Psalms 121:7

KJV

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall preserve {H8104} thee from all evil {H7451}: he shall preserve {H8104} thy soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will guard you against all harm; he will guard your life.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; He will keep thy soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 121:7 proclaims the unwavering and comprehensive protective care of the LORD over His people. It assures believers that God will actively guard them from every form of evil, extending His vigilant preservation not only to their external circumstances but profoundly to their innermost being, their very soul. This verse stands as a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty and an invitation to absolute trust in God's unfailing guardianship amidst life's perils.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 121:7 is a pivotal verse within Psalm 121, one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134). These psalms were traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying uphill to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. The entire psalm is a dialogue or monologue of assurance, beginning with the question of where help comes from ([Psalm 121:1](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1 - Where Does My Help Come From?")), and quickly affirming that help comes from the Creator of heaven and earth. The preceding verses establish the LORD as the ever-watchful "keeper" or "guardian" (Hebrew: *shomer*) of His people, emphasizing His constant vigilance, stating that He "will not slumber nor sleep" ([Psalm 121:4](/psalms/121-4 "Psalm 121:4 - God Neither Slumbers Nor Sleeps")). Verse 7 builds upon this foundation, specifying the scope and depth of this divine watchfulness, culminating in a promise of total preservation that encompasses both external dangers and internal spiritual integrity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Songs of Ascents" were deeply rooted in the pilgrimage experience of ancient Israel. Traveling to Jerusalem, especially from distant regions, was often fraught with dangers: bandits, wild animals, harsh weather, and the general vulnerability of being away from home. The mountainous terrain itself presented challenges. For the pilgrims, this journey was not merely physical but also spiritual, symbolizing the journey of life with its inherent trials. The act of ascending to the holy city, the dwelling place of God, fostered a profound sense of reliance on divine protection. In a world without modern security, the promise of a divine "keeper" who watches over one's "going out and coming in" ([Psalm 121:8](/psalms/121-8 "Psalm 121:8 - God's Protection Over Your Life")) offered immense comfort and courage to those undertaking such a vulnerable, yet spiritually significant, expedition.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalm 121, powerfully encapsulated in verse 7, is **Divine Preservation and Unwavering Trust**. God is presented as the ultimate guardian, whose protection is both comprehensive and continuous. The repeated use of the verb "preserve" (Hebrew: *shamar*) highlights God's active, vigilant, and diligent care. This preservation extends "from all evil," signifying a holistic safeguarding against every conceivable threat, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. Furthermore, the explicit mention of preserving "thy soul" elevates the promise beyond mere physical safety to the deeper, more enduring realm of one's spiritual well-being, character, and eternal destiny. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His chosen people, assuring them that their ultimate security rests in His sovereign hand, as seen in His promise to be with Joshua ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")) and His people through all trials ([Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - Through Fire and Water")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preserve (Hebrew, *shāmar*):** This verb, repeated twice in the verse, is central to its meaning. *Shamar* conveys the idea of guarding, keeping watch over, protecting, attending to, and diligently observing. Its double usage here emphasizes the certainty, totality, and intensity of God's protective care. It's not a passive observation but an active, vigilant, and committed safeguarding. The repetition elevates the promise from a general statement of protection to a specific, deeply personal assurance, culminating in the preservation of the soul.
* **Evil (Hebrew, *ra'*):** The Hebrew word *ra'* is broad in its scope, encompassing not only moral wickedness but also calamity, adversity, harm, and misfortune. "All evil" therefore signifies a comprehensive protection from every kind of harm or distress that could befall an individual—physical dangers, spiritual attacks, moral corruption, and the general hardships of life. It speaks to the totality of God's defensive posture on behalf of His people.
* **Soul (Hebrew, *nephesh*):** While *nephesh* can sometimes refer to the physical life or even the throat, in this context, especially when contrasted with "thee" (referring to the whole person), it denotes the inner being, the essence of a person, their spiritual life, character, and ultimate destiny. God's preservation extends beyond external circumstances to the very core of who a person is, ensuring their spiritual integrity, faith, and eternal security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil":** This opening clause establishes the divine agent of preservation ("The LORD") and the comprehensive scope of His protection ("from all evil"). It declares God's sovereign commitment to guard the individual from every conceivable form of harm or adversity. This is not a promise of immunity from all suffering or difficulty, but an assurance that no evil will ultimately conquer or separate the believer from God's purposes. It speaks to God's active intervention and watchful care over the believer's life and circumstances.
* **"he shall preserve thy soul":** This second clause deepens and intensifies the promise. By specifically mentioning the "soul," the psalmist emphasizes that God's preservation is not merely external or superficial. It extends to the innermost being, the spiritual life, the character, and the eternal destiny of the individual. This implies that even if physical harm or temporal suffering occurs, the core of one's identity and spiritual well-being remains secure in God. It highlights God's commitment to safeguarding one's faith, integrity, and ultimate salvation. The repetition of "preserve" underscores the certainty and profound nature of this spiritual safeguarding.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 121:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine protection. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the verb "preserve" (*shamar*) appearing twice in quick succession. This repetition serves to emphasize and intensify the certainty and totality of God's protective care. It assures the listener that God's guardianship is unwavering and comprehensive. Closely related is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("he shall preserve thy soul") reiterates and expands upon the first ("The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil"). This structure reinforces the central idea while adding depth, showing that God's preservation is not only external but also deeply internal, reaching the very essence of a person. The phrase "all evil" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Totality**, signifying a complete and exhaustive protection rather than a literal absence of every single negative experience. It assures that no evil can ultimately overcome God's preserving power. Finally, the psalm's portrayal of God as the ever-watchful "keeper" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like vigilance and care to the divine, making God's protection relatable and comforting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 121:7 powerfully articulates the biblical doctrine of divine providence and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances, His active involvement in the lives of believers, and His faithfulness to His promises. The preservation of the "soul" points to a deeper spiritual security that transcends temporal dangers, aligning with the New Testament emphasis on eternal life and the safeguarding of faith. This verse assures us that while we live in a fallen world subject to evil and suffering, our ultimate well-being and spiritual destiny are secure in the hands of a faithful God who actively watches over us. It invites a life of trust, free from paralyzing fear, knowing that our "keeper" neither slumbers nor sleeps.

