Psalms 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָבִ֣י
When my father
H1
אָבִ֣י
When my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 6
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְאִמִּ֣י
and my mother
H517
וְאִמִּ֣י
and my mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
3 of 6
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
Cross References
Isaiah 49:15Can 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 40:11He 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 16:32Behold, 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 10:36And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.Psalms 69:8I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.2 Timothy 4:16At 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.John 9:35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?2 Samuel 16:11And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.
Historical Context
In ancient cultures, family abandonment meant social death—loss of identity, inheritance, and protection. God's promise to receive the forsaken provided ultimate security beyond human systems. Orphans and outcasts found refuge in covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God 'taken you up' when others abandoned you?
- What does divine adoption teach about your security in God's family?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The confidence 'When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up' describes ultimate human abandonment met by divine adoption. Even closest human relationships may fail, but God's covenant love never fails. 'Take me up' (asaph) means to gather, receive, or adopt. Reformed theology sees adoption (Eph. 1:5)—God receives as children those whom others reject. Divine love surpasses even faithful parental love. God is more reliable than the most devoted human relationships.