Psalms 27:1

KJV

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm of David {H1732}. The LORD {H3068} is my light {H216} and my salvation {H3468}; whom shall I fear {H3372}? the LORD {H3068} is the strength {H4581} of my life {H2416}; of whom shall I be afraid {H6342}?

Complete Jewish Bible

By David: ADONAI is my light and salvation; whom do I need to fear? ADONAI is the stronghold of my life; of whom should I be afraid?

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

American Standard Version

Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 27:1 is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and profound trust in God amidst life's most daunting challenges. King David, facing unspecified yet intense opposition, boldly proclaims the Lord as the singular source of his illumination, deliverance, and inner fortitude. Through rhetorical questions, he asserts an absolute fearlessness, grounded not in his own strength or circumstances, but in the unshakeable character and protective presence of the Almighty. This verse sets a foundational tone of confident reliance on God's sovereign power to dispel darkness, ensure salvation, and sustain life, regardless of external threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 27 opens with a striking declaration of confidence (verses 1-3), followed by an earnest prayer and desire for God's presence (verses 4-6), and then a plea for help in a time of distress (verses 7-12), concluding with a renewed expression of hope and expectation (verses 13-14). Verse 1 serves as the thesis statement for the entire psalm, establishing the bedrock of David's faith before he articulates his specific fears and petitions. The initial bold affirmation of God's identity as "my light," "my salvation," and "the strength of my life" provides the theological framework that undergirds David's subsequent requests and his ultimate assurance that he will "see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" [Psalms 27:13](/psalms/27-13 "Psalm 27:13 - Seeing God's Goodness"). This opening confidence is not naive, but a deliberate act of faith in the face of very real dangers described later in the psalm, such as enemies drawing near to devour his flesh [Psalms 27:2](/psalms/27-2 "Psalm 27:2 - Enemies Stumbling and Falling") and false witnesses rising against him [Psalms 27:12](/psalms/27-12 "Psalm 27:12 - Deliverance from False Witnesses").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes the psalm to David, the exact historical occasion is not specified. However, David's life was replete with periods of intense peril, including his flight from King Saul [1_samuel/19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - David's Escape from Saul"), various military campaigns, and even the rebellion of his own son Absalom [2_samuel/15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). In ancient Israel, "light" often symbolized divine guidance, truth, prosperity, and God's favor, contrasting with "darkness" which represented chaos, evil, and distress. "Salvation" (Hebrew: *yesha'*) encompassed physical deliverance from enemies, sickness, and death, as well as a broader sense of well-being and rescue from all forms of peril. The concept of God as "strength" or "stronghold" (Hebrew: *ma'oz*) was crucial in a world where physical security was constantly threatened by hostile nations and internal strife. David's declarations resonate with the experiences of a king and warrior who frequently faced life-threatening situations, relying not on his army's might alone, but fundamentally on the direct intervention and protective power of Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Illumination and Guidance** is prominent, with God as "my light" providing clarity, truth, and moral direction, dispelling spiritual and existential darkness. This echoes the concept of God's word being a "lamp to my feet and a light to my path" [Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as Light"). Secondly, **Ultimate Salvation and Deliverance** is central, portraying God as the sole source of rescue from all forms of danger—physical, spiritual, and emotional. This theme is foundational to Israel's history, from the exodus from Egypt [exodus/14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") to prophetic promises of future restoration. Thirdly, the verse powerfully conveys **Fearlessness Rooted in God**, demonstrated by the rhetorical questions "whom shall I fear? ... of whom shall I be afraid?" This confidence stems from recognizing God's supreme authority and protective presence, a recurring motif in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You"). Finally, God is presented as the **Strength and Sustainer of Life**, not merely an external aid but the very foundation and inner fortitude that enables one to face adversity, akin to God being a "refuge and strength" [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Light (Hebrew, _'ôr'_):** This term signifies more than mere physical illumination; it represents divine favor, prosperity, joy, truth, and guidance. In a spiritual sense, it denotes God's revelatory presence that dispels ignorance, confusion, and the darkness of sin or despair. It implies God as the source of life and well-being, the one who makes a way through obscurity and danger.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yesha'_ or _yeshu'ah'_):** This word encompasses deliverance, rescue, welfare, and victory. It is a comprehensive term for God's saving acts, whether from enemies, sickness, death, or any form of distress. It points to God as the active agent who intervenes to secure safety and well-being for His people, providing a holistic deliverance that impacts every aspect of life.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ma'oz'_):** This term can be translated as "stronghold," "fortress," "refuge," or "defense." It emphasizes God as an impregnable bulwark, an unassailable source of security and resilience. It suggests that God is not just an external aid but the very foundation and inner fortitude that empowers one to stand firm and overcome adversity, making the believer's life secure in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is my light":** This declares God as the ultimate source of truth, guidance, and spiritual illumination. He is the one who dispels darkness, reveals the path, and brings clarity and understanding to David's life, even in times of confusion or distress. It signifies divine favor and the presence that brings joy and prosperity.
* **"and my salvation":** This identifies God as the deliverer from all forms of peril. Whether from physical enemies, spiritual bondage, or existential threats, God is the active agent who rescues and brings to safety. It speaks to a comprehensive well-being and rescue provided by Him.
* **"whom shall I fear?":** This is a rhetorical question, powerfully asserting absolute fearlessness. The answer implied is "no one." Because God, the ultimate power, is his light and salvation, no lesser power, human or demonic, can inspire true dread or overcome him.
* **"the LORD is the strength of my life":** This statement reinforces God's role as the foundation and sustainer of David's very existence. He is the inner fortitude, the source of resilience, and the impregnable fortress that protects and empowers David through all adversities. It speaks to God being the very essence of his vitality and security.
* **"of whom shall I be afraid?":** This second rhetorical question serves as a powerful parallel to the first, intensifying the declaration of fearlessness. It reiterates the absolute confidence that when God is the ultimate source of strength and security, all other potential threats become insignificant and powerless to instill terror.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 27:1 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of unwavering faith. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, used twice ("whom shall I fear?" and "of whom shall I be afraid?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion: there is no one and nothing to fear when the Lord is one's light, salvation, and strength. This device powerfully underscores the psalmist's absolute confidence. **Parallelism** is also evident, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?") echoes and reinforces the sentiment of the first half ("The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"). This repetition amplifies the message and drives home the central theme of divine assurance. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**: God is described as "my light," symbolizing guidance, truth, and favor, and as "my salvation," representing deliverance. He is also called "the strength of my life," a metaphor for an impregnable fortress or an enduring foundation. These vivid images transform abstract theological concepts into tangible, relatable experiences of divine presence and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 27:1 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the proper response of humanity. It portrays God as utterly sovereign, benevolent, and actively involved in the lives of His people, providing not just external aid but internal fortitude. The declaration of God as "light," "salvation," and "strength" encapsulates His multifaceted character as both transcendent Lord and immanent protector. This verse teaches that true security and courage are not found in human might or favorable circumstances, but in an unwavering, personal relationship with the Almighty. It challenges believers to shift their focus from the magnitude of their fears to the infinite greatness of God, thereby transforming anxiety into confident trust. This theological truth is a cornerstone of biblical faith, echoing throughout scripture as a bedrock for navigating life's inevitable trials.

