Psalm 36 7

Psalm 36:7 kjv

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalm 36:7 nkjv

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 36:7 niv

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:7 esv

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:7 nlt

How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36 verses

Psalm 36 7 Meaning

Psalm 36:7 declares the immeasurable worth of God’s unfailing, loyal love (hesed), portraying it as exquisitely valuable and the ultimate sanctuary. It then illustrates that all humanity, regardless of their status, finds ultimate security and solace by seeking shelter under the compassionate and mighty protection symbolized by God's wings. The verse contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly security with the steadfast, unwavering safety found solely in God's divine character and love.

Psalm 36 7 Context

Psalm 36 is a psalm of David that presents a sharp contrast. The initial verses (1-4) vividly describe the deep wickedness and deceitfulness of the ungodly, whose sin dictates their actions, leading them to reject God and truth. This stark depiction of human depravity sets the stage for the dramatic shift in verses 5-9, which celebrate the boundless perfections and attributes of God. Verse 7 specifically belongs to this section of praise, highlighting the immense value and comforting nature of God's character. Historically, for David and the ancient Israelites, "taking refuge" was a tangible concept often associated with seeking shelter under the protection of a powerful ruler, a city wall, or the tabernacle. Here, the imagery elevates this need for security, indicating that ultimate safety is not found in earthly structures or human strength, but solely within the sphere of God's unwavering and compassionate faithfulness. The concept of God's "wings" would evoke the tender care of a mother bird, as well as the overarching wings of the cherubim above the Ark of the Covenant, signifying divine presence and comprehensive protection.

Psalm 36 7 Word analysis

• How precious: Hebrew יָקָר (yaqar). Signifies something of great weight, cost, or value. It speaks to extreme worth, rarity, and something highly esteemed. It's not merely nice; it's invaluable, far surpassing any earthly metric. This sets an immediate tone of reverence and awe for what is about to be described.
• is Your steadfast love: Hebrew חֶסֶד (hesed). This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, denoting covenant faithfulness, loyal love, mercy, or lovingkindness. It is not a fleeting emotion but a profound, active, and unwavering commitment, particularly within a relationship, especially God's commitment to His people. It expresses His loyal kindness that never quits, a consistent goodness that is bound by His nature and His promises.
• O God!: Hebrew אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). This is a plural form used to refer to the singular God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and role as the Creator and Sovereign over all things. Addressing God by this name underscores His ultimate authority and ability to provide the protection and love being celebrated.
• The children of mankind: Hebrew בְּנֵי אָדָם (benei adam). Literally, "sons of Adam." This phrase is inclusive, referring to all humanity without distinction—men, women, rich, poor, righteous, or struggling. It emphasizes the universal need for divine protection and love, contrasting with the limited protection found among fellow humans.
• take refuge: Hebrew חָסָה (chasah). To flee for protection, seek shelter, trust in. It implies vulnerability and a deliberate act of seeking safety under someone stronger. It’s an act of humble reliance, indicating a personal decision to lean upon another for security.
• in the shadow: Hebrew צֵל (tzel). Shadow, shade. Metaphorically, it speaks of protection from heat, danger, or harm. A shadow provides comfort and concealment, suggesting an intimate closeness with the source of the shadow.
• of Your wings: Hebrew כְּנָפֶיךָ (knafeykha). Wings. This is rich imagery. It immediately brings to mind a bird protecting its young—a hen gathering her chicks (as seen in Mt 23:37). It conveys warmth, tenderness, nurturing care, and a protective embrace. Beyond this domestic image, "wings" can also allude to the wings of cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's holy presence and protective watch over His covenant. This suggests not just intimate care but also sovereign, mighty defense.

• "How precious is Your steadfast love": This exclamatory phrase elevates God's hesed to a position of supreme value, beyond compare to any earthly treasure or concept. It declares it to be the foundational attribute for humanity's hope and security.
• "The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings": This phrase beautifully combines universal human vulnerability with the powerful, yet tender, divine provision. It illustrates that God’s unwavering love is the very shelter where all humanity can find secure rest, depicting both a physical sense of security and a deep emotional and spiritual comfort found exclusively in Him.

Psalm 36 7 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of human depravity (Ps 36:1-4) with God’s sublime attributes (Ps 36:5-9) highlights the source of hope: it's not in human goodness, but entirely in God's character. The "shadow of Your wings" carries a polemic undertone against false gods or human leaders who promise security but ultimately fail. Only the God of Israel provides genuine, comprehensive protection. This verse also lays foundational principles for understanding salvation: that God's great love initiates and provides a safe haven for fallen humanity. It points forward to the new covenant, where this hesed is fully manifest in Christ's sacrificial love and the invitation to all to find eternal refuge in Him (Eph 2:4-5, Rom 5:8). The idea of God's attributes being "precious" means they are not to be taken for granted; they are of infinite value and worth revering.

Psalm 36 7 Commentary

Psalm 36:7 offers a profound theological statement, magnifying God's steadfast love as the supreme good and the ultimate haven for all humanity. This love, God’s hesed, is presented as not just desirable, but utterly precious and invaluable. Unlike the fleeting loyalties or insufficient protections of the world, God’s covenantal faithfulness is a reliable and enduring source of security. The imagery of taking refuge "in the shadow of Your wings" is both intimate and powerful, suggesting the tender, nurturing care of a parent bird covering its young, coupled with the mighty, encompassing protection of the Creator. It highlights humanity's inherent vulnerability and deep-seated need for a dependable refuge, and God's readiness to provide it. This verse serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, fear, and self-reliance, inviting every person to trust completely in the unparalleled goodness and unchanging nature of God's love. For instance, in times of crisis like illness or financial hardship, recognizing the preciousness of God's love can shift focus from despair to faith, encouraging individuals to actively "take refuge" in Him through prayer and trusting His sovereignty, knowing that His love provides ultimate peace and safety regardless of outward circumstances.