Psalms 27:3

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תַּחֲנֶ֬ה should encamp H2583
תַּחֲנֶ֬ה should encamp
Strong's: H2583
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
עָלַ֨י׀ H5921
עָלַ֨י׀
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַחֲנֶה֮ Though an host H4264
מַחֲנֶה֮ Though an host
Strong's: H4264
Word #: 4 of 14
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִירָ֪א shall not fear H3372
יִירָ֪א shall not fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 6 of 14
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
לִ֫בִּ֥י against me my heart H3820
לִ֫בִּ֥י against me my heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 7 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אִם H518
אִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 8 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תָּק֣וּם should rise H6965
תָּק֣וּם should rise
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 9 of 14
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עָ֭לַי H5921
עָ֭לַי
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִלְחָמָ֑ה though war H4421
מִלְחָמָ֑ה though war
Strong's: H4421
Word #: 11 of 14
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
בְּ֝זֹ֗את H2063
בְּ֝זֹ֗את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 12 of 14
this (often used adverb)
אֲנִ֣י H589
אֲנִ֣י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 13 of 14
i
בוֹטֵֽחַ׃ against me in this will I be confident H982
בוֹטֵֽחַ׃ against me in this will I be confident
Strong's: H982
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

Analysis & Commentary

The declaration 'Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident' expresses unshakeable trust. The escalation (host encamped, war rising) emphasizes overwhelming opposition. Yet confidence remains because 'the LORD is my light and my salvation' (v.1). Reformed theology sees security in union with Christ—nothing can separate believers from God's love (Rom. 8:31-39). Courage flows from theological conviction, not denial of danger.

Historical Context

David faced literal armies—Philistines, Saul's forces, Absalom's rebels. Military weakness taught him to trust God's power rather than numerical superiority. This psalm sustained Israel through centuries of warfare and persecution.

Questions for Reflection

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