* [Psalms 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord Is On My Side; I Will Not Fear")
* [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - Behold, God Is My Salvation")
* [Micah 7:8](/micah/7-8 "Micah 7:8 - Rejoice Not Over Me, O My Enemy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 27:1 offers a timeless anchor for the soul in a world perpetually fraught with uncertainty and fear. It invites us to internalize David's declaration, making it our own personal confession of faith. In moments of anxiety, when the path ahead seems dark, or when overwhelming challenges threaten to consume us, this verse calls us to deliberately fix our gaze upon the Lord. Is He truly our light, guiding us through confusion and revealing truth? Is He our salvation, capable of delivering us from every spiritual, emotional, and physical threat? Is He the very strength and foundation of our lives, empowering us to stand firm when all else crumbles? Embracing this truth transforms our perspective, shifting us from a posture of dread to one of audacious confidence. It's a reminder that our security is not dependent on the absence of problems, but on the unshakeable presence of God, who is greater than any adversary or darkness we might face. Cultivating this deep trust allows us to live fearlessly, not out of denial, but out of a profound assurance in His unwavering power and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently experience fear or uncertainty? How might declaring "The LORD is my light and my salvation" speak to those anxieties?**
* **What does it mean practically for the Lord to be "the strength of your life"? How can you lean into His strength when you feel weak or overwhelmed?**
* **How does the rhetorical question "whom shall I fear?" challenge your perspective on potential threats or adversaries in your life?**
* **Beyond intellectual assent, how can you move from knowing this verse to truly living out the fearlessness it proclaims in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "The LORD is my light" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "The LORD is my light" signifies that God is the ultimate source of spiritual, moral, and intellectual clarity. Practically, this means He illuminates our path through His Word [Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp and Light"), guiding our decisions and revealing truth in a world full of confusion and deception. He exposes sin and darkness, bringing conviction and leading us to repentance. Furthermore, God's light brings joy, prosperity, and favor, dispelling despair and hopelessness. In moments of doubt or moral ambiguity, we can trust Him to show us the right way, just as Jesus declared Himself to be "the light of the world" [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World").

**How does God being "my salvation" relate to both physical and spiritual deliverance?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "salvation" (*yesha'*) is comprehensive, encompassing both immediate physical deliverance and a deeper, more comprehensive well-being provided by God. For David, it often meant rescue from literal enemies and physical dangers, as seen throughout his life and in other psalms where he cries out for deliverance [Psalms 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - Arise, O LORD! Save Me, O My God!"). Spiritually, it refers to God's rescue from the power and penalty of sin, leading to eternal life and reconciliation with Him. This dual aspect of salvation is crucial: God saves us from immediate peril and ultimately from spiritual death, providing holistic well-being for our bodies, souls, and spirits. The ultimate expression of this is found in the New Testament with Jesus, whose name *Yeshua* (Jesus) literally means "The Lord saves" [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People from Their Sins").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 27:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "light," "salvation," and "strength" that David so confidently proclaimed. Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), fulfilling the psalmist's longing for divine illumination and guidance. As the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus is our ultimate "salvation," delivering us not merely from earthly enemies but from the eternal consequences of sin and death, offering reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice [Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled to God Through Christ's Death"). Furthermore, Christ is the "strength of our life," empowering believers through the Holy Spirit to face any trial with courage and resilience. Paul testifies, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ"). In Christ, the rhetorical questions "whom shall I fear? ... of whom shall I be afraid?" are answered definitively, for He has triumphed over every foe—sin, death, and the devil—and promises His abiding presence, ensuring that believers need not fear, for He is "with you always, to the end of the age" [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise").

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.