* [2 Thessalonians 3:3](/2_thessalonians/3-3 "2 Thessalonians 3:3 - God's Faithfulness and Protection from Evil")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and pervasive evil, Psalms 121:7 offers profound comfort and a steadfast anchor for the soul. It reminds us that our security is not dependent on our own strength, vigilance, or foresight, but on the unfailing power and commitment of the LORD. This verse encourages us to release the anxieties that often grip our hearts, whether they stem from physical threats, financial instability, relational brokenness, or spiritual warfare. To know that God actively preserves us "from all evil" means that no harm can ultimately thwart His good purposes for our lives, and that our innermost being, our faith, and our eternal destiny are held securely in His hands. This truth empowers us to live with courage, peace, and unwavering faith, knowing that the God who created the heavens and the earth is personally invested in our preservation, both now and for eternity. It calls us to respond with trust, gratitude, and a deeper reliance on His sovereign care in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "evil" or anxieties in your life do you need to surrender to the LORD's preserving care today?**
* **How does the promise that God "shall preserve thy soul" impact your understanding of spiritual security versus physical safety?**
* **In what ways can you actively demonstrate your trust in God's preservation, rather than relying on your own efforts or worrying excessively?**
* **How might meditating on this verse transform your perspective on suffering or adversity when it arises?**

### FAQ
**Does "all evil" mean I will never experience harm or suffering?**

Answer: No, "all evil" in Psalms 121:7 does not promise an absence of all physical harm, suffering, or hardship in a believer's life. Instead, it signifies comprehensive protection from evil that would ultimately destroy or separate one from God's purposes and eternal well-being. The emphasis, especially with the phrase "he shall preserve thy soul," is on the spiritual and ultimate preservation. Believers still face trials, sickness, and even death in this fallen world, as evidenced throughout Scripture (e.g., [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan Attacks Job"), [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). However, the promise assures that no evil can ultimately conquer the believer's spirit, corrupt their faith beyond repair, or prevent their eternal salvation. God preserves the core of who we are in Him, guiding us through evil and using even difficult circumstances for our ultimate good and His glory ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 121:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise of preservation was given to Israel, Christ embodies and fully secures this preservation for all who believe. He is the ultimate "keeper" of our souls, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and ensures that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has definitively conquered sin and death, the ultimate forms of evil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His resurrection is the guarantee of our own future preservation, assuring us that even physical death cannot separate us from God's eternal purposes. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, acts as a seal and a down payment of this eternal preservation, guaranteeing our inheritance until we acquire possession of it ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the LORD's promise to preserve us from all evil and to preserve our soul is not merely a comforting thought, but a divinely accomplished reality in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who continually intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")).

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

2 Timothy 4:18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalms 91:9

¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation;

Psalms 91:12

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

Psalms 41:2

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; [and] he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Proverbs 12:21

¶ There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

Romans 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:39

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.