Psalms 27:10

KJV

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

KJV (with Strong's)

When my father {H1} and my mother {H517} forsake {H5800} me, then the LORD {H3068} will take me up {H622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even though my father and mother have left me, ADONAI will care for me.

Berean Standard Bible

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

American Standard Version

When my father and my mother forsake me, Then Jehovah will take me up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 27:10 stands as a profound declaration of divine faithfulness, asserting God's unwavering commitment to His children even in the face of ultimate human abandonment. Penned by David, this verse offers immense comfort, proclaiming that when the most fundamental earthly supports—even those of a father and mother—fail, the Lord Himself steps in to embrace, protect, and provide, demonstrating a divine love and adoption that transcends all human limitations and betrayals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 27 is a psalm of profound confidence and trust, often divided into two main sections. The first part (verses 1-6) is a bold declaration of David's unwavering faith in God as his light, salvation, and stronghold, despite the presence of adversaries. He expresses a singular desire to dwell in the presence of the Lord and behold His beauty. The second part (verses 7-14) shifts to a heartfelt plea for God's continued presence, guidance, and protection, acknowledging the reality of distress and opposition. Verse 10, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up," serves as a pivotal statement within this latter section, underscoring the depth of David's reliance on God's steadfastness even when human relationships, no matter how foundational, prove fallible. It sets the stage for David's earnest prayer for God not to hide His face or cast him off, culminating in the powerful exhortation to "Wait on the LORD" in [Psalms 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalms 27:14 - Waiting on the Lord"). The psalm opens with a triumphant declaration of trust, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" as seen in [Psalms 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalms 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation"), and this verse deepens that trust by considering the most extreme form of human failure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit, particularly the parents, served as the primary source of identity, security, and instruction. Parental care was not merely a social norm but a foundational pillar of life, deeply ingrained in the covenant community, as emphasized by the fifth commandment in [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother"). To be "forsaken" by one's father and mother would represent the ultimate form of abandonment, a catastrophic loss of support, belonging, and protection within that cultural framework. While the verse may be a hyperbole to express the most extreme imaginable scenario of rejection, it also speaks to the very real possibility of orphanhood, neglect, or profound familial estrangement. David, as king, experienced various forms of familial strife and betrayal throughout his life, notably Absalom's rebellion in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"), making this declaration of God's superior faithfulness particularly poignant and deeply personal.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness Amidst Abandonment**, asserting that God's commitment to His children is absolute and unconditional, surpassing any human failing or rejection. Even when parental figures, who typically represent ultimate security, withdraw their support, God's presence remains unwavering. Secondly, it portrays **God as the Ultimate Parent**, fulfilling a role that human parents, despite their best intentions, may at times be unable or unwilling to provide. He is the ultimate source of security, love, and provision, acting as a [Father to the fatherless](/psalms/68-5 "Psalms 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless") and a protector of the vulnerable. Thirdly, the phrase "the LORD will take me up" implies a divine act of **Unconditional Love and Adoption**, speaking to God bringing individuals into His family and providing for them with a love that is eternal and steadfast, reinforcing that nothing can [separate us from His boundless love](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This primitive word (H1) refers to a male parent, but also extends to a chief or ancestor. In this context, it signifies the primary male figure of authority, protection, and provision within the family unit. The potential for such a foundational figure to "forsake" is profoundly impactful, highlighting the depth of the abandonment being considered.
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root (H5800) means "to loosen," implying to relinquish, permit, or leave behind. It carries a strong connotation of abandonment, desertion, or a complete withdrawal of support and presence. When applied to parents, it signifies a devastating severing of the most fundamental bonds of security and belonging, emphasizing the extremity of human failure contrasted with God's steadfastness.
* **Take me up (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** This primitive root (H622) means "to gather for any purpose," and by extension, to receive, take away, or remove. It is not merely a passive acceptance but an active, deliberate act of welcoming, embracing, and collecting. It suggests a protective and nurturing action, much like a shepherd gathering his flock or a parent scooping up a child, beautifully conveying God's initiative in providing refuge, care, and belonging where human support has vanished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When my father and my mother forsake me":** This clause sets up the most extreme hypothetical scenario of human abandonment. In ancient Israelite society, the bond with parents was paramount, representing the foundational source of identity, security, and love. To be forsaken by both father and mother would signify a complete and utter loss of all earthly support and belonging, leaving one utterly vulnerable and alone. This hyperbole emphasizes the depth of potential human failure and the profound desolation it would cause, highlighting the fragility of even the most sacred human bonds.
