Psalms 121:6

KJV

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sun {H8121} shall not smite {H5221} thee by day {H3119}, nor the moon {H3394} by night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the sun can't strike you during the day or even the moon at night.

Berean Standard Bible

The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

American Standard Version

The sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 121:6, a pivotal verse within the pilgrim's "Song of Ascents," offers a profound declaration of God's comprehensive and unceasing protection over His people. It assures the traveler, and by extension every believer, that the Almighty's guardianship extends to every moment, shielding them from the overt dangers of the day and the subtle, often unseen, perils of the night. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's unwavering trust in a sovereign God who actively preserves and keeps His beloved from all harm, whether from natural elements or spiritual adversaries, providing constant vigilance and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 121 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. These psalms often reflect themes of journey, trust, divine help, and the security found in God's presence. Psalms 121 itself begins with the pilgrim looking to the mountains, pondering the source of help (`[Where does my help come from?](/psalms/121-1 "Psalms 121:1 - Where Does My Help Come From?")`), and then immediately answers that help comes from the Lord (`[My help comes from the Lord](/psalms/121-2 "Psalms 121:2 - My Help Comes From the Lord")`). The psalm then develops into a series of affirmations of God's active guardianship, moving from the general assurance that God "[will not suffer thy foot to be moved](/psalms/121-3 "Psalms 121:3 - God Will Not Let Your Foot Slip")" to the specific, comprehensive protection detailed in verse 6, and concluding with a promise of protection "[from all evil](/psalms/121-7 "Psalms 121:7 - The Lord Shall Preserve You from All Evil")" and "[thy going out and thy coming in](/psalms/121-8 "The Lord Shall Preserve Your Going Out and Coming In")" forevermore. Verse 6 thus serves as a powerful, concrete illustration of the "keeping" or "preserving" work of the Lord introduced in the preceding verses, particularly `[Psalms 121:5](/psalms/121-5 "Psalms 121:5 - The Lord is Your Keeper")`, which states, "The Lord is thy keeper."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey to Jerusalem in ancient Israel was often arduous and fraught with dangers. Pilgrims traversed rugged terrain, exposed to the elements, including the scorching sun during the day and the chilling cold of the desert nights. Beyond natural hazards like sunstroke, dehydration, or exposure, there were also threats from wild animals and, more significantly, bandits who preyed on travelers. In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies were often viewed with a mixture of reverence and apprehension; while the sun's intense heat was an obvious danger, the moon was sometimes associated with various ailments or even mental instability ("lunacy"). Although the biblical text does not explicitly endorse such superstitions regarding the moon's harmful influence, its inclusion alongside the sun in this verse completes the imagery of comprehensive, round-the-clock protection from all perceived or actual environmental threats, both obvious and subtle, that a traveler might face on their pilgrimage to the holy city.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 121:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is **Divine Protection and Preservation**, emphasizing God's active role as the ultimate guardian who shields His people from all harm. This protection is presented as **Comprehensive and Continuous**, covering both day and night, signifying God's unceasing vigilance over every aspect of life. The verse also underscores the theme of **Trust and Reliance on God**, inviting believers to rest securely in His sovereign care, rather than succumbing to fear of the elements or other dangers. Furthermore, it reinforces the concept of God as the **Keeper** (שֹׁמֵר, _shomer_), a recurring motif in the psalm (`[The Lord is your keeper](/psalms/121-5 "Psalms 121:5 - The Lord is Your Keeper")`, `[The Lord shall preserve you from all evil](/psalms/121-7 "Psalms 121:7 - The Lord Shall Preserve You from All Evil")`, `[The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in](/psalms/121-8 "The Lord Shall Preserve Your Going Out and Coming In")`), highlighting His personal and active involvement in safeguarding His covenant people throughout their earthly pilgrimage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nâkâh_) is a strong word meaning "to strike," "to hit," "to beat," "to wound," or "to injure." It implies a forceful and often harmful impact. In the context of the sun, it refers to the debilitating and potentially lethal effects of its intense rays, such as sunstroke, heat exhaustion, or severe sunburn. When applied to the moon, while not implying a literal physical strike, it extends the metaphor to cover any perceived or actual nocturnal harm, completing the picture of comprehensive protection from all environmental influences.
* **Sun (Hebrew, _shemesh'_):** The Hebrew word שֶׁמֶשׁ (_shemesh_) refers to the literal sun. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, the sun was a powerful and often dangerous force. Its intense heat could cause severe dehydration, sunstroke, and even death, especially for travelers exposed for long periods. Thus, protection from the sun's "smiting" was a very real and vital concern, underscoring God's power over natural elements.
