Psalms 31:3

KJV

For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou art my rock {H5553} and my fortress {H4686}; therefore for thy name's {H8034} sake lead {H5148} me, and guide {H5095} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Since you are my rock and fortress, lead me and guide me for your name's sake.

Berean Standard Bible

For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.

American Standard Version

For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:3 is a profound declaration of trust and a fervent prayer for divine guidance, articulated by David in a time of deep distress. It establishes God as the psalmist's absolute and unyielding refuge, metaphorically depicted as an impenetrable "rock" and "fortress." Building upon this foundational confidence in God's character and power, the psalmist appeals to God's very "name's sake"—His reputation and covenant faithfulness—as the basis for a plea for active, personal leadership and direction. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment of turning from overwhelming circumstances to the unwavering nature of God as the ultimate source of security and wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a deeply personal lament that masterfully transitions from expressions of profound distress and vulnerability (e.g., [Psalm 31:9-13](/psalms/31-9-13 "Psalm 31:9-13 - David's Anguish") where the psalmist describes his life wasting away and his bones consumed) to a powerful declaration of trust and hope in God. The preceding verses set the stage for intense suffering, with David surrounded by enemies and experiencing physical and emotional affliction. Verse 3, therefore, serves as a pivotal statement of faith, a theological anchor in the storm. It is a confident assertion of who God is *to him* ("my rock and my fortress"), which then logically undergirds his subsequent pleas for deliverance and active divine intervention. The "therefore" in the verse explicitly connects God's character to David's request for guidance, showing that his prayer is rooted in God's nature, not his own merit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "rock" and "fortress" is deeply rooted in the geographical and military realities of ancient Israel. The land was characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain, where natural caves and high cliffs served as literal places of refuge from enemies (e.g., David hiding from Saul in the wilderness of [En Gedi](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David in the Cave of En Gedi")). A "fortress" (מְצוּדָה, _metzudah_) refers to a stronghold, often a fortified city or a strategically built defensive structure, providing impenetrable security against attack. Culturally, the concept of a "name" (שֵׁם, _shem_) in the ancient Near East was far more than a mere label; it encapsulated one's entire character, reputation, authority, and essence. To appeal to God "for thy name's sake" was to invoke His very being, His covenant promises, and His divine honor, implying that His reputation was at stake in the deliverance of His faithful servant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **God as an Unshakeable Refuge**, vividly portrayed through the metaphors of "rock" and "fortress," emphasizing His absolute stability, permanence, and impregnable security against all threats, both spiritual and physical. This leads directly to the theme of **Total Dependence and Trust**, where the psalmist, facing overwhelming circumstances, declares God to be his sole and sufficient defense, demonstrating a profound reliance on divine power rather than human strength. Building on this foundation of trust, the verse highlights the theme of **Prayer for Divine Guidance**, expressing a humble and earnest desire for God's active direction ("lead me, and guide me") when navigating difficult paths or uncertain futures, echoing the need for divine leadership seen in passages like [Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - God's Righteous Paths"). Finally, the powerful phrase "for thy name's sake" underscores the theme of **Appeal to God's Character**, signifying that the psalmist's plea is not based on his own merit but on God's inherent nature, His covenant faithfulness, and His desire to glorify Himself through His redemptive acts, a motif seen throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 25:11](/psalms/25-11 "Psalm 25:11 - For Your Name's Sake").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsur'_):** This term (צוּר) refers not merely to a stone, but to a craggy cliff, a massive boulder, or a strong, unyielding mountain peak. It conveys absolute stability, permanence, and a place of secure, unassailable refuge in a desolate or dangerous land. It suggests immutability and strength that cannot be moved or overcome by any external force.
* **Fortress (Hebrew, _metzudah'_):** The word (מְצוּדָה) denotes a stronghold, a fortified place, or a castle built specifically for defense. It emphasizes God's active ability to protect from external attacks and to provide an impenetrable sanctuary where one can find safety and security from pursuing enemies or dangers.
* **For thy name's sake (Hebrew, _lema'an shimkha'_):** This profound phrase (לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ) is a theological appeal to God's very essence, character, and reputation. In ancient thought, a "name" represented the totality of a person's being, their attributes, and their authority. Thus, appealing to God's name means invoking His inherent nature, His covenant promises, and His glory as the compelling reason for His intervention and action. It implies that God's honor is involved in the deliverance and guidance of His devoted servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou art my rock and my fortress;":** This opening clause is a declarative statement of faith and identity. The conjunction "For" (כִּי, _ki_) introduces the reason or ground for the psalmist's trust and subsequent plea. The personal possessive "my" emphasizes an intimate, covenantal relationship, asserting that God is not merely *a* rock or *a* fortress, but *his* personal, unshakeable source of security and defense. This is a foundational theological truth upon which the prayer is built.
* **"therefore for thy name's sake":** The adverb "therefore" (לָכֵן, _lakhen_) establishes a logical consequence: because God is his rock and fortress, the psalmist can confidently make his request. The subsequent phrase "for thy name's sake" specifies the ultimate motivation for God's action. It is not based on the psalmist's merit or worthiness, but on God's own character, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His desire to uphold His own glorious reputation in the world.
* **"lead me, and guide me.":** This is the earnest, dual plea for divine direction. "Lead me" (נָחֵנִי, _nakheni_) suggests a physical leading, like a shepherd leading his flock or a guide leading through treacherous terrain. "Guide me" (וְתַנְחֵנִי, _v'tanḥeni_) implies providing instruction, counsel, and wisdom for the path ahead, ensuring the right way is taken. Together, these verbs express a comprehensive desire for God's active, personal, and wise direction in every aspect of life, especially in times of uncertainty and peril.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 31:3 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its theological impact. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where God is described as "my rock" and "my fortress." These are not literal descriptions but powerful comparisons that convey God's attributes of stability, strength, and impenetrable protection. The use of the possessive "my" personalizes these metaphors, making God an intimate, personal refuge for the psalmist. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in the concluding plea, "lead me, and guide me." This is a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, where two phrases express similar or reinforcing ideas, intensifying the request for comprehensive divine direction. Furthermore, the phrase "for thy name's sake" functions as a potent **Appeal to Divine Character**, a rhetorical and theological device that grounds the human petition in the unchangeable nature and covenant faithfulness of God Himself, highlighting His glory as the ultimate reason for His intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of security and wisdom for His people. It connects to the broader theme of divine providence, where God actively intervenes in the lives of His faithful, not based on their merit, but on His own character and promises. The declaration of God as "rock" and "fortress" resonates throughout Scripture, affirming His unwavering protection and fidelity in the face of human vulnerability and external threats. The appeal "for thy name's sake" underscores the theological principle that God acts to uphold His own glory and honor, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant and His redemptive purposes. This perspective transforms prayer from a mere request to an act of worship, aligning human desires with God's sovereign will and character.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God as My Rock and Fortress")
* [Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - God Leads in Paths of Righteousness")
* [Psalm 25:11](/psalms/25-11 "Psalm 25:11 - For Your Name's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:3 offers a timeless model for believers navigating life's inevitable storms. It teaches us to first anchor our identity and hope in God's unshakeable nature, declaring Him as our personal "rock" and "fortress" even before articulating our needs. This declaration shifts our focus from the overwhelming nature of our problems to the infinite power and steadfast character of God. In a world fraught with uncertainty and often hostile forces, this verse calls us to profound dependence, reminding us that true security is found not in human strength, financial stability, or worldly influence, but solely in the divine. Building on this foundation of trust, we are then empowered to humbly and earnestly seek His active guidance in every decision, big or small. The appeal "for thy name's sake" reminds us that our prayers are effective not because of our eloquence or perceived worthiness, but because they align with God's unchanging nature and His desire to glorify Himself through His faithful care for His children. This verse encourages us to live lives of confident trust, knowing that the God who is our refuge is also the God who delights to lead and guide us in paths that honor His glorious name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does declaring God as "my rock and my fortress" personally transform your perspective when facing overwhelming challenges or fears?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently seeking divine direction, and how can you more intentionally pray for God to "lead" and "guide" you?**
* **What does it mean to you to pray "for thy name's sake," and how does understanding this phrase deepen your confidence and humility in prayer?**

