Psalms 91:14
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חָ֭שַׁק
Because he hath set his love
H2836
חָ֭שַׁק
Because he hath set his love
Strong's:
H2836
Word #:
3 of 8
to cling, i.e., join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver
וַאֲפַלְּטֵ֑הוּ
upon me therefore will I deliver
H6403
וַאֲפַלְּטֵ֑הוּ
upon me therefore will I deliver
Strong's:
H6403
Word #:
4 of 8
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
אֲ֝שַׂגְּבֵ֗הוּ
him I will set him on high
H7682
אֲ֝שַׂגְּבֵ֗הוּ
him I will set him on high
Strong's:
H7682
Word #:
5 of 8
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.John 14:23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.John 16:27For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Isaiah 33:16He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.Psalms 91:9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Historical Context
Psalm 91 is anonymous but traditionally associated with Moses or the Levitical temple liturgy. The divine first-person voice (rare in Psalms) suggests prophetic oracle. Early Jewish interpretation saw Messianic fulfillment; Satan quoted verses 11-12 during Christ's temptation (Matthew 4:6), while Jesus embodied the psalm's ultimate 'keeper of the covenant' who trusted utterly in God's name.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your love for God move beyond duty to the passionate 'clinging' (chashaq) described here?
- What does it mean to 'know God's name' in a culture where names are casual labels rather than revelations of character?
Analysis & Commentary
Because he hath set his love upon me (כִּי בִי חָשַׁק)—The Hebrew chashaq describes passionate attachment, clinging devotion. This is God's response to the believer's love, making Psalm 91 a divine covenant promise. Therefore will I deliver him—deliverance conditioned on love, yet God initiates: 'We love him because he first loved us' (1 John 4:19).
I will set him on high (אֲשַׂגְּבֵהוּ, asaggbehu)—exaltation beyond earthly enemies' reach, echoing Joseph's elevation (Genesis 41:40) and Christ's resurrection enthronement (Ephesians 1:20-21). Because he hath known my name (יָדַע שְׁמִי, yada shemi)—intimate covenant knowledge, not mere cognition. The Name represents God's character, presence, and self-revelation—knowing equals loving communion.