* **Moon (Hebrew, _yârêach'_):** The Hebrew word יָרֵחַ (_yârêach_) refers to the literal moon. While the moon does not emit harmful rays like the sun, its inclusion here is crucial for conveying the totality of God's protection. It signifies that God's care is not limited to daytime dangers but extends through the night, guarding against the cold, predators, hidden pitfalls, or any ancient fears associated with lunar influence (e.g., "moonstruck" or "lunacy," though not biblically affirmed as a direct cause of harm, it was a common ancient notion). The pairing of "day" and "night" through the sun and moon creates a powerful merism, encompassing all times and all potential dangers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sun shall not smite thee by day,"**: This clause directly addresses the most obvious and tangible threat faced by travelers in the ancient Near East: the intense, life-threatening heat and glare of the sun. It promises divine immunity from the harmful effects of solar exposure, such as sunstroke or dehydration, ensuring the pilgrim's physical well-being under God's watchful eye. This speaks to God's sovereign power over natural forces, assuring His people that even the most formidable elements cannot harm them when under His protection.
* **"nor the moon by night."**: This parallel clause extends the promise of protection to the nocturnal hours. While the moon itself does not "smite" in the same physical sense as the sun, its inclusion signifies God's comprehensive guardianship against all dangers associated with the night. These could include the perils of cold exposure, the increased threat from wild animals or human assailants under the cover of darkness, or even the more subtle anxieties and superstitions that might arise concerning the night or lunar influence. The pairing of sun and moon underscores the continuous, uninterrupted nature of God's protective care, covering every moment of the pilgrim's journey, leaving no time or circumstance outside of His vigilant watch.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 121:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive divine protection. The most prominent is **Merism**, where two contrasting parts ("sun by day" and "moon by night") are used to represent the whole, signifying God's protection at all times, covering every conceivable danger, twenty-four hours a day. This creates a sense of absolute totality and completeness in God's guardianship. There is also a subtle use of **Personification**, as the sun and moon are depicted as having the agency to "smite" or inflict harm, even though they are inanimate objects. This personification heightens the sense of external threats from which God delivers, making the divine intervention more vivid and impactful. Finally, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and unwavering nature of God's protection. While believers may still experience hardship, the emphatic declaration that neither sun nor moon "shall smite" highlights the ultimate security and preservation God provides, ensuring that no natural force can ultimately thwart His protective purpose for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 121:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's active and comprehensive providence over His creation and, specifically, His covenant people. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not a distant deity but an ever-present, vigilant Guardian who personally involves Himself in the daily lives and journeys of those who trust in Him. This verse speaks to the divine attribute of omnipresence and omnipotence, demonstrating God's sovereign control over natural forces and His ability to shield His beloved from both overt and subtle dangers. It builds upon the theme of God as the ultimate "Keeper" (שֹׁמֵר), a concept that permeates the entire psalm, assuring believers that their security is rooted not in their own strength or foresight, but in the unwavering commitment of their divine Protector. This promise of round-the-clock, all-encompassing care fosters deep spiritual confidence, encouraging a life lived in trust rather than fear, knowing that God's preserving hand is continually at work.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "Deuteronomy 33:27 - The Eternal God is Your Refuge")
* [Psalms 91:5-6](/psalms/91-5-6 "Psalms 91:5-6 - Protection from Terror and Pestilence")
* [Isaiah 49:10](/isaiah/49-10 "Isaiah 49:10 - They Shall Not Hunger Nor Thirst")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 121:6 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for the believer navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that our journey, much like the ancient pilgrim's, is under the constant, unwavering gaze of an all-powerful and loving God. In a world filled with anxieties—from health concerns to financial instability, from natural disasters to relational strife—this verse calls us to shift our gaze from the perceived dangers to the unfailing faithfulness of our Divine Keeper. It does not promise an absence of trials, but rather an assurance that *through* every trial, God's protective hand is upon us, preserving us for His ultimate purposes. This means we can face the "sun" of life's intense pressures and the "moon" of its hidden fears with a quiet confidence, knowing that nothing can ultimately separate us from God's preserving love. Our security is not found in avoiding all harm, but in resting in the One who works all things for our good and guarantees our ultimate preservation. This truth empowers us to live boldly, serve faithfully, and trust implicitly, knowing that our "going out and coming in" are eternally secured by the Lord Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "suns" (obvious dangers or intense pressures) and "moons" (subtle fears or hidden anxieties) are you currently facing, and how does this verse speak to them?**
* **How does the promise of God's continuous, round-the-clock protection impact your daily sense of security and peace?**
* **In what ways might trusting God as your "Keeper" free you from undue worry or control, allowing you to live more fully for Him?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to view hardships, not as signs of God's absence, but as opportunities to experience His preserving presence?**

