Psalms 146:3

KJV

Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

KJV (with Strong's)

Put not your trust {H982} in princes {H5081}, nor in the son {H1121} of man {H120}, in whom there is no help {H8668}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't put your trust in princes or in mortals, who cannot help.

Berean Standard Bible

Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

American Standard Version

Put not your trust in princes, Nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 146:3 issues a profound warning against placing ultimate trust in human authority, whether in powerful rulers or in any individual, due to their inherent limitations and mortality. It contrasts the fleeting nature of human power and the inability of any person to provide lasting salvation or true help, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent verses that extol the eternal faithfulness, omnipotence, and unwavering justice of God as the sole reliable source of hope and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 146:3 is situated at the beginning of the final collection of five "Hallelujah" psalms (Psalms 146-150), each commencing and concluding with the exultant cry, "Praise ye the LORD!" This particular psalm opens with a personal vow to praise God ([Psalm 146:1](/psalms/146-1 "Psalm 146:1 - Vow to Praise God")) and quickly transitions into a universal call for worship. Verse 3 serves as a foundational admonition, establishing a critical distinction between the unreliable nature of human power and the steadfast, eternal character of God. This warning directly precedes a detailed enumeration of God's attributes and actions as the true helper and deliverer, providing a theological rationale for the psalmist's fervent praise and trust. The immediate subsequent verse, [Psalms 146:4](/psalms/146-4 "Psalm 146:4 - The Mortality of Man"), further emphasizes human mortality and the perishing of their plans, reinforcing the futility of misplaced trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings and princes were often seen as divine representatives or even gods themselves, wielding immense power and holding the fate of nations in their hands. Empires rose and fell based on the strength of their rulers and armies. Israel itself experienced a complex history with human kingship, from the initial desire for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Request for a King")) to the failures of many monarchs who led the people astray. The psalm's warning against trusting "princes" or "the son of man" would have resonated deeply in a society where political alliances, military might, and the wisdom of human leaders were often the primary sources of perceived security. It challenges the prevailing cultural tendency to look to powerful figures for ultimate salvation, redirecting focus to the invisible, yet ever-present, divine King.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Limitations**, asserting that ultimate power and enduring help reside solely with God, not with fallible human beings, however exalted their position. Secondly, it highlights the danger of **Misplaced Trust**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture where reliance on anything other than God leads to disappointment and spiritual emptiness, as seen in the warnings against idolatry ([Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - Idolatry Contrasted with God's Power")) or alliances with foreign nations ([Isaiah 30](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Trusting in Egypt")) rather than God. Finally, by contrasting human frailty with divine omnipotence, the verse sets the stage for the **Call to Trust in God Alone**, which is the central message of Psalms 146 and indeed, the entire book of Psalms. This foundational truth encourages believers to [find true help in God alone](/psalms/146-5 "Psalm 146:5 - Finding True Help in God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this primitive root means "to hide for refuge," figuratively "to trust, be confident or sure." It implies a deep reliance, a sense of security and hope placed in something or someone. The psalmist's admonition "Put not your trust" is a direct command against placing this fundamental, soul-level confidence in human beings, because they are inherently incapable of providing the ultimate refuge that God alone offers.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nâdîyb'_):** From H5081, this term properly means "voluntary" or "generous," but as a noun, it refers to "a grandee," "noble," or "prince." It denotes individuals of high status, power, and influence—those to whom people typically look for leadership, protection, and provision. The inclusion of "princes" specifically highlights that even the most powerful and seemingly capable human leaders are subject to the same limitations as any other person.
* **Help (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H8668, this word (also spelled _tᵉshûwʻâh_) means "rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)," encompassing "deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory." It signifies more than mere assistance; it speaks of ultimate, comprehensive deliverance from danger, oppression, or even sin. The assertion that there is "no help" in the son of man means that no human being, regardless of their position, can provide this ultimate, lasting salvation or deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Put not your trust in princes":** This is a direct, imperative command, a warning against placing one's ultimate confidence, hope, and security in human leaders, rulers, or those in positions of power. It challenges the natural human inclination to rely on visible, earthly authority for solutions to life's deepest problems or for ultimate protection.
* **"nor in the son of man":** This phrase broadens the scope of the warning from specific "princes" to encompass all of humanity. "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is a general term for human beings, emphasizing their shared mortality, frailty, and inherent limitations. It means that no individual, regardless of their status, wisdom, or strength, can be the ultimate object of trust.
* **"in whom there is no help":** This concluding clause provides the crucial rationale for the preceding admonition. The "help" (Hebrew: _tᵉshûwʻâh_) referred to is not just minor assistance but comprehensive deliverance, salvation, or ultimate rescue. The declaration that there is "no help" in humanity underscores their inability to provide lasting solutions, eternal security, or ultimate salvation, contrasting sharply with God's boundless capacity to deliver.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 146:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Admonition** is the primary device, as the verse issues a direct command ("Put not your trust"). This is immediately followed by **Antithesis**, a stark contrast between two opposing ideas: trusting in fallible humanity versus the implied alternative of trusting in the unfailing God (who is then extolled in subsequent verses). The use of **Merism** is evident in the pairing of "princes" and "son of man," which together encompass all human beings, from the highest echelons of power to the common person, thereby emphasizing the universal truth that no human can provide ultimate help. The phrase "in whom there is no help" serves as a powerful **Understatement** (or **Litotes**), as the inability of humans to provide "help" in the sense of ultimate salvation is a profound theological truth, not a mere lack of minor assistance. This combination of devices makes the warning both comprehensive and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 146:3 serves as a foundational theological statement on the nature of trust and the inherent limitations of humanity versus the boundless capacity of God. It is a stark reminder that while human leaders and institutions play a role in society, they are not to be the ultimate recipients of our faith, hope, or security. This truth is deeply intertwined with the biblical understanding of divine sovereignty and human depravity. God alone is eternal, omnipotent, and perfectly just, capable of providing true and lasting deliverance. Any trust placed in human power, wisdom, or resources is ultimately misplaced, leading to disappointment because human beings are mortal, fallible, and their plans can perish in a moment. This verse redirects the worshiper's gaze from the temporal and unreliable to the eternal and steadfast, preparing the heart to praise God as the only true source of help and salvation.

* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man")
* [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from man")
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age often characterized by political polarization, economic uncertainty, and a pervasive search for strong leaders or innovative solutions, Psalms 146:3 remains profoundly relevant. It challenges us to examine the foundations of our hope and security. Do we look to political figures, economic systems, scientific advancements, or even our own abilities and achievements as the ultimate source of our well-being and deliverance? While these may offer temporary relief or progress, the psalmist reminds us that they are ultimately finite and fallible. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God alone, recognizing that true and lasting help, salvation, and hope come only from Him. It encourages a posture of humility, acknowledging human limitations, and a posture of faith, confidently placing our trust in the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps, whose plans never fail, and who is eternally faithful to His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I most often place my ultimate trust and hope in times of crisis or uncertainty?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly relying on human systems, leaders, or my own strength more than on God?**
* **How does understanding human mortality and limitations (as highlighted in this verse) deepen my appreciation for God's eternal nature and power?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consciously shift my trust from fallible sources to God alone in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we shouldn't have leaders or participate in government?**

Answer: Not at all. Psalms 146:3 is not an indictment against human leadership itself, nor does it discourage civic engagement or the establishment of just governments. Instead, it is a theological warning against placing *ultimate* or *absolute* trust in human beings, regardless of their position. It distinguishes between legitimate human authority and the divine authority that alone can provide ultimate salvation and lasting help. We are called to pray for our leaders ([1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Pray for all people, including kings")) and to submit to governing authorities ([Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")), but our ultimate hope and allegiance must always rest in God alone, for human leaders are mortal and their plans can fail ([Psalm 146:4](/psalms/146-4 "Psalm 146:4 - The mortality of man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 146:3 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist warns against trusting in "princes" or "the son of man" because "in whom there is no help." This highlights the inherent limitation and mortality of fallen humanity. However, Jesus is uniquely the "Son of Man" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man came to serve")) who *can* provide help, salvation, and eternal life. Unlike earthly princes whose reigns are finite and whose plans perish ([Psalm 146:4](/psalms/146-4 "Psalm 146:4 - The mortality of man")), Jesus is the eternal King, whose kingdom is everlasting ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His kingdom will never end")) and whose power to save is absolute. He is the ultimate "help" (Greek: _soteria_, salvation) that no human leader could ever offer. His death and resurrection demonstrate His capacity to deliver humanity from sin and death, providing the very salvation ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in no one else")) that the psalmist declares is absent in mere mortals. Therefore, the warning in Psalms 146:3 implicitly points to the necessity of a divine deliverer, a need perfectly met in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true King and the only Son of Man in whom there is abundant and eternal help.

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

Psalms 118:8

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Isaiah 2:22

Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Jeremiah 17:5

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Jeremiah 17:6

For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.

Psalms 108:12

Give us help from trouble: for vain [is] the help of man.

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.