Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--whom shall I dread?

◄ Psalm 27:1 ►

New International Version
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

New Living Translation
The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

English Standard Version
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Berean Standard Bible
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
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?

New American Standard Bible
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom should I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom should I dread?

NASB 1995
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

NASB 1977
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Legacy Standard Bible
Of David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strong defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Amplified Bible
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the refuge and fortress of my life— Whom shall I dread?

Christian Standard Bible
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — whom should I dread?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Davidic. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom should I be afraid?

American Standard Version
A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Contemporary English Version
You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.

English Revised Version
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?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[By David.] The LORD is my light and my salvation. Who is there to fear? The LORD is my life's fortress. Who is there to be afraid of?

Good News Translation
The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.

International Standard Version
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom will I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?

Majority Standard Bible
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

NET Bible
By David. The LORD delivers and vindicates me! I fear no one! The LORD protects my life! I am afraid of no one!

New Heart English Bible
[By David.] The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

Webster's Bible Translation
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?

World English Bible
By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
BY DAVID. YHWH [is] my light and my salvation, "" Whom do I fear? YHWH [is] the strength of my life, "" Of whom am I afraid?

Young's Literal Translation
By David. Jehovah is my light and my salvation, Whom do I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life, Of whom am I afraid?

Smith's Literal Translation
To David. Jehovah my light and my saviour; of whom shall I be afraid? Jehovah the strength of my life; from whom shall I tremble?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

Catholic Public Domain Version
A Psalm of David, before he was sealed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

New American Bible
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
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?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
LORD JEHOVAH, my light and my salvation, of whom shall I be afraid? LORD JEHOVAH is the strength of my life; by whom am I shaken?

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
[A Psalm] of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A Psalm of David, before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my Saviour; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD is My Salvation
1Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? 2When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

1 John 1:5
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

2 Samuel 22:29
For You, O LORD, are my lamp; the LORD lights up my darkness.

John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Micah 7:8
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Psalm 18:28
For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Isaiah 60:19-20
No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. / Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.

Luke 1:78-79
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Psalm 118:14
The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

Treasury of Scripture

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?

salvation

Psalm 3:8
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 62:2,6
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved…

strength

Psalm 18:1,2,46
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength…

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 28:7,8
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him…

of whom

Psalm 11:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

Psalm 46:1,2
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…

Psalm 56:2-4
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High…

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Psalm 27

1. David sustains his faith by prayer

Berean Study Bible

The LORD
The term "LORD" in this verse is derived from the Hebrew "YHWH," often vocalized as Yahweh. This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. In the context of Psalm 27, it underscores the intimate relationship between the psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, and God. The use of "LORD" here sets the tone for the entire psalm, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Historically, the Israelites understood Yahweh as their covenant God, who delivered them from Egypt and guided them through the wilderness, reinforcing the idea of God as a personal protector and guide.

is my light
The imagery of "light" in the Hebrew Bible often symbolizes guidance, truth, and salvation. In a world without artificial lighting, light was essential for safety and clarity. Here, "light" suggests that God provides direction and dispels the darkness of fear and uncertainty. Theologically, light is associated with God's presence and revelation, as seen in the creation narrative where God declares, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). For David, God being his light means that God illuminates his path and reveals truth amidst confusion and danger.

and my salvation
The Hebrew word for "salvation" is "yeshuah," which conveys deliverance, rescue, and safety. In the context of David's life, this term reflects God's deliverance from physical enemies and spiritual despair. Salvation here is comprehensive, encompassing both temporal deliverance from immediate threats and eternal salvation. This dual aspect of salvation is a cornerstone of Christian theology, where Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of salvation.

whom shall I fear?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the confidence and trust that David has in God. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "yare," which can mean both reverence and terror. In this context, it suggests that with God as his protector, David has no reason to be terrified of any adversary. This phrase invites believers to reflect on their own fears and challenges, encouraging them to trust in God's power and protection. Historically, David faced numerous threats, from Goliath to King Saul, yet his faith in God provided him with courage and peace.

The LORD is the stronghold of my life
The term "stronghold" translates from the Hebrew "ma'oz," meaning a place of safety, refuge, or defense. In ancient times, a stronghold was a fortified place that provided protection against enemies. By declaring God as his stronghold, David acknowledges that his ultimate security and strength come from God, not from physical fortresses or armies. This metaphor reassures believers that God is their ultimate protector, offering spiritual and emotional security in times of trouble.

whom shall I dread?
Similar to the earlier phrase "whom shall I fear," this question reinforces the theme of trust and confidence in God. The Hebrew word for "dread" is "pachad," which implies a deep, paralyzing fear. By posing this question, David expresses his unwavering faith that with God as his protector, he need not be paralyzed by fear of any adversary. This assurance is a powerful reminder for believers to place their trust in God, who is greater than any earthly threat or challenge.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) The Lord is my light.--This noble thought appears nowhere else so grandly, though we may compare Isaiah 60:1. The Latin of the Vulgate, "Dominus illuminatio mea," is the motto of the University of Oxford, and expands in a new but true direction the thought of the ancient bard. To him, Jehovah was the guiding and cheering beacon-fire, proclaiming his victory and pointing him the happy homeward way. From this to the belief in God as the source both of moral and intellectual light, is a long but glorious stage, along which the world has been guided by such words as Isaiah 60:1, still more by the recognition of the incarnate Son as the Light of men (John 1:5; John 3:19; John 12:46, &c).

Strength.--Better, defence or bulwark; Heb., maoz, rendered "rock," Judges 6:26 (margin, strong place); used in Isaiah 17:9 of fortified cities; as here, Psalm 37:39; Psalm 43:2; LXX., "shields;" Vulg., "protector." . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 1. - The Lord is my Light (comp. John 1:7-9; John 12:35, 36, 46; 1 John 1:5). The statement does not occur in any other place in the Old Testament, though the idea may be found in Isaiah 60:1, 20; Micah 7:8; and elsewhere. Light has been well called "this profoundly beautiful name of God" (Delitzsch). And my Salvation (comp. Psalm 18:2; Psalm 62:2, 6). Whom shall I fear? "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Who can be to be feared? (see Psalm 118:6). Not man certainly; for" what can man do unto us?" Not other gods; for they are nonentities. Not devils; for they can do nothing but by God's permission. The Lord is the Strength of my life; literally, the stronghold (comp. Psalm 28:8; Psalm 31:4; Psalm 71:2; Psalm 144:2). Of whom shall I be afraid? The question is superfluous, but is repeated to complete the balance of the clauses.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Of David.
לְדָוִ֨ד ׀ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

The LORD
יְהוָ֤ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is my light
אוֹרִ֣י (’ō·w·rî)
Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary

and my salvation—
וְ֭יִשְׁעִי (wə·yiš·‘î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3468: Deliverance, rescue, salvation, safety, welfare

whom
מִמִּ֣י (mim·mî)
Preposition-m | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

shall I fear?
אִירָ֑א (’î·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

The LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is the stronghold
מָֽעוֹז־ (mā·‘ō·wz-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4581: A place or means of safety, protection

of my life—
חַ֝יַּ֗י (ḥay·yay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

whom
מִמִּ֥י (mim·mî)
Preposition-m | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

shall I dread?
אֶפְחָֽד׃ (’ep̄·ḥāḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6342: To dread, be in dread or in awe

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OT Poetry: Psalm 27:1 By David (Psalm Ps Psa.)