Psalm 118 9

Psalm 118:9 kjv

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 118:9 nkjv

It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 118:9 niv

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118:9 esv

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118:9 nlt

It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.

Psalm 118 verses

Psalm 118 9 Meaning

Psalm 118:9 unequivocally declares that finding security, refuge, and confidence in the Lord is vastly superior to placing trust in human leaders, authorities, or any individual of high standing, often referred to as "princes" or "nobles." It emphasizes the eternal and unfailing reliability of God compared to the inherent limitations, fallibility, and transient nature of even the most powerful human beings.

Psalm 118 9 Context

Psalm 118 is one of the "Egyptian Hallel" psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung by Jewish people during significant feasts like Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot (Tabernacles). This Psalm, specifically, is a national song of thanksgiving for a great deliverance from oppression or adversaries, reflecting a profound reliance on God's steadfast love (hesed). It opens with a call for all to confess God's eternal goodness (vv. 1-4). Verses 5-7 describe a personal or collective distress from which the psalmist was delivered by God. Immediately preceding verse 9, verse 8 states, "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man," making verse 9 a specific and intensified re-affirmation of this truth by specifying "princes" (those in highest human authority). The psalm proceeds to speak of the "stone the builders rejected" (v. 22), which points to a divinely ordained victory, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah, whose reign far supersedes any earthly prince. The historical context suggests a period of significant challenge where human solutions proved insufficient, leading to a deep conviction that only the Lord provides true safety and salvation.

Psalm 118 9 Word analysis

• It is better: From the Hebrew tov (טוֹב), meaning good, excellent, or superior. Here, it implies a distinct advantage or preferability, emphasizing the profound wisdom of the choice being presented. It’s not just good, but demonstrably better, a comparative judgment.
• to trust: From the Hebrew root chasah (חָסָה), which means "to take refuge in," "to seek shelter under," "to flee for protection," or "to put confidence in." It signifies active reliance, a leaning on something for security and safety, like a bird sheltering under a wing (Ps 57:1).
• in the Lord: Hebrew b'YHWH (בַּיהוָה). Refers to the Tetragrammaton, God's personal covenant name. This emphasizes not just any deity, but the sovereign, faithful, and unchangeable God who has revealed Himself to His people. It points to His unique power, reliability, and character as the one true God, distinct from any human power.
• than to trust: From the Hebrew mib'toach (מִבְּטֹחַ), from the root batach (בָּטַח), meaning "to lean on," "to have confidence in," "to be secure." This verb reinforces the idea of trust introduced by chasah. The repetition of the concept of "trusting" through two related but distinct Hebrew terms underscores the weight of the exhortation and the definitive nature of the comparison. While chasah emphasizes refuge and seeking shelter, batach emphasizes confident reliance and security, a deep inner assurance.
• in princes: From the Hebrew bin'divim (בִּנְדִיבִים), which refers to "nobles," "generous ones," "princes," or "leaders." These are individuals of high standing, power, and influence in human society. The word highlights that even those perceived as most powerful, benevolent, or capable among humans are still finite and cannot provide ultimate security. They are temporary, fallible, and subject to their own limitations, whims, and mortality.

Words-group analysis:

• "It is better to trust in the Lord": This phrase highlights God as the ultimate and most reliable object of trust. It speaks to God's inherent perfection, His divine faithfulness (hesed), and His infinite capacity to provide true and lasting security. Trusting in God leads to real rest and unwavering confidence.
• "than to trust in princes": This phrase explicitly contrasts divine reliability with human fragility. Even the most esteemed and powerful human beings ("princes") are presented as an inferior object of trust because they are mortal, susceptible to failure, and ultimately cannot deliver absolute salvation or security. The phrase is a caution against idolatry of human power or leadership. It's not against respecting authority, but against ultimate reliance on it.

Psalm 118 9 Bonus Section

• The placement of this verse within the Hallel Psalm highlights its significance for the collective spiritual life of Israel. It was a communal confession of faith, reinforcing the nation's identity as people dependent on God, not their own strength or human alliances, even with powerful rulers. This was especially relevant for Israel, which often faced threats from surrounding empires.
• The concept of chasah (refuge) and batach (confidence) found in this verse signifies active and deliberate reliance, not passive hope. It implies casting one's cares upon God, confidently expecting Him to act on one's behalf.
• While not advocating disrespect for human authority, the verse strongly discourages giving ultimate allegiance or unqualified trust to anyone but God. Earthly rulers are merely instruments, and often imperfect ones, within God's larger plan. Their power is divinely ordained but their persons are fallible.
• This verse provides a powerful counter-cultural message for any society that tends to idolize or place excessive hope in political leaders, economic power, or human ingenuity. It continually redirects faith to the One who truly holds all power and offers true deliverance.

Psalm 118 9 Commentary

Psalm 118:9 encapsulates a fundamental principle of biblical faith: the absolute supremacy and trustworthiness of God over all human institutions and leaders. Following closely on verse 8, it specifically zeroes in on "princes," recognizing that while men in power may seem to offer solutions, protection, or even salvation, their capabilities are inherently limited. Human leaders, no matter how wise, mighty, or well-intentioned, are ultimately finite; they can fall, they can err, and they are mortal. Their power is delegated, and their wisdom imperfect. God, on the other hand, is eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is the ultimate Rock, the unshakeable foundation, and His counsel is perfect. To trust in the Lord means recognizing His sovereignty over all earthly powers and aligning one's ultimate security with His unchanging character and unwavering commitment to His people. This truth calls believers to examine where their deepest security and hope lie, diverting full dependence from any human source to the one true Divine source.

• Practical Usage Example 1: When faced with a challenging political situation, instead of panicking or placing all hope in a particular leader or party, one remembers that ultimate governance and protection come from God.
• Practical Usage Example 2: In personal crises, when advice or help is sought from influential people, remembering that true lasting aid comes from God and one should look to Him first.