or failure. It speaks to His sovereign control over circumstances and His commitment to uphold His faithful ones, ensuring their stability and progress even amidst perilous conditions. This is not a promise of immunity from difficulty, but of ultimate security and resilience through it.
* **"he that keepeth thee will not slumber":** This second clause provides the theological basis for the first. The reason one's foot will not be moved is because the "Keeper" (God Himself) is perpetually vigilant. This statement highlights God's unique nature in contrast to human limitations. Human guardians tire and sleep, but God, the divine *shomer*, is eternally awake and attentive. His watchfulness is absolute, constant, and unfailing, ensuring that His protective care is never interrupted or diminished. This underscores His omniscient and omnipresent presence, actively engaged in the preservation of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 121:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine protection. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "he that keepeth thee will not slumber." While God does not possess human physical attributes like sleep, the psalmist uses this human characteristic to emphasize God's *lack* of human limitation, thereby asserting His absolute, continuous vigilance and attentiveness. This contrasts sharply with the fallibility of human watchmen. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synthetic Parallelism** where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "He that keepeth thee will not slumber" explains *how* "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved." The constant vigilance of the Keeper is the guarantee of the pilgrim's stability. Furthermore, **Synecdoche** is present in the use of "foot" to represent the entire person's life, journey, and spiritual walk. The stability of the "foot" signifies the overall security and steadfastness of the individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 121:3 profoundly articulates the biblical theme of God's unwavering providence and His intimate, personal care for His people. It reveals God as an ever-present, active Guardian, whose vigilance is not contingent on human circumstances or the passage of time. This divine attribute—His sleepless watchfulness—is a cornerstone of biblical theology, assuring believers that their security is rooted not in their own strength or alertness, but in the immutable character of God Himself. This verse connects to the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, where He pledges to protect and preserve His chosen ones, guiding them through life's wildernesses and ensuring their ultimate arrival at His promised destination. It speaks to God's omnipotence and omnipresence, affirming that no danger is too great, and no moment passes without His full awareness and active intervention on behalf of His beloved.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "The Eternal God is Your Refuge")
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "God Never Faints or Grows Weary")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God Will Complete His Work in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and constant change, Psalms 121:3 offers an anchor for the soul. It invites believers to release their grip on self-reliance and surrender to the sovereign care of a God who never rests, never tires, and never loses sight of His beloved. This truth should cultivate a profound sense of peace and security, knowing that our ultimate stability—be it spiritual, emotional, or even physical—is not dependent on our own vigilance but on His. It empowers us to walk with confidence, not presumptuously, but with a quiet assurance that even when we feel our footing is precarious, our divine Keeper is actively preventing our ultimate fall. This verse encourages us to bring our fears, our vulnerabilities, and our uncertainties before the Lord, trusting that His watchful eye is always upon us, ready to sustain, guide, and deliver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's unceasing vigilance impact your daily anxieties and fears, especially concerning future uncertainties?**
* **In what specific areas of your life—spiritual, emotional, relational, or vocational—do you most need to trust God's promise that your "foot will not be moved"?**
* **How does understanding God as your personal "Keeper" and "Guardian" transform your perspective on challenges, temptations, or moments of perceived vulnerability?**

### FAQ

**Is "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved" solely about physical safety?**

Answer: While the imagery of a "foot" might initially suggest physical stability, especially for pilgrims on a treacherous journey, the promise extends far beyond mere physical safety. In biblical thought, the "foot" often represents one's walk, path, or life journey. Therefore, "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved" encompasses spiritual, emotional, and existential stability. It assures believers that God will prevent them from stumbling into sin, falling away from faith, or being utterly overthrown by life's trials and temptations. It speaks to God's commitment to preserve His people in their faith and their ultimate destiny, ensuring they remain steadfast in their walk with Him.

**How can God "not slumber" if the Bible also speaks of Him resting on the seventh day after creation?**

Answer: The concept of God "resting" on the seventh day in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "God Rests on the Seventh Day") signifies the completion and cessation of His work of creation, establishing a pattern for humanity's Sabbath rest. It does not imply that God became inactive or literally "slept" in the human sense. Rather, it denotes a shift from active creation to active sustenance and governance of His creation. The phrase "will not slumber" in Psalms 121:3 emphasizes God's continuous, unwavering, and active providential care for His people. Unlike human beings who need sleep to replenish, God is omnipotent and omniscient, requiring no rest from His ceaseless vigilance and active involvement in the lives of His creation. His "rest" is one of sovereign control and perfect order, not of weariness or inattention.

**Does this verse mean that believers will never face difficulties, suffering, or moments of profound instability?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise a life devoid of challenges or suffering. The "Songs of Ascents" themselves acknowledge the dangers and difficulties of the pilgrim journey. Instead, Psalms 121:3 promises that *through* these difficulties, God will ensure the ultimate stability and preservation of His people. It means that while believers may stumble, face trials, or feel their footing precarious, God will not allow them to be utterly overthrown, dislodged from His hand, or suffer ultimate spiritual failure. His protection is not an absence of struggle, but a guarantee of perseverance and ultimate triumph, ensuring that the believer's faith and life path remain secure in His sovereign care, even amidst the storms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 121:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Keeper of His people. He is the divine Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, promising that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "No One Can Snatch Them from My Hand"). Unlike human guardians who might slumber, Jesus, our great High Priest, "always lives to intercede" for us [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Lives to Intercede"), demonstrating His unceasing vigilance over His flock. His sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate stability for our souls, ensuring that our "foot will not be moved" from the path of salvation, for He has secured our redemption and eternal standing before God. He is the one who "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "God is Able to Keep You from Stumbling"). Through His resurrection, He conquered death and sin, establishing a new and living way, and His Holy Spirit indwells believers, serving as an eternal seal and guarantee of their preservation until the day of redemption [Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit"). Thus, the promise of the sleepless Guardian is fully realized in Christ, who is our constant protector, intercessor, and the very foundation of our unwavering hope.

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 3:26

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

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.

Proverbs 3:23

Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

Isaiah 27:3

I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest [any] hurt it, I will keep it night and day.

Psalms 91:12

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

Psalms 127:1

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

Psalms 66:9

Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.