* **"then the LORD will take me up":** This clause provides the divine counterpoint to human failure. The conjunction "then" highlights the immediate and certain response of God. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) refers to the covenant-keeping God, whose character is defined by faithfulness, steadfast love, and unwavering presence. To "take me up" signifies an act of divine adoption, protection, and provision. It implies God's active intervention to gather, embrace, and provide refuge for the one who is abandoned, demonstrating His unwavering commitment and perfect parental care, a divine embrace that fills the void left by human failure.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 27:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme scenario of both parents forsaking their child, emphasizing the ultimate human failure against which God's faithfulness is contrasted. This exaggeration serves to magnify the Lord's unwavering commitment and the depth of His reliability. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing the profound abandonment by earthly parents with the steadfast embrace of the divine Father. This stark contrast highlights the qualitative difference between human fallibility and divine perfection, making God's faithfulness shine even brighter. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD will take me up" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (taking up/receiving) to God, making His protective and nurturing role more relatable and comforting to the listener. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for God's ultimate care, presenting Him as the perfect, unfailing parent who never fails, even when all other sources of human security collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of God as the ultimate source of security and love, transcending the limitations and failures of human relationships. It underscores the theological truth that God's covenant faithfulness is absolute and unconditional, forming the bedrock of a believer's trust. The theme of divine adoption is central, portraying God as actively embracing and providing for those who are vulnerable or abandoned, fulfilling a parental role that is perfect and unfailing. This concept resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's care for the marginalized and His commitment to His chosen people, promising never to leave or forsake them, establishing an eternal bond that no earthly circumstance can sever.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail You")
* [Isaiah 49:15](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15 - Can a Mother Forget Her Child?")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 27:10 offers profound comfort and reassurance for anyone experiencing rejection, loss, or loneliness. It reminds us that our ultimate security and identity are not found in human relationships, which can be fragile and fallible, but in the unchanging character and steadfast love of God. For those who have suffered abandonment, whether literally from parents, metaphorically from friends or community, or even through the profound sense of being adrift in difficult circumstances, this verse serves as a powerful anchor. It encourages believers to place their ultimate trust in God, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake them, and that His embrace is eternal. It calls us to seek God's presence and provision above all else, confident that He is our ultimate Heavenly Father, whose love is boundless and whose commitment is unwavering, providing a secure refuge when all else fails and a steadfast hope that transcends all earthly disappointments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your ultimate security in human relationships or circumstances, rather than in God?**
* **How does the promise of God "taking you up" in moments of abandonment or loneliness provide comfort and strength to your soul?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God as your ultimate Father and provider, especially when earthly supports feel uncertain or have failed?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all parents will eventually forsake their children?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that all parents will eventually forsake their children. Rather, it uses **hyperbole**—an exaggeration for emphasis—to illustrate the absolute unwavering faithfulness of God. The scenario of being forsaken by both father and mother represents the most extreme and devastating form of human abandonment imaginable in ancient Israelite society, where familial bonds were paramount. David is not making a literal prediction about all parents but rather setting up a stark contrast: even if the most fundamental human relationships were to fail, God's commitment to His children remains steadfast and perfect. It highlights that God's love and care are superior to any human love, no matter how strong, and that He is the ultimate source of security when all other supports might crumble, as powerfully affirmed in [Isaiah 49:15](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15 - Can a Mother Forget Her Child?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 27:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David spoke of potential human abandonment, Jesus experienced it in its most profound and agonizing form. On the cross, as He bore the sin of the world, Jesus cried out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" – a direct quote from [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - Psalm of the Suffering Servant"). In that moment, the Son of God, who had known perfect communion with the Father from eternity, experienced a unique and horrific abandonment so that those who believe in Him would never be truly forsaken. Through Christ's ultimate sacrifice and His subsequent resurrection, God "took Him up" in vindication and glory, demonstrating His faithfulness even in death and conquering the power of the grave, as seen in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up"). Now, through faith in Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, receiving the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, "[Abba, Father!](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")" The promise of [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You") – "I will never leave you nor forsake you" – is secured for us through Christ, who is our perfect and unfailing Heavenly Father, fulfilling the deepest longing for belonging and security that Psalms 27:10 expresses. His love is the ultimate embrace that transcends all earthly failures and provides an eternal home.

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

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

John 16:32

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Matthew 10:36

And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household.

2 Timothy 4:16

¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

Psalms 69:8

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

Matthew 10:21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.