### FAQ

**Does "the moon shall not smite thee by night" imply ancient superstitions about the moon causing harm?**

Answer: While some ancient cultures held superstitions about the moon's influence on health or sanity (e.g., "lunacy"), the biblical text of Psalms 121:6 does not explicitly endorse or validate such beliefs. Instead, the inclusion of the moon alongside the sun serves primarily as a literary device, specifically **merism**, to convey the totality and comprehensiveness of God's protection. By mentioning both the most obvious daytime danger (the sun's heat) and the less obvious, or simply nocturnal, dangers (represented by the moon's presence at night), the psalmist emphasizes that God's guardianship is continuous and all-encompassing, covering every moment and every potential threat, whether from natural elements, hidden dangers, or even the anxieties associated with darkness. It assures the pilgrim that God's watchful eye extends over all aspects of their journey, day and night, from all forms of harm.

**Does this verse promise that believers will never experience harm or suffering?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise absolute immunity from all physical harm, suffering, or death in this earthly life. The Bible clearly teaches that believers, like all people, will experience trials, tribulations, and the effects of a fallen world (`[In the world you will have tribulation](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the World You Will Have Tribulation")`, `[The groaning of creation](/romans/8-18-23 "Romans 8:18-23 - The Groaning of Creation")`). Rather, Psalms 121:6, in conjunction with the entire psalm, promises God's **ultimate preservation** and **spiritual security**. It assures that no harm, whether from natural forces or spiritual adversaries, can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan for His people or separate them from His love and eternal purpose (`[Nothing can separate us from God's love](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")`). God preserves the believer's soul and ensures their safe arrival in His eternal presence, working even difficult circumstances for their good and His glory (`[All things work together for good](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")`). It is a promise of divine care *through* trials, not necessarily *from* all trials.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The comprehensive protection promised in Psalms 121:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalm speaks of God's physical preservation from earthly dangers, Christ embodies the ultimate "Keeper" who guards His people from the far greater spiritual dangers of sin, death, and the power of darkness. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (`[The Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")`) and promises that no one can snatch them out of His hand or the Father's hand (`[No one can snatch them out of My hand](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")`). Just as the sun and moon represented all dangers, Christ's victory on the cross triumphs over all spiritual adversaries, ensuring that neither the "sun" of life's fiercest temptations nor the "moon" of its darkest fears can ultimately "smite" those who are in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He has disarmed the principalities and powers (`[Triumph over principalities](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")`), offering not just temporary physical safety but eternal spiritual security. Believers are preserved by His power (`[Kept by the power of God](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by the Power of God")`) until the day of His return, when they will be presented blameless before His glorious presence with exceeding joy (`[To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - To Him Who is Able to Keep You from Stumbling")`). Thus, the ancient pilgrim's hope for protection is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who is our ultimate refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.

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

Revelation 7:16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Psalms 91:5

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;

Psalms 91:10

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Jonah 4:8

And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.