Psalm 62 2

Psalm 62:2 kjv

He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psalm 62:2 nkjv

He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

Psalm 62:2 niv

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:2 esv

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalm 62:2 nlt

He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62 verses

Psalm 62 2 Meaning

Psalm 62:2 declares God as the exclusive source of strength, deliverance, and security. It articulates a profound and unwavering trust in Him as the only steadfast refuge, assuring the psalmist's stable and unshakable position despite external pressures or adversarial forces.

Psalm 62 2 Context

Psalm 62 is a psalm of David, likely written during a period of intense pressure, possibly during Absalom's rebellion or a similar conspiracy where David faced betrayal and plotting from enemies. The Psalm opens with a declaration of silent waiting for God alone, establishing a theme of absolute reliance amidst external threats and internal turmoil. The surrounding verses depict the enemies' efforts to overthrow the psalmist, contrasting their empty boasts with God's ultimate power. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of David's radical trust in the Lord despite the destabilizing circumstances around him, underscoring that human alliances and earthly resources are unreliable (vv. 9-10).

Psalm 62 2 Word analysis

• He only (Hebrew: ʾaḵ hūʾ, אַךְ הוּא): The word ʾaḵ translates to "only," "surely," or "indeed," carrying an intensive emphasis on singularity. Hūʾ means "He." Together, this phrase stresses exclusivity, pointing to God as the sole and supreme object of trust. It represents a polemical statement against polytheistic beliefs or reliance on human strength, wealth, or power prevalent in the ancient Near East, asserting that only the LORD can provide true stability.
• is my rock (Hebrew: ṣūrī, צוּרִי): Ṣūr literally means "rock," a potent metaphor in the ancient world for strength, permanence, stability, and refuge. In a land prone to natural disasters and constant warfare, a rock could serve as an impregnable fortress. God as the "Rock" signifies His unchanging character, His steadfastness, and His ability to provide ultimate protection and a firm foundation against any adversary. It conveys the idea of an unmovable, reliable support.
• and my salvation (Hebrew: wîšûʿātî, וִישׁוּעָתִי): From yᵊšûʿāh, meaning "deliverance," "help," or "rescue." This term is comprehensive, encompassing rescue from danger, enemies, distress, and sin. It points to God's active intervention and liberating power that secures welfare, wholeness, and true freedom.
• my defense (Hebrew: miśgabbī, מִשְׂגַּבִּי): Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "inaccessible." It denotes a high fortress or a strong tower, an unassailable stronghold. This imagery speaks to God providing ultimate security and protection, placing the believer out of reach from their adversaries' attacks.
• I shall not be greatly moved (Hebrew: lōʾ ʾemôt rabbâ, לֹא אֶמּוֹט רַבָּה):
  • Lōʾ is "not."
  • ʾemôt (from môṭ) means "I shall be moved," "stagger," or "slip."
  • Rabbâ means "greatly," "much," or "exceedingly."The phrase implies that while external forces might cause minor disturbances or tremors in life, the core foundation of the psalmist, rooted in God, will not be catastrophically dislodged or overthrown. It is a statement of resilient steadfastness rather than complete immunity from all disturbance, acknowledging trials but asserting divine preservation.
• "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense;": This part establishes God's unique and comprehensive role in the psalmist's life, using three powerful metaphors—Rock (stability/foundation), Salvation (deliverance/help), and Defense/Fortress (security/refuge)—to illustrate His complete sufficiency. This strong, multi-faceted description ensures that every aspect of the believer's well-being is anchored in God. The "He only" reinforces absolute dependence.

Psalm 62 2 Bonus section

• Repetition for Emphasis: The profound importance of this verse's truth is underscored by its near-identical repetition in Psalm 62:6, where David reaffirms his steadfastness. This repetition reinforces the central message and reflects the depth of David's conviction.
• God as Unshakable Kingdom: This verse implicitly points to the future "unshakable kingdom" (Heb 12:28) that God establishes, demonstrating that His steadfastness is not just for individuals but for His eternal purposes and reign.
• Foundation for Discipleship: The concept of building one's life on "the Rock" (Jesus Christ) is echoed in the New Testament (Matt 7:24-25), emphasizing that truly stable and enduring faith relies on obeying Christ's words.
• Contrast to False Foundations: The insistence on "He only" provides a profound spiritual principle that challenges reliance on anything perishable—like riches, human alliances, or personal strength—which are inherently unstable and fleeting.

Psalm 62 2 Commentary

Psalm 62:2 serves as a pivotal declaration of unreserved trust in God, especially relevant in times of deep distress and opposition. The psalmist asserts an exclusive reliance on God by beginning with "He only," fundamentally distinguishing the God of Israel from all other potential sources of security, whether human power, wealth, or false gods. The use of robust architectural metaphors—"my rock" and "my defense"—emphasizes God's unshakeable nature and His ability to provide an impenetrable refuge against life's assaults. "My salvation" broadens this to include comprehensive deliverance, extending beyond physical safety to encompass all forms of well-being. The final assurance, "I shall not be greatly moved," demonstrates a deep, inner peace that persists despite external turmoil. This is not a denial of trials, but an affirmation that the believer, anchored in God, possesses an inner steadfastness that no hardship can ultimately dismantle. It encourages a surrender of control and a focus on God's unwavering character in a changing world.