Psalm 31 3

Psalm 31:3 kjv

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 31:3 nkjv

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name's sake, Lead me and guide me.

Psalm 31:3 niv

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 31:3 esv

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;

Psalm 31:3 nlt

You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

Psalm 31 verses

Psalm 31 3 Meaning

Psalm 31:3 declares the psalmist's unwavering trust in God as his ultimate refuge and defense. Because God is inherently his firm and unyielding foundation (rock) and an impenetrable stronghold (fortress), the psalmist is confident that God, out of commitment to His own glorious character and covenant faithfulness, will actively direct, guide, and protect him through all trials and perils.

Psalm 31 3 Context

Psalm 31 is a poignant psalm of individual lament. The psalmist is facing severe distress, feeling trapped and surrounded by enemies (Ps 31:4, 9-13). He experiences not only external opposition but also deep inner anguish, with his strength failing due to sorrow (Ps 31:9-10). It is a cry for rescue from persecution, betrayal, slander, and a snare set by his adversaries. Despite his desperate circumstances, the psalmist expresses profound confidence in God's faithfulness. Verse 3 comes at the beginning of this plea, serving as a powerful declaration of God's character that grounds his hope for deliverance and guidance. Historically, these psalms are often associated with the experiences of David, perhaps during his flight from Saul or from Absalom. The language reflects a situation of extreme vulnerability met with absolute reliance on divine strength.

Psalm 31 3 Word analysis

• For You: Establishes direct address and highlights God's person as the singular source. It is about who He is.
• are my rock (צוּרִי, tzuri): This term signifies God's immutable character, His absolute strength, stability, and dependability. It speaks of Him as an impregnable, secure foundation upon which one can stand firmly, especially in times of great uncertainty and threat. It also implies protection and refuge from the onslaught of enemies, like a cliff providing shelter.
• and my fortress (מְצוּדָתִי, metzudati): This metaphor further amplifies "rock." A fortress or stronghold is a fortified, elevated, and virtually impenetrable place of defense. It indicates a place of absolute safety and security, implying strategic protection against assailants. The pairing of "rock" and "fortress" emphasizes comprehensive, unyielding defense and shelter.
• therefore: A critical conjunctive that draws a logical conclusion. Because God is the rock and fortress, certain actions will inevitably follow from Him. It links His nature directly to His action.
• for Your name's sake (לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ, lema'an shmekha): This phrase underscores the motivation behind God's actions. God is not compelled by the psalmist's merit, but by His own character, glory, and reputation, which are embodied in His "name." His name represents all that He is: His power, holiness, faithfulness, and promises. To act for His name's sake means He acts to uphold His own divine honor and consistency. This makes His guidance guaranteed.
• You will lead me (תַנְחֵנִי, tankheini): Implies direction and guidance along a path, often used in the context of leading through wilderness or difficult terrain (e.g., as a shepherd leads sheep). It signifies active, authoritative, and provident guidance to a specific destination.
• and guide me (וְתַנְהֵלֵנִי, vetanhaleini): A complementary term to "lead," it carries the nuance of tender care, careful management, or gentle steering. It suggests guiding someone with attentive oversight, ensuring they are nurtured and directed rightly, preventing straying. Paired with "lead," it indicates comprehensive and considerate guidance, both strategic and hands-on, ensuring a safe passage.

Words-group analysis:

• "For You are my rock and my fortress": This foundational statement establishes God's unchanging and mighty character as the basis for all hope and expectation. The "my" makes it a personal confession of trust and reliance. This isn't just a generic truth about God, but a deeply personal one for the psalmist.
• "therefore, for Your name's sake": This powerful conjunction links God's inherent nature (His "rock" and "fortress" qualities) directly to His unwavering commitment to His own glory and promises. His character guarantees His action, and His reputation compels it. It transforms hope into certainty, not based on human worthiness but on divine reliability.
• "You will lead me and guide me": This twin expression speaks of a continuous, purposeful, and attentive divine direction. It encompasses both broad strategic guidance for life's journey and precise, caring intervention in every step, ensuring the psalmist walks safely and rightly according to God's will.

Psalm 31 3 Bonus section

The double use of "my" ("my rock" and "my fortress") signifies an intensely personal and intimate relationship between the psalmist and God. This isn't just acknowledging God's attributes in general, but specifically applying them to one's own life and circumstances. The Old Testament often portrays God leading and guiding His people as a shepherd does his flock, particularly in challenging environments (e.g., the Exodus through the wilderness). The language of "lead me and guide me" powerfully resonates with this shepherding imagery, emphasizing God's tender, purposeful oversight even amidst hostile conditions. This verse is a powerful declaration of theological certainty, a profound statement of faith that moves from who God is to what He will do.

Psalm 31 3 Commentary

Psalm 31:3 encapsulates the profound theological truth that God's actions toward His people are firmly rooted in His very being and His unchanging character. The psalmist does not say "be my rock" but "are my rock," reflecting a present reality of God's essential nature. The dual metaphors of "rock" and "fortress" paint a vivid picture of absolute security, highlighting God's unassailable strength and impenetrable refuge against all adversities, both internal and external. This solid identity of God then becomes the unbreakable assurance for the psalmist's future. The "therefore" makes God's future guidance a logical inevitability. The motivation, "for Your name's sake," is paramount; it means God acts to uphold His own glory, integrity, and the promises attached to His character. His commitment to Himself guarantees His faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Thus, the promised leading and guiding are not dependent on the psalmist's perfection but on God's unwavering faithfulness. This guidance extends to navigating life's perilous paths, making the way straight through confusion, and protecting from hidden dangers. It is a promise of divine providence, care, and purposeful direction throughout one's journey.