Psalms 121:3
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִתֵּ֣ן
He will not suffer
H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן
He will not suffer
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לַמּ֣וֹט
to be moved
H4132
לַמּ֣וֹט
to be moved
Strong's:
H4132
Word #:
3 of 7
a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)
רַגְלֶ֑ךָ
thy foot
H7272
רַגְלֶ֑ךָ
thy foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
4 of 7
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Proverbs 3:26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.Proverbs 3:23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.Psalms 91:12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.Psalms 127:1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.1 Peter 1:5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.Isaiah 27:3I the LORD do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.Psalms 66:9Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.Psalms 41:2The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.Proverbs 2:8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern deities supposedly slept, requiring morning wake-up rituals. Babylonian liturgy included morning songs to awaken gods. The Baal cycle depicts Baal sleeping in his palace. Psalm 44:23 sarcastically asks God, "Awake, why sleepest thou?" knowing He doesn't actually sleep but seemingly remains inactive. Psalm 121 positively affirms God's sleepless watchfulness. Guards on city walls took shifts because humans need sleep. God needs no relief—He never nods off, never loses alertness. Believers can rest securely knowing God's ceaseless protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God never sleeps affect your ability to rest and trust Him?
- What "foot slipping" dangers require God's constant vigilance in your life?
- How can believers cultivate awareness of God's continuous presence and protection?
Analysis & Commentary
The reassurance: Al yitten lamot raglekha (He will not permit your foot to slip). Natan (give/permit) with mot (slip/totter/waver) promises stability. Regel (foot) represents one's path, walk, conduct. Al yanum shomrekha (He will not slumber, your keeper). Num (slumber/be drowsy); shomer (keeper/guard/watcher). The answer to verse 1-2: God as keeper doesn't drowse or sleep—He maintains constant vigilance. Human guardians grow weary, but divine guardian never sleeps. This echoes 1 Kings 18:27 where Elijah mocked Baal (perhaps sleeping?), contrasting YHWH's constant wakefulness.