For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about feeling abandoned; it's a powerful declaration that God's love surpasses even the deepest human bonds. The phrasing "take me up" speaks of God actively gathering and holding someone close, like a precious foundling, demonstrating that His care is more constant and profound than that of earthly parents.
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is expressing his deep trust in God amidst profound personal danger and betrayal. He begins by declaring his ultimate desire to dwell in the house of the Lord (v. 4) and finds refuge in God's protection against enemies and false accusers (v. 1-6). This verse follows his plea for God's guidance and presence in trouble (v. 7-9), and here he acknowledges that even the closest earthly relationships, like parents, could fail him in his hour of need, but God's faithfulness remains absolute.
Ever felt utterly alone, like the closest people in your life have vanished? This verse speaks to that raw pain.
When David says, 'my father and my mother have forsaken me,' he's not necessarily describing a literal event. It's a powerful, proverbial way of expressing the deepest possible human abandonment. Think about it: who are the people we expect to be there no matter what? Our parents. Their support is often our first experience of unconditional love and protection. So, when David uses them as the example of who has left him, he's painting a picture of absolute destitution, where even the most fundamental human bonds have broken. It highlights the extreme vulnerability and isolation he feels in this moment of crisis.
What happens when the unthinkable occurs and even parents turn away? This verse reveals where ultimate security lies.
The power of this verse explodes in the second half: 'but the LORD will take me in.' This isn't just a statement of hope; it's a declaration of God's superior love and faithfulness. While human love, even parental love, can fail (due to death, distance, or inability), God's love is constant and active. The phrase 'take me in' speaks of adoption, of welcoming someone into His own household, providing refuge and complete care. It’s a profound reminder that even when our earthly foundations crumble, God steps in. He doesn't just offer temporary help; He offers permanent belonging and unwavering protection, far surpassing any human relationship.
Understand the original words
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azab · Hebrew Verb
The act of leaving, abandoning, or deserting someone. Biblically, it is used to describe the pain of human rejection and the contrasting assurance that God will never desert those who belong to Him.
This verse likely reflects David's deepest sense of isolation during his intense persecution by King Saul. Facing betrayal even from those closest to him, he clung to the assurance that God's faithfulness far surpassed any human relationship.
c. 1025 BC
David's Father Jesse is Alive
David's father, Jesse, is alive during the early stages of David's rise to prominence, as evidenced by his presence and role during Samuel's anointing of David.
c. 1015 BC
Saul Pursues David
King Saul relentlessly hunts David, forcing David into hiding and isolation, making him vulnerable and reliant on God.
c. 1010 BC
David Flees to Nob
David, on the run from Saul, seeks refuge and provisions in the city of Nob, receiving help from the priest Ahimelech.
c. 1010 BC
Ahimelech and Priests of Nob Killed
Doeg the Edomite, at Saul's command, massacres the priests of Nob and their families for aiding David, removing a significant source of support for David.
c. 1010 BC
David Seeks Refuge in Keilah
David and his men rescue the city of Keilah from the Philistines, but are later betrayed to Saul by the city's inhabitants.
c. 1010 BC
David Hides in the Wilderness of Ziph
David and his followers hide in the desolate wilderness of Ziph, where they are repeatedly betrayed by the Ziphites to Saul.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
David Seeks Refuge with Achish of Gath
David and his men flee to the Philistine city of Gath, seeking refuge under King Achish, a desperate measure when surrounded by enemies.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Psalm 27:10, highlighting that even if a mother forgets her child, God's commitment is unwavering and superior to natural affection.
Matthew 25:35Jesus' words about caring for the least of these show that divine care extends to those who are overlooked or abandoned by human society, mirroring God taking in the forsaken.
Lamentations 3:20This verse speaks of the soul remembering its affliction and emptiness, but then immediately turns to God's faithfulness, much like Psalm 27:10 finds hope in God when earthly support fails.
Romans 8:38-39Paul's powerful declaration that nothing can separate us from God's love reassures believers that even the most extreme forms of abandonment cannot sever their relationship with the Almighty.
cambridgePsalms 27:10: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."
10 . When my father &c.] Or, as R.V., For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but &c. A proverbial expression. (Comp. ‘ bereavement to my soul,’ Psalm 35:12 ). Though he is friendless and forsaken as a deserted child, Jehovah will adopt him and care for him. His love is stronger than that of the closest human relations. Cp. Isaiah 49:15 ; Psalm 103:13 .
clarkePsalms 27:10: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."
When my father and my mother forsake me - Or, more literally, "For my father and my mother have forsaken me; