Psalm 121:4
New International Version
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

New Living Translation
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

English Standard Version
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Berean Standard Bible
Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

King James Bible
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

New King James Version
Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

New American Standard Bible
Behold, He who watches over Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.

NASB 1995
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.

NASB 1977
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.

Legacy Standard Bible
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will not slumber and will not sleep.

Amplified Bible
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly].

Christian Standard Bible
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.

American Standard Version
Behold, he that keepeth Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.

Contemporary English Version
The protector of Israel doesn't doze or ever get drowsy.

English Revised Version
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Indeed, the Guardian of Israel never rests or sleeps.

Good News Translation
The protector of Israel never dozes or sleeps.

International Standard Version
Look! The one who is guarding Israel never sleeps and does not take naps.

Majority Standard Bible
Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

NET Bible
Look! Israel's protector does not sleep or slumber!

New Heart English Bible
Look, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

World English Bible
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, He does not slumber, nor sleep, "" He who is preserving Israel.

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, He slumbereth not, nor sleepeth, He who is preserving Israel.

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, he watching. Israel will not slumber and he will not sleep.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold he shall neither slumber nor sleep, that keepeth Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, he who guards Israel will neither sleep, nor slumber.

New American Bible
Behold, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.

New Revised Standard Version
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For the keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, He that keepeth Israel Doth neither slumber nor sleep.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold, he that keeps Israel shall not slumber nor sleep.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills
3He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. 4Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.…

Cross References
Isaiah 27:3
I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it;

Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.

1 Kings 18:27
At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”

Psalm 127:1
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

Jeremiah 31:28
Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to demolish, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”

Job 7:20
If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You?

Daniel 6:20
When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

1 Samuel 2:9
He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mark 13:33
Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come.

Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

John 10:28-29
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

Romans 8:34
Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, he that keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

he that

Psalm 27:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 32:7,8
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah…

Psalm 127:1
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

shall

1 Kings 18:27
And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.

Ecclesiastes 8:16
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)

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Eyes Indeed Israel Israel's Keeper Keepeth Keeps Preserving Shut Sleep Sleepeth Slumber Slumbereth Watches
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Psalm 121
1. The great safety of the godly, who put their trust in God's protection














Behold
This word serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of what follows. In biblical literature, "behold" often introduces a significant truth or revelation. It invites the reader to pause and consider the weight of the statement, underscoring the reliability and faithfulness of God.

the Protector of Israel
The term "Protector" refers to God as the guardian and keeper of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a shepherd who watches over His flock, providing safety and guidance. This imagery is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be their God and they His people. The title "Protector" also connects to the role of God as a divine warrior, defending Israel against its enemies, as seen in numerous battles and deliverances recorded in the historical books.

will neither slumber
The assurance that God does not slumber highlights His constant vigilance. Unlike human protectors who require rest, God is eternally awake and aware. This phrase contrasts the limitations of human guardianship with the divine attribute of omnipresence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where people often believed that gods could be inattentive or asleep, this statement affirms the unique nature of Israel's God.

nor sleep
Reiterating the previous point, this phrase emphasizes God's perpetual watchfulness. The repetition serves to strengthen the assurance of God's unwavering attention to His people. In a broader biblical context, this characteristic of God is echoed in passages like Isaiah 40:28, which speaks of God as one who does not grow tired or weary. This assurance is a source of comfort and security for believers, knowing that God is always attentive to their needs and circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Protector of Israel
Refers to God, who is depicted as the vigilant guardian of His people, Israel. This title emphasizes His role as a divine protector who is always watchful and attentive.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, representing His covenant people. In the context of this Psalm, Israel symbolizes all who trust in God for protection and guidance.

3. Psalmist
The author of the Psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses trust in God's constant vigilance and care.
Teaching Points
God's Unfailing Vigilance
God is always alert and attentive to the needs of His people. Unlike human protectors who may falter, God’s protection is unwavering and eternal.

Trust in Divine Protection
Believers can find peace and security in knowing that God is always watching over them. This assurance should encourage trust and reliance on Him in all circumstances.

God's Covenant Faithfulness
The reference to Israel highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Believers today are part of this covenant through Christ and can trust in God's unchanging nature.

Encouragement in Times of Fear
In moments of fear or uncertainty, remembering that God does not slumber can provide comfort and strength. His constant presence is a source of hope.

Call to Spiritual Alertness
While God is always watchful, believers are also called to be spiritually alert and vigilant, staying faithful and obedient to His Word.(4) Slumber nor sleep.--This repetition, with the addition of a synonym, offers a very good instance of the step-like style supposed by many critics to give their name to these psalms. But it must be carefully noticed that there is no climax in the force of the two words, the first, if anything, being the stronger. It is used of the sleep of death (Psalm 76:5).

Verse 4. - Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The assurance rises from the particular to the general. It is not one Israelite alone over whom God will watch unceasingly, but the whole people of Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Behold,
הִנֵּ֣ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the Protector
שׁ֝וֹמֵ֗ר (w·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

slumber
יָ֭נוּם (yā·nūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5123: To be drowsy, slumber

or sleep.
יִישָׁ֑ן (yî·šān)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3462: To be slack, languid, sleep, to grow old, stale, inveterate


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OT Poetry: Psalm 121:4 Behold he who keeps Israel will neither (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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