Psalms 91:12

KJV

They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall bear thee up {H5375}{H8799)} in their hands {H3709}, lest thou dash {H5062}{H8799)} thy foot {H7272} against a stone {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will carry you in their hands, so that you won't trip on a stone.

Berean Standard Bible

They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

American Standard Version

They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 91:12 offers a profound assurance of divine safeguarding, promising the believer meticulous care and comprehensive protection from harm. This verse vividly illustrates God's active intervention through His angelic agents, who are commissioned to uphold and guard those who trust in Him, preventing even the smallest of life's stumbling blocks, thereby reinforcing the psalm's overarching theme of security and refuge found in dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 91:12 is nestled within Psalm 91, a powerful declaration of God's unwavering protection for those who make Him their dwelling place. The psalm opens with the foundational promise that "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" [Psalms 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalms 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High"). This establishes the prerequisite for divine protection: intimate relationship and trust. Verses 3-10 elaborate on the various dangers from which God delivers—snares, pestilence, terror by night, arrows by day, and destruction. Verses 11 and 12 then pivot to explain *how* this protection is often manifested, specifically through the agency of God's angels, who are given charge over the faithful to guard them in all their ways, culminating in the specific imagery of being borne up to prevent stumbling. The psalm concludes with God's direct affirmation of His salvation and honor for those who know and love His name.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, life was often precarious, marked by natural dangers, disease, and conflict. Travel, particularly on unpaved roads, involved constant vigilance against physical hazards like stones and uneven terrain, making the imagery of "dashing one's foot against a stone" a relatable and practical concern. The concept of divine protection was deeply ingrained, often understood through the lens of a covenantal relationship where God acted as a divine patron. The belief in angels as God's messengers and agents of His will was also well-established, seen in numerous Old Testament accounts where angels intervened on behalf of God's people (e.g., [Genesis 19:15-16](/genesis/19-15 "Genesis 19:15-16 - Angels Rescuing Lot"), [2 Kings 6:16-17](/2_kings/6-16 "2 Kings 6:16-17 - Elisha and the Angelic Army")). Thus, the psalm speaks to a cultural understanding of a God who is not distant but actively involved in the daily lives and safety of His devoted followers, providing tangible and supernatural guardianship against both grand threats and minor perils.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 91 and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Angelic Guardianship**, explicitly stating that "they" (referring to God's angels from [Psalms 91:11](/psalms/91-11 "Psalms 91:11 - God's Angels Given Charge Over You")) are active agents of divine protection. This highlights God's sovereignty not only over human affairs but also over the unseen spiritual realm, employing His heavenly hosts to minister to His people, as further elaborated in [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits"). Secondly, the phrase "lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" emphasizes **Meticulous Protection**. This imagery speaks to God's detailed and intimate care, extending beyond catastrophic dangers to encompass even the seemingly minor, everyday hazards and stumbling blocks that could impede one's journey. It implies a comprehensive oversight that ensures safety in every step. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Assurance and Providence**, providing a concrete promise of security and unwavering support for those who trust in God. It assures believers that their path is upheld by a power greater than themselves, guiding their steps and preventing them from stumbling, provided their trust is genuine and not presumptuous, as exemplified by Jesus' response to Satan's misuse of this very verse in [Matthew 4:6-7](/matthew/4-6 "Matthew 4:6-7 - The Temptation of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bear thee up (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** This verb (נָשָׂא, _nasa'_) means "to lift, carry, support, bear." In this context, it conveys a sense of tender, careful lifting and sustained support, much like a parent might gently lift a child over an obstacle. It implies an active, deliberate, and protective action rather than passive observation.
* **hands (Hebrew, _kappayim'_):** The word (כַּפַּיִם, _kappayim_) is the dual form of "palm" or "hand." The use of the dual emphasizes both hands, suggesting a firm, secure, and complete grasp. It evokes an image of intimate, personal care, as if the angels are physically holding and guiding the individual, ensuring their stability.
* **dash thy foot (Hebrew, _tiggōf raglekā'_):** This phrase (תִּגֹּף רַגְלְךָ, _tiggōf raglekā_) literally means "to strike your foot" or "to cause your foot to stumble." It refers to an accidental collision with an obstacle, leading to a trip or fall. The imagery highlights a common, minor, yet potentially disruptive or injurious occurrence, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's protection, extending even to small, everyday perils.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall bear thee up in [their] hands":** This clause directly follows [Psalms 91:11](/psalms/91-11 "Psalms 91:11 - God's Angels Given Charge"), identifying "they" as God's angels. The imagery of being "borne up in their hands" conveys an active, tender, and powerful intervention. It suggests a lifting, carrying, and supporting action that prevents the individual from encountering harm. This is not merely passive observation but a direct, physical-like safeguarding by celestial beings under God's command, ensuring stability and progress on one's path.
* **"lest thou dash thy foot against a stone":** This second clause specifies the purpose and extent of the angelic protection. "Dashing one's foot against a stone" represents a common, seemingly minor accident or impediment. It symbolizes the small, everyday obstacles, trials, or temptations that could cause one to stumble, falter, or be injured on life's journey. By preventing even this seemingly insignificant mishap, the verse underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's care, which extends to every detail of the believer's life, ensuring their safe passage through all circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 91:12 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine protection. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of angels actively "bearing up" the individual "in their hands," attributing human-like actions of tender care and physical support to spiritual beings. This makes the abstract concept of angelic guardianship tangible and relatable. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of a person being gently lifted and carried, preventing them from stumbling on a stone. This visual metaphor creates a strong sense of security and intimate protection. Furthermore, the phrase "lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Merism**, where a small, specific part (a minor stumble) represents the whole range of potential harms, from the trivial to the significant. By focusing on such a minor detail, the psalm implies that God's protection is exhaustive and extends to every aspect of life, ensuring safety even from the seemingly insignificant perils.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 91:12 profoundly speaks to the active and personal nature of God's providence. It reveals that divine protection is not merely a passive state of being but involves the dynamic deployment of God's heavenly hosts. This verse highlights God's meticulous care, demonstrating that His concern extends to every detail of a believer's life, not just major crises. It underscores the biblical truth that angels are ministering spirits, sent by God to serve those who will inherit salvation, providing tangible and unseen assistance. However, the infamous quotation of this verse by Satan during the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:6) clarifies a crucial theological distinction: God's promises of protection are for faithful living and trust, not for reckless presumption or testing the Lord. True faith relies on God's sovereignty and wisdom, not on demanding miraculous intervention for self-serving or defiant acts.

* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")
* [Matthew 4:6-7](/matthew/4-6 "Matthew 4:6-7 - The Temptation of Jesus")
* [Proverbs 3:23](/proverbs/3-23 "Proverbs 3:23 - Walking Safely")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 91:12 serves as a powerful and comforting reminder of God's intimate and ever-present care. In a world fraught with uncertainties, anxieties, and both major and minor obstacles, this verse encourages a posture of profound trust. It assures us that God's protective hand is upon us, not only guarding against catastrophic events but also attending to the small, everyday "stones" that could cause us to stumble—be they minor setbacks, discouraging words, or subtle temptations. This promise fosters peace and confidence, reminding us that we are never truly alone and that divine assistance, though often unseen, is actively at work on our behalf. It calls us to walk in faith, assured that God is guiding our steps and preventing us from falling, provided we do not presumptuously test His faithfulness but rather humbly rely on His wisdom and grace in all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of angels bearing you up "in their hands" deepen your understanding of God's personal care?**
* **What are some "stones" or minor obstacles in your daily life that you might overlook but for which you can still trust God's protection?**
* **How can you cultivate a posture of trust in God's protection without falling into the trap of presumption?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to walk more confidently in your faith, knowing God is actively involved in your journey?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean I will never get hurt or face any difficulties if I trust God?**

Answer: No, this verse is not a blanket guarantee of absolute immunity from all harm or difficulty. While it promises profound divine protection, it must be understood within the broader context of biblical theology and the realities of a fallen world. The very fact that Satan quoted this verse to tempt Jesus [Matthew 4:6](/matthew/4-6 "Matthew 4:6 - Satan Tempts Jesus") and Jesus' response, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Response to Temptation"), clarifies that God's promises are for faithful living, not for reckless or presumptuous acts that test His faithfulness. Believers will still experience trials, suffering, and even physical harm (e.g., Paul's shipwrecks and beatings in [2 Corinthians 11:25-27](/2_corinthians/11-25 "2 Corinthians 11:25-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). The protection promised is ultimately about God's sovereign care for His purposes, ensuring that nothing will ultimately thwart His plan for our lives or separate us from His love [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love"). It assures us that even in difficulties, God is with us, upholding us, and working all things for our good and His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 91:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's perfect refuge and the one through whom divine protection is truly realized for humanity. While Satan presumptuously quoted this verse to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, urging Him to test God's protection, Jesus' steadfast refusal ("Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God!" [Matthew 4:7](/matthew/4-7 "Matthew 4:7 - Jesus' Rejection of Temptation")) demonstrated true faith—not in a magical immunity, but in God's sovereign plan. More significantly, Christ Himself becomes the ultimate "secret place of the Most High" [Psalms 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalms 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High") for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus bore the ultimate "dashing of the foot" against the stone of sin and death, so that those who trust in Him might be eternally upheld and protected from the ultimate spiritual peril. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Security in Christ"). The angelic guardianship mentioned in the psalm foreshadows the ministry of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends as our Helper and Comforter, guiding us and preserving us through all of life's trials [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Helper"). Thus, the promise of being borne up and protected from stumbling finds its deepest meaning in Christ's finished work, which secures our eternal salvation and provides continuous spiritual and providential care, ensuring that our spiritual journey culminates safely in God's 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.