Psalm 3 3

Psalm 3:3 kjv

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalm 3:3 nkjv

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Psalm 3:3 niv

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

Psalm 3:3 esv

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

Psalm 3:3 nlt

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

Psalm 3 verses

Psalm 3 3 Meaning

Psalm 3:3 proclaims David's unwavering confidence in God amidst overwhelming opposition. He declares the Lord is his protector (a shield about him), his source of honor and inner strength (my glory), and the one who restores his dignity and courage, lifting him from shame and despair (the lifter of my head). It expresses a personal and deep trust in YHWH's comprehensive care despite outward circumstances.

Psalm 3 3 Context

Psalm 3 is attributed to David "when he fled from Absalom his son," detailing a period of profound distress and widespread betrayal. Absalom's rebellion was a formidable threat, uniting many against David, as noted in Psalm 3:1-2, where David speaks of "how many are my foes" and those who say "there is no salvation for him in God." Against this backdrop of physical danger and spiritual taunt, verse 3 represents a radical pivot from despair to confident affirmation. David is not merely wishing for God's help but confidently asserting God's present identity and action as his ultimate source of protection, honor, and renewed hope. It is a declaration of faith in the midst of extreme adversity, demonstrating David's trust in YHWH over the visible realities of his circumstances.

Psalm 3 3 Word analysis

• וְאַתָּה (wə'attāh): "But You." The opening conjunction "wə" (and/but) provides a strong contrast, dramatically shifting from the numerous enemies and their mocking words in verse 2 to the solitary, yet supreme, reality of God. The emphatic personal pronoun "אַתָּה" ('attāh, "You") immediately directs the focus to YHWH, highlighting the personal and intimate relationship between David and his God. It underscores that unlike David's human adversaries or wavering supporters, God is singularly distinct and trustworthy.
• יְהוָה (YHWH): "O Lord." This is God's covenant name, signifying His unchanging, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. David addresses Him not as a distant deity but as the personal God who has a binding relationship with His people. The use of YHWH emphasizes divine power and authority in the context of covenant love.
• מָגֵן (māḡēn): "shield." This metaphor is common in the ancient Near East, symbolizing defense, protection, and security. God as a māḡēn means He is David's primary defense against attacks, both physical and spiritual. It denotes active, covering protection that wards off the darts of enemies. This imagery reflects divine omnipotence shielding the vulnerable believer.
• בַּעֲדִי (ba'ădî): "about me" or "for me." This preposition signifies surrounding protection, an encompassing presence. God is not merely a shield in front of him, but all around him, providing comprehensive security. It speaks to the intimate proximity and all-encompassing nature of divine protection, a safe harbor against all angles of attack.
• כְבוֹדִי (kəḇôḏî): "my glory." Kāvōd primarily means "heavy," which extends to signify weightiness, significance, honor, reputation, or divine presence. Here, it signifies God as the restorer of David's dignity and honor, which were tarnished by the rebellion and mockery. In ancient cultures, glory was intrinsically linked to one's standing. David acknowledges God as the source and restorer of his public and personal honor, combating the shame inflicted by his enemies who suggested God had forsaken him. God is also David's substance and worth.
• מֵרִים (mērîm): "the lifter." This is a participle, indicating ongoing action. God is continuously in the act of raising. It speaks of elevation, exaltation, and vindication. It contrasts with a downcast posture typical of shame, despair, or defeat.
• רֹאשִׁי (rō'šî): "my head." The head symbolizes one's person, honor, status, and emotional state. A lowered head indicates humiliation, sorrow, or defeat. "Lifter of my head" is a powerful idiom for the restoration of courage, confidence, dignity, and a triumphant spirit. It means God turns despair into hope, shame into honor, and defeat into victory. He gives a posture of defiance rooted in divine strength.

Psalm 3 3 Bonus section

This verse stands as a prototype of resilient faith, demonstrating the transformative power of perspective in crisis. David acknowledges the reality of his enemies ("many," "against me") but deliberately shifts his gaze to the unassailable character of God. The "shield" imagery not only implies defensive protection but also suggests that God becomes the barrier between David and his adversaries, personally intervening. Furthermore, God being David's "glory" implies not just restoration of David's external honor, but God Himself being the intrinsic splendor that indwells and surrounds David, silencing the accusations of the mockers who question God's presence. The act of God being the "lifter of my head" is not merely symbolic; it represents a tangible shift from the downcast posture of one awaiting judgment or consumed by sorrow to an upright, confident stance, signifying vindication and a restored relationship with God. This divine elevation of the head anticipates the eventual triumph and glory that await the faithful, making it a powerful statement of future hope woven into present reality.

Psalm 3 3 Commentary

Psalm 3:3 encapsulates a profound theological declaration by David in a moment of extreme duress. While enemies abound and voices mock, David turns from outward circumstances to inward conviction. His threefold affirmation of God as "shield," "glory," and "lifter of my head" is a comprehensive portrait of divine providence. God is his outer protection against all assault, his inner restoration of worth and identity against shame, and his ultimate source of renewed courage and triumph in the face of despair. This verse underscores that true security, honor, and confidence are not derived from circumstances or human approval, but from an intimate, personal relationship with YHWH. It is a powerful antidote to anxiety, affirming God's active involvement in vindicating His people and restoring their spirit, even when they feel utterly forsaken.

Examples:

• For one overwhelmed by slander and public humiliation, finding identity and vindication not in human opinion but in Christ.
• For someone experiencing deep emotional distress or depression, leaning on God as the one who gently and powerfully restores inner joy and purpose.
• For a person facing severe persecution or threat, resting in God's protective presence amidst physical dangers.