Psalms 121:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} shall preserve {H8104} thy going out {H3318} and thy coming in {H935} from this time forth, and even for {H5704} evermore {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will guard your coming and going from now on and forever.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 121:8 serves as a powerful and comforting capstone to a beloved Song of Ascent, encapsulating the Lord's unwavering and comprehensive commitment to protect His people. This verse assures the believer that God's vigilant care extends to every facet of life's journey—from daily routines and transitions to significant life events—and promises that this divine guardianship is not temporary but extends eternally, providing profound security and peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 121 is the second of the fifteen "Songs of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), a collection traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. The psalm opens with the pilgrim looking to the mountains, perhaps a source of both hope and potential danger, but quickly redirects their gaze to the true source of help: [the LORD, who made heaven and earth](/psalms/121-2 "Psalm 121:2 - God as Creator"). The preceding verses build a crescendo of assurance, emphasizing God's ceaseless watchfulness ("He that keepeth thee will not slumber nor sleep" in [Psalms 121:3-4](/psalms/121-3 "Psalm 121:3-4 - God's Unceasing Watch")), His protective presence against natural harms ("The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night" in [Psalms 121:6 "Psalm 121:6 - God's Protection from Natural Harm"]), and His preservation from all evil ([Psalms 121:7](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7 - God's Preservation from Evil")). Verse 8, therefore, acts as a climactic summary, broadening the scope of God's protection to encompass the entirety of one's existence, both in time and eternity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Songs of Ascent" were deeply rooted in the pilgrimage experience to Jerusalem, a journey often fraught with physical dangers like bandits, wild animals, and the rigors of travel. Pilgrims would ascend from various parts of Israel, often through challenging terrain, to the elevated city of Jerusalem. The phrase "going out and coming in" was a common Hebrew idiom, a merism, signifying the totality of one's activities, daily life, and even one's entire life span, from birth to death. It was used in various contexts, from military expeditions to daily routines and even as a metaphor for leadership (e.g., [Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Leadership and Going Out and Coming In")). For the ancient Israelite, life was deeply intertwined with movement—shepherding, farming, trading, and pilgrimage—making the promise of protection in all such movements profoundly reassuring.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Psalm 121, culminating in verse 8, is **Divine Preservation and Omnipresent Care**. The psalm emphasizes God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His people, not as a distant deity but as an ever-present guardian. This includes His **Unceasing Vigilance**, highlighted by the repeated assurance that He "will not slumber nor sleep" ([Psalms 121:3-4](/psalms/121-3 "Psalm 121:3-4 - God's Constant Watch")). The theme of **Comprehensive Protection** is central, as God is depicted as guarding against various harms, both seen and unseen, culminating in the all-encompassing promise of "going out and coming in." Finally, the psalm underscores God's **Eternal Faithfulness**, assuring that His commitment to protect is not temporary but extends "from this time forth, and even for evermore," fostering a deep sense of **Trust and Security** in the believer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preserve (Hebrew, _šāmar'_):** This verb is central to Psalm 121, appearing six times (vv. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8). It means to guard, watch over, keep, protect, or be diligent. It conveys a sense of active, attentive, and continuous care, not merely passive observation. God is not just aware of dangers; He actively intervenes to protect. This word implies a covenantal faithfulness, where God upholds His promises to His people.
* **Going out and coming in (Hebrew, _tsē'tĕkā ūvō'ĕkā'_):** This is a classic Hebrew merism, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent the whole. "Going out" refers to departures, journeys, new ventures, and public life, while "coming in" refers to returns, arrivals, domestic life, and private existence. Together, they encompass the entirety of one's daily activities, life's transitions, and indeed, one's entire life span. It signifies God's comprehensive oversight over every aspect of a person's existence, leaving no area outside of His protective sphere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in":** This clause declares the active and comprehensive nature of God's protection. "The LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His covenantal name, signifying His personal and faithful commitment to His people. The future tense "shall preserve" indicates a certain, ongoing, and assured action. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," "preserve" (šāmar) means to guard diligently. The phrase "thy going out and thy coming in" is a merism, signifying all of life's activities, movements, and transitions—from daily routines to significant life changes, from public engagement to private moments. It assures that God's watchful eye and protective hand are upon every step, every endeavor, and every return.
* **"from this time forth, and even for evermore":** This concluding phrase underscores the eternal and unwavering nature of God's commitment. "From this time forth" anchors the promise in the immediate present, offering comfort for current anxieties and future uncertainties. "And even for evermore" extends this promise infinitely into the future, encompassing not just the duration of one's earthly life but also one's eternal destiny. It speaks to God's unchanging character and His perpetual faithfulness, ensuring that His protection is not conditional or temporary but an everlasting covenantal reality for those who trust in Him.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Psalms 121:8 is **Merism**, found in the phrase "thy going out and thy coming in." This figure of speech uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a complete totality or an entire range. By mentioning both "going out" and "coming in," the psalmist conveys the idea that God's preservation covers every single activity, movement, and phase of a person's life, leaving no aspect unprotected. This creates a sense of comprehensive, all-encompassing care. Additionally, the repetition of the verb "preserve" (šāmar) throughout Psalm 121 (especially in verses 7 and 8) functions as **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, reinforcing the central theme of God's constant and diligent guardianship, building a powerful crescendo of assurance for the pilgrim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 121:8 beautifully articulates the doctrine of divine providence, asserting God's active and detailed oversight of His creation and, specifically, His covenant people. It speaks to God's immanence—His closeness and involvement in daily life—and His omnipotence, as He is capable of preserving from all harm. This verse assures believers of God's unwavering faithfulness, a characteristic central to His nature, reminding us that His promises are eternal and His commitment to our well-being is absolute. It fosters a deep sense of security, encouraging a life lived in trust rather than fear, knowing that our ultimate safety rests in His sovereign hands, not in our own strength or circumstances.

