Psalms 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just a statement of faith; it's a shift in perspective, moving from the reality of danger to the absolute certainty of God's presence. The question "What can man do to me?" isn't rhetorical doubt, but a bold declaration that human power is utterly insignificant when weighed against the Almighty's backing.
This psalm recounts a time of great distress and deliverance, likely a coronation or a festival celebrating God's faithfulness. The speaker, possibly King David or even Jesus himself, recalls being surrounded by enemies and facing death, but God intervened powerfully to save him. Now, in reflection or renewed confidence, the speaker declares that with God on his side, human threats are utterly insignificant.
Feeling small against overwhelming odds? This verse cuts straight to the heart of true security.
The psalmist declares, 'The LORD is on my side.' This isn't just a hopeful wish; it's a statement of absolute certainty rooted in God's power and His relationship with His people. When God is 'for us,' or 'on our side,' it means His strength is aligned with ours. He is our advocate, our defender, and our ultimate protector. This divine alignment renders human opposition powerless.
We often worry about what people can do to us. This verse reveals the true limitation of human threats.
The question, 'What can man do to me?' isn't rhetorical; it's a profound statement about the ultimate powerlessness of humanity when contrasted with the Almighty. Even the greatest human strength, malice, or opposition is utterly dependent on God's permission. Man can only go so far – he can afflict the body, but he cannot touch the soul or thwart God's eternal purposes. Our fear often stems from an overestimation of human capability and an underestimation of God's sovereignty.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness to His people.
yare · Hebrew Verb
An emotional and mental response to perceived danger or threat; in a spiritual sense, it is often discouraged for the believer because it reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and protection.
adam · Hebrew Noun
A human being, emphasizing frailty, mortality, and limitations when compared to the omnipotent Creator.
Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving, likely sung after a great deliverance. While it may recount David's own triumphs over powerful enemies, its enduring message resonated deeply with the Jewish people throughout their history, particularly during times of national crisis like the Babylonian exile and subsequent struggles, reminding them that God's presence is their ultimate security against any human threat.
c. 1000 BC
David's Rise to Power
David, the future king, faces numerous threats and persecutions from rivals and enemies, including King Saul, yet consistently finds divine support and deliverance.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign and Persecutions
As king, David faces constant warfare and internal strife, yet his unwavering trust in God's presence and aid becomes a hallmark of his leadership and is reflected in the Psalms.
c. 540 BC
Babylonian Exile and Return
The Jewish people endure the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis and vulnerability, prompting reflections on God's faithfulness and protection found in the Psalms.
c. 3rd - 2nd Century BC
Hellenistic Period Conflicts
The period following the exile sees ongoing struggles against foreign powers and internal division, shaping a community that continues to draw strength from these ancient declarations of trust in God.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 118:6, asking 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' It powerfully reinforces the idea that divine support makes human opposition insignificant.
Psalm 27:1This psalm speaks of the LORD as the light and salvation, the stronghold of life, declaring, 'Whom shall I fear?' This resonates with the psalmist's fearless stance, rooted in God's protective presence.
Psalm 56:4This verse offers a strong parallel, stating, 'In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mortal man do to me?' It highlights the direct link between trusting God's word and overcoming fear of human threats.
Hebrews 13:6The author of Hebrews directly quotes Psalm 118:6, applying it to believers by saying, 'So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”' This shows the enduring application of this verse for the Christian life.
gillPsalms 118:6: "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
The Lord is on my side,.... Or "for me" (s); he was on the side of David, hence all his prosperity and victories, the wonderful things done by him, his exaltation to the throne, and the establishment of it; and so he was on the side of Christ, he was near unto him, at his right hand, to guide, direct, and assist him as man; and he is likewise on the side of his people, to fight their battles for them, to support t…
poolePsalms 118:6: "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
A frail and impotent creature in himself, and much more when he is opposed to the Almighty God.
The verse isn't just a statement of faith; it's a shift in perspective, moving from the reality of danger to the absolute certainty of God's presence. The question "What can man do to me?" isn't rhetorical doubt, but a bold declaration that human power is utterly insignificant when weighed against the Almighty's backing.
This psalm recounts a time of great distress and deliverance, likely a coronation or a festival celebrating God's faithfulness. The speaker, possibly King David or even Jesus himself, recalls being surrounded by enemies and facing death, but God intervened powerfully to save him. Now, in reflection or renewed confidence, the speaker declares that with God on his side, human threats are utterly insignificant.
This psalm recounts a time of great distress and deliverance, likely a coronation or a festival celebrating God's faithfulness. The speaker, possibly King David or even Jesus himself, recalls being surrounded by enemies and facing death, but God intervened powerfully to save him. Now, in reflection or renewed confidence, the speaker declares that with God on his side, human threats are utterly insignificant.
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"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" — The verse isn't just a statement of faith; it's a shift in perspective, moving from the reality of danger to the absolute certainty of God's presence. The question "What can man do to me?" isn't rhet…