### FAQ

**Question: Why does the psalmist appeal "for thy name's sake" instead of his own merit or righteousness?**

Answer: The appeal "for thy name's sake" is a profound theological statement that reflects a deep understanding of God's character and covenant faithfulness. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a "name" represented the essence, reputation, and authority of a person. Therefore, when the psalmist appeals to God's "name's sake," he is not asking God to act because of any personal merit, righteousness, or worthiness on his part. Instead, he is appealing to God's inherent nature, His unchanging attributes, His covenant promises, and His desire to uphold His own glory in the world. It means that God's honor and reputation are involved in delivering and guiding His devoted servant. It's an appeal to God's faithfulness to Himself, demonstrating that God's actions are ultimately for His own glory, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - God Acts for His Own Sake"). This shifts the basis of the prayer from human deserving to divine character, making the prayer ultimately about God's glory rather than the supplicant's worth.

**Question: How can God be both a "rock" and a "fortress"? Aren't they essentially the same thing?**

Answer: While both "rock" and "fortress" convey the idea of protection and security, they carry distinct nuances that, when combined, offer a more comprehensive picture of God's defensive nature. A "rock" (צוּר, _tsur_) typically refers to a natural, unyielding, immovable geological feature—a craggy cliff or a massive boulder. It emphasizes God's inherent stability, permanence, and the unassailable, natural refuge He provides by His very being. It speaks to His immutability and steadfastness. A "fortress" (מְצוּדָה, _metzudah_), on the other hand, refers to a constructed stronghold, a fortified place, or a castle built for strategic defense. This implies an active, designed, and often impenetrable sanctuary. It speaks to God's deliberate and active provision of safety, His strategic protection against external attacks. Thus, "rock" highlights God's inherent, unchangeable nature as a refuge, while "fortress" emphasizes His active, strategic, and impenetrable defense, both assuring the believer of complete security in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and living "Rock" upon whom the church is built, the foundation that cannot be shaken, as declared by Peter in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church"). Just as the Israelites drank from the spiritual rock that followed them in the wilderness, so too Christ is the spiritual Rock who provides living water and sustenance for His people, as illuminated in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ as the Spiritual Rock"). He is our ultimate "Fortress," the one in whom we find complete refuge from the accusations of sin, the power of death, and the assaults of the enemy. The "name's sake" appeal is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, for it is through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that God's name—His character of justice, mercy, and love—is supremely revealed and glorified. God acts "for His name's sake" by sending His Son to redeem humanity, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His desire to bring glory to Himself through salvation, as Paul explains in [Ephesians 1:5-6](/ephesians/1-5-6 "Ephesians 1:5-6 - Adoption to the Praise of His Glory"). Furthermore, Jesus is the one who truly "leads" and "guides" His people. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and leads them in paths of righteousness ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," the ultimate guide to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the psalmist's longing for an unshakeable refuge and unerring guidance is fully and eternally satisfied.

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 143:10

Teach me to do thy will; for thou [art] my God: thy spirit [is] good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Psalms 143:11

Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

Psalms 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

Luke 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Jeremiah 14:7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.