* [Deuteronomy 28:6](/deuteronomy/28-6 "Deuteronomy 28:6 - Blessings on Going Out and Coming In")
* [Proverbs 3:23](/proverbs/3-23 "Proverbs 3:23 - Walking in Safety")
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 121:8 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. In a world fraught with uncertainty, anxiety, and unforeseen challenges, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that we are never outside the watchful eye and protective hand of our sovereign God. It encourages us to release our fears concerning future endeavors, daily routines, and significant life transitions, knowing that the Lord Himself is our guardian. This promise cultivates a spirit of courageous faith, enabling us to step out into new opportunities or endure difficult circumstances with a deep-seated peace, confident that our "going out" and "coming in" are divinely superintended. It calls us to live with an awareness of God's constant presence, transforming mundane moments into opportunities to acknowledge His care and challenging us to trust Him with every detail of our lives, from the smallest daily task to the grandest life journey, both now and into eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's preservation over "your going out and your coming in" impact your daily anxieties or fears about the future?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need to trust God with His comprehensive protection?**
* **How does the "for evermore" aspect of this verse deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness and your eternal security?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the assurance of God's constant watchfulness, as described in this psalm?**

### FAQ
**Does "preserve thy going out and thy coming in" mean I will never experience hardship or danger?**

Answer: No, the promise of preservation in Psalms 121:8 does not guarantee a life free from hardship, suffering, or danger. The Bible is clear that believers will face trials and tribulations (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the world you will have tribulation")). Rather, "preserve" (Hebrew: _šāmar_) signifies God's diligent watchfulness, His active guardianship, and His commitment to keep us through these experiences, ensuring that ultimately, no harm will separate us from His love or thwart His ultimate purposes for us. It speaks to a deeper, spiritual preservation—safeguarding our souls, our faith, and our ultimate destiny, even if our physical bodies or circumstances endure difficulty. God's preservation means He is with us in the midst of the storm, guiding us through it, and using it for our good and His glory (as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All things work together for good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 121:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's preserving presence and eternal faithfulness. While the psalm promises divine protection for the pilgrim, Christ is the very pathway and destination of our spiritual pilgrimage. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and promises that no one can snatch them out of His hand or the Father's hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - No one can snatch them out of My hand")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus has secured not just temporal safety but eternal preservation from the ultimate dangers of sin and death. He is our constant High Priest, interceding for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")), ensuring our spiritual "going out" into the world for His mission and our "coming in" to His eternal rest are both perfectly guarded. The promise of God's preservation "for evermore" is realized in Christ, in whom we have eternal life and are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by God's Power")). He is our ultimate refuge and strength, the one who truly preserves our souls from this time forth, and even for evermore.

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

Deuteronomy 28:6

Blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.

Proverbs 2:8

He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Ezra 8:31

¶ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

Psalms 113:2

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

Psalms 115:18

But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.