Psalm 121 4

Psalm 121:4 kjv

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

Psalm 121:4 nkjv

Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:4 niv

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:4 esv

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

Psalm 121:4 nlt

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

Psalm 121 verses

Psalm 121 4 Meaning

Psalm 121:4 proclaims God's unfailing, continuous vigilance over His people. It asserts that the Divine Protector never rests, never loses awareness, and is perpetually attentive to the needs and dangers facing those He guards. This provides an absolute assurance of security and peace, signifying a guardianship beyond any human capacity for watchfulness or endurance.

Psalm 121 4 Context

Psalm 121 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem for the great festivals. The journey to Jerusalem was often fraught with dangers, including rough terrain, wild animals, and bandits. The psalmist initially looks to the "hills" (Ps 121:1), a potential source of help but also of danger (where enemies or idols might be), then immediately corrects the source of help to the Creator of heaven and earth (Ps 121:2). Verse 4, specifically, is a profound statement about the nature of this Divine Protector. It provides immense comfort and reassurance to travelers facing vulnerabilities, confirming that their guardian is unlike any human watchman who eventually succumbs to the need for rest. It also serves as an indirect polemic against false gods and idols that cannot see, hear, or protect their worshippers (see 1 Kgs 18:27 where Elijah mocks Baal for being asleep or away). The Psalm transitions from an individual plea to a broader statement about God's guardianship over "Israel," encompassing the nation and all His covenant people.

Psalm 121 4 Word analysis

• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinnēh): An imperative exclamation. It serves to draw immediate attention, signaling that what follows is profoundly significant and demands full concentration. It’s an attention-grabber, emphasizing the wonder and certainty of the truth being stated.
• He who keeps (שֹׁמֵר - shōmēr): Present participle, active voice, meaning "the one guarding," "the one watching," or "the one preserving." This word denotes active, continuous, and careful protection, like a shepherd diligently watching over his flock or a city gatekeeper on guard. It's a continuous state of vigilance.
• Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - yiśrāʾēl): Refers to the people of God, initially the nation descended from Jacob. In the context of a pilgrim psalm, it embraces all who are making their ascent, representing the collective body of God's covenant people. Spiritually, it extends to all believers, the "Israel of God."
• will neither slumber (יָנוּם - yānūm): "To be drowsy," "to doze," or "to take a light sleep." This describes a state of light, intermittent unconsciousness.
• nor sleep (יִשָׁן - yishān): "To sleep soundly" or "to be in deep sleep." This signifies a complete loss of consciousness and awareness, a state of profound rest.

Words-group analysis

• "Behold, He who keeps Israel": This phrase highlights God's specific role as the ever-vigilant Guardian for His chosen people. The "Behold" commands awe at this extraordinary truth, contrasting God's perfect watchfulness with human fallibility. The choice of "Israel" specifies the covenant relationship and the collective divine guardianship.
• "will neither slumber nor sleep": This is an emphatic double negative (a literary device called hendiadys or a negative parallelism) using two distinct verbs for different levels of sleep, strongly affirming God's perpetual wakefulness. It emphasizes absolute, unbroken vigilance, far beyond any human capability. Human watchmen require rest; God, the infinite and all-sufficient One, does not. This implicitly contrasts God's nature with that of pagan deities, who were often depicted as needing sleep or rest, or simply being unable to act.

Psalm 121 4 Bonus section

The anthropomorphism used in the verse—attributing human qualities (slumber and sleep) to God, only to negate them—powerfully underscores His transcendent nature. It illustrates God's attributes in terms relatable to human experience but then reveals His infinitude by stating He surpasses all human limitations. The verse implicitly responds to common human fears regarding vulnerability and exposure. The pilgrim's anxieties about journeying through danger are met with the unwavering reality of God's unceasing watchcare. This Psalm is a 'wisdom' song of instruction, teaching reliance upon the faithful character of God. The protection promised is not merely physical but also spiritual, guarding against unseen evils and ensuring the preservation of the soul and destiny.

Psalm 121 4 Commentary

Psalm 121:4 serves as the ultimate assurance to all who trust in the Living God. It articulates the fundamental truth that the Divine Protector of His people is never for a moment distracted, drowsy, or unconscious. His watchfulness is perfect, uninterrupted, and absolute. Unlike human guardians who must eventually rest or whose attention can wander, God requires no sleep or pause. He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, forever active in upholding, guarding, and preserving His children. This verse offers profound comfort and peace in a world full of uncertainties and dangers, confirming that our security rests in the never-failing, constant care of the One who made heaven and earth. For example, when facing an uncertain future or deep personal fear, this verse reminds believers that they are constantly under the protective eye of an always-awake God, allowing them to rest secure in His unwavering care.