Psalms 27:3

KJV

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

KJV (with Strong's)

Though an host {H4264} should encamp {H2583} against me, my heart {H3820} shall not fear {H3372}: though war {H4421} should rise {H6965} against me, in this will I be confident {H982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; if war breaks out against me, even then I will keep trusting.

Berean Standard Bible

Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

American Standard Version

Though a host should encamp against me, My heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, Even then will I be confident.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 27:3 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and resolute confidence in God, even when confronted by overwhelming adversity. Despite the terrifying imagery of a vast army encamped and the rising specter of war, the psalmist proclaims a heart free from fear, anchored instead in a deep, abiding trust in the divine presence and power. This verse encapsulates the spiritual truth that genuine security and inner peace are not contingent upon the absence of external threats but are born from a steadfast reliance on the Lord, the ultimate source of strength and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 27 is a deeply personal and emotionally rich psalm attributed to King David, often described as a psalm of confidence and prayer. Verse 3 builds directly upon the foundational affirmations of the opening verses, particularly [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation"), where David boldly declares, "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?" This initial rhetorical question sets the stage for the dramatic scenario of verse 3, presenting a concrete test case for the confidence expressed. The psalm then transitions in [Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - One Thing I Ask of the Lord") to an earnest desire for God's presence in the temple, suggesting that the source of his confidence is found in dwelling with God. The psalm oscillates between expressions of trust and fervent pleas for help, reflecting the dynamic reality of living by faith in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty, ultimately concluding with a renewed call to "wait on the LORD" in [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's life was characterized by relentless conflict, betrayal, and the constant threat of enemies, ranging from King Saul's pursuit to Philistine incursions and internal rebellions like Absalom's. The imagery of an "host" encamping and "war" rising would have been a vivid and literal reality for David, a seasoned warrior and king. In the ancient Near East, military campaigns were brutal and often decisive, determining the fate of nations and individuals. The concept of a fortified camp (an "host" encamping) signified a direct, imminent threat, often preceding a siege or battle. For a leader, the ability to project confidence in the face of such overwhelming odds was crucial, but for David, this confidence was rooted not in his military prowess alone, but in his covenant relationship with Yahweh, the God of Israel, who was known as a divine warrior and protector, as seen in the accounts of His deliverance in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King and Conquers Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme of Psalms 27:3 is **unwavering confidence in adversity**, demonstrating an extraordinary level of trust that transcends dire circumstances. Despite the vivid and terrifying imagery of a "host" (a large army) encamping and "war" rising, the speaker's heart remains fear-free. This profound confidence is not born of naive optimism or self-reliance, but from a deep-seated trust in God's protective hand and abiding presence, echoing the sentiment found throughout scripture that God is a refuge and strength, as seen in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"). Another key theme is **divine protection and presence**, emphasizing that the source of this fearlessness is implicitly God's omnipotence and faithfulness. It's the assurance that no matter the external threat, God is greater and remains a shield, a concept powerfully articulated in [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us"). Finally, the verse highlights **inner peace amidst turmoil**, illustrating that true peace is an internal state, independent of external conditions. While the world may rage with conflict, the heart anchored in God can experience profound tranquility, a "peace that surpasses all understanding" as described in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). This spiritual peace is a hallmark of those who truly trust in the Lord, as also promised in [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _machăneh'_):** This word (H4264) refers to an encampment, whether of travelers or troops, and by extension, an army or company. In this context, it vividly portrays a formidable military force, emphasizing the overwhelming numerical and strategic superiority of the enemy. The use of "host" underscores the magnitude of the external threat David faces, highlighting that it is not merely a few adversaries but an entire organized and threatening force.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** The Hebrew word (H3372) denotes to fear, to be afraid, or to dread. While it can also mean to revere or stand in awe, here, in the context of an encamped army and rising war, it unequivocally refers to paralyzing terror or fright. David's declaration "my heart shall not fear" is a powerful assertion of emotional and spiritual resilience, a refusal to succumb to the natural human response of dread in the face of mortal danger.
* **Confident (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** This word (H982) signifies to trust, to be secure, to lean upon, or to feel safe. It implies a positive, active reliance on a sure foundation, rather than merely the absence of fear. David's confidence is not presumption or self-assuredness, but a deep-seated, active trust in God, who is the "this" in which he is confident, referring back to God as his light, salvation, and strength in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - God is My Light and Salvation").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Though an host should encamp against me,"**: This clause sets the initial, dire scenario. "Host" (H4264, _machăneh_) refers to a massive military force, implying a siege or imminent battle. The verb "encamp" (H2583, _chânâh_) depicts a deliberate, organized surrounding, signifying a complete and overwhelming threat that leaves no escape. This is a vivid picture of being utterly besieged and outnumbered, facing a concentrated and prepared enemy.
* **"my heart shall not fear:"**: In stark contrast to the external threat, this clause declares an internal state of resolute calm. "My heart" (H3820, _lêb_) represents the innermost being, the seat of emotion, will, and intellect. The psalmist asserts that despite the terrifying circumstances, his core being will remain unperturbed by dread or panic. This is a conscious choice, empowered by faith, demonstrating a supernatural composure that defies natural human reactions to such danger.
* **"though war should rise against me,"**: This clause intensifies the threat, moving beyond a mere encampment to the active engagement of "war" (H4421, _milchâmâh_). The verb "rise" (H6965, _qûwm_) suggests an aggressive, escalating confrontation, implying that the battle has begun or is about to erupt. This signifies the full-blown, chaotic reality of conflict, not just its preparation, presenting the ultimate test of the psalmist's resolve.
* **"in this will I be confident."**: This final clause reveals the source and nature of the psalmist's unwavering resolve. The demonstrative "in this" (בְּזֹאת, _b'zot_) refers back to the preceding declarations of God's character and presence (as "my light," "my salvation," "the strength of my life" in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - God as Light, Salvation, and Strength")). The confidence (H982, _bâṭach_) is not a blind hope or self-reliance, but an active, grounded trust in God's faithfulness and power, enabling him to face even the most extreme dangers with inner stability and peace.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 27:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, with the first two clauses ("Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear") mirrored and intensified by the subsequent two ("though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident"). This creates a sense of escalating threat met with escalating resolve, reinforcing the central theme. The use of **Hyperbole** and vivid **Imagery** ("host," "encamp," "war," "rise") paints a picture of overwhelming, almost apocalyptic, danger, emphasizing the extreme nature of the circumstances the psalmist is willing to face without fear. The phrase "my heart" serves as **Metonymy**, where the part stands for the whole, representing the psalmist's entire inner being—his will, emotions, and spirit—as the locus of this profound trust. Finally, the verse is built upon a strong **Antithesis**, contrasting the external chaos and terror of war with the internal peace and confidence derived from God. This juxtaposition highlights the supernatural nature of the psalmist's trust, which defies natural human reactions to such threats, demonstrating a faith that transcends circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 27:3 stands as a timeless testament to the power of faith in the face of overwhelming odds, deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's sovereignty and unwavering presence. It asserts that genuine security is not found in the absence of danger but in the steadfast character of God, who is greater than any threat. This confidence is a spiritual discipline, a conscious choice to anchor one's soul in the divine, believing that God's protective hand and ultimate victory transcend all earthly conflicts. It reflects a profound understanding that God is not merely a distant deity but an active, personal refuge and strength for His people, enabling them to experience inner peace even amidst the most tumultuous external circumstances. This divine enablement allows believers to live fearlessly, knowing that their ultimate security rests in the immutable faithfulness of God.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "God is Our Refuge and Strength in Trouble")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 27:3 offers profound encouragement and a practical model for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life. The "host" and "war" can symbolize a myriad of modern adversities: a daunting medical diagnosis, overwhelming financial hardship, relational breakdown, spiritual attacks, or global crises. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep-seated confidence in God that is independent of external circumstances. It reminds us that fear is not an inevitable response but a choice that can be overcome by actively placing our trust in God's sovereignty and abiding presence. To truly live out this verse means to intentionally shift our focus from the magnitude of our problems to the immensity of God's power and faithfulness. It challenges us to deepen our reliance on Him, recognizing that He is our ultimate source of security and strength, allowing us to maintain inner composure and peace even when surrounded by the most formidable difficulties. This confidence is not a naive optimism, but a robust faith forged in the knowledge of God's character and His unfailing promises, enabling us to face any storm with a heart anchored in Him, knowing that His faithfulness endures through all generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hosts" or "wars" are currently encamping against you in your life, causing fear or anxiety?**
* **How does your current response to these challenges align with or differ from the psalmist's declaration of "no fear" and "confidence"?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in God and cultivate the kind of unwavering confidence expressed in this verse?**
* **How might remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your confidence in Him for present and future trials?**

