Psalm 27 3

Psalm 27:3 kjv

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 27:3 nkjv

Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.

Psalm 27:3 niv

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Psalm 27:3 esv

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

Psalm 27:3 nlt

Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

Psalm 27 verses

Psalm 27 3 Meaning

Psalm 27:3 expresses the psalmist's resolute and unwavering confidence in the Lord, even when faced with overwhelming military threats. It declares that an internal state of fearless trust in God can be maintained despite extreme external dangers, such as a vast hostile army encamping or open warfare breaking out. The psalmist's security is rooted not in the absence of peril, but in the steadfast presence and protective power of God.

Psalm 27 3 Context

Psalm 27 is broadly divided into two sections: verses 1-6 express David's radiant confidence and trust in God, desiring His presence above all else. Verses 7-14 shift to an earnest prayer for help and guidance during a period of distress. Verse 3 firmly belongs to the first section, serving as a powerful declaration of trust that flows directly from the opening assertion that the Lord is the psalmist's light, salvation, and the stronghold of his life. Historically, David faced numerous existential threats throughout his life, whether from King Saul, the Philistines, or even his own son Absalom. This psalm likely reflects a time of extreme external pressure, where the "host" and "war" refer to genuine military or personal enemies threatening his existence, yet his inner spiritual state remains impregnable due to his profound reliance on the Almighty.

Psalm 27 3 Word analysis

• Though an host should encamp against me: The Hebrew for "host" is ḥayil (חַיִל), meaning strength, wealth, army, or valor. Here it denotes a powerful, formidable military force. Chanah (חָנָה) "encamp" means to lay siege or surround, painting a picture of overwhelming numerical superiority and imminent threat, an army preparing for assault. This vividly portrays an externally daunting, perhaps insurmountable, opposition.
• my heart shall not fear: "My heart" in Hebrew is libbi (לִבִּי), which is more than just the emotional center; it encompasses the inner person, the will, intellect, and conscience. It signifies the very core of one's being. "Shall not fear" (lo yira') uses a strong negation, emphasizing an absolute refusal or inability to succumb to dread. This is an internal resolve, a steadfastness cultivated by faith rather than absence of danger.
• though war should rise against me: "War" is milḥamah (מִלְחָמָה), a clear term for battle or armed conflict. "Rise against me" (yaqum alay) signifies active aggression, the beginning or escalation of hostility from an encampment to outright engagement. This parallels and amplifies the preceding clause, depicting not just potential threat but actual, escalating conflict.
• in this will I be confident: "In this" (bezo't) directly refers to the dire circumstances just described – the hostile encampment and the outbreak of war. It stresses that even amidst these specific tribulations, confidence remains. "I will be confident" (ani boṭēaḥ) uses the verb bāṭaḥ (בָּטַח), which signifies to trust, rely on, feel secure, or lean upon. This confidence is not an emotional bravado but a deep-seated spiritual certainty rooted in one's unwavering reliance on God's character and power, as established in the opening verses of the psalm. It signifies an assured peace and inner security regardless of outer circumstances.

Psalm 27 3 Bonus section

This verse carries a subtle polemic against the instability and fear inherent in pagan worldview. In cultures surrounding ancient Israel, people lived in constant apprehension of unpredictable deities, malevolent spirits, or fickle fates. Their security often depended on rituals, omens, or the favor of earthly kings. David’s declaration of confidence in the face of military superiority, rooted in his covenant with the unchanging and righteous God of Israel, directly challenges such anxieties. His peace comes from a faithful, personal relationship with a dependable divine Protector, not from appeasement or superstition. This absolute confidence serves as a witness to the supremacy and reliability of Yahweh. The principle articulated is timeless: the source of inner tranquility is not the absence of external threats but the unwavering reliance on the Divine Helper.

Psalm 27 3 Commentary

Psalm 27:3 stands as a profound testament to unwavering faith in the midst of overwhelming adversity. It is a declaration of triumph for the spirit over external forces of chaos and fear. David is not denying the reality or magnitude of the threat; rather, he confronts it directly with an internal resolve founded entirely on his relationship with God. The repetition of the extreme scenarios – an "host" encamping and "war" breaking out – emphasizes that this confidence is not fair-weather but deeply entrenched. His heart's steadfastness (not fearing) and unwavering assurance (being confident) stem from his spiritual security in the Lord (Ps 27:1-2), illustrating that true peace comes not from the absence of storms, but from the presence of Christ in the boat. This verse offers a template for how believers can maintain inner peace and spiritual fortitude in the face of various "wars" in life—whether spiritual, relational, financial, or physical battles—by fixing their confidence entirely upon the sovereign and protective power of God.