### FAQ

**What does "in this will I be confident" refer to?**

Answer: The phrase "in this" (בְּזֹאת, _b'zot_) refers back to the preceding declarations in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - God as Light, Salvation, and Strength"). David proclaims, "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?" Therefore, "in this" signifies the psalmist's confidence in the Lord Himself—His character, His protective presence, His power, and His faithfulness as the ultimate source of light, salvation, and strength. It's not confidence in his own abilities or resources, but in God alone, recognizing that God's nature is the unshakeable foundation for his trust.

**Is this verse promoting a naive disregard for danger?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promote a naive or reckless disregard for danger. The psalmist explicitly acknowledges the reality of the threat: "Though an host should encamp against me, though war should rise against me." This recognition of the danger makes the declaration of "no fear" and "confidence" all the more powerful. It's not an absence of awareness, but an active, faith-filled choice to trust in a greater power than the threat itself. It's a spiritual posture that acknowledges the severity of the situation while simultaneously affirming God's sovereignty and ability to protect and sustain, as exemplified by Jesus' peace in the storm in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm") or Paul's steadfastness amidst shipwreck in [Acts 27:25](/acts/27-25 "Acts 27:25 - Paul's Confidence in God's Promise"). True biblical confidence is grounded in God's reality, not in a denial of human vulnerability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 27:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David's confidence was remarkable, it was still a human faith in the face of earthly enemies. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus confronted the rising "war" of God's wrath against sin and the spiritual "host" of darkness, yet His heart, though distressed, remained confident in His Father's will, praying, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). On the cross, He endured the full onslaught of this spiritual warfare, bearing the sins of the world, yet His final cry, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Last Words")), echoed the psalmist's deep trust in divine protection even in the face of death. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated the "host" and the "war" that threatened humanity, disarming principalities and powers and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, the confidence expressed in Psalms 27:3 is now available to all who are in Christ, for He has promised His disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Our confidence is not merely in a protective God, but in the resurrected Christ, who indwells us by His Spirit, granting us His peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and empowering us to face any "host" or "war" with a fearless heart, knowing that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" ([1 John 4:4](/1-john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He That is In You")). He is our ultimate victory and the source of our unwavering confidence, even unto the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")).

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 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

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 8:37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Philippians 1:28

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

2 Corinthians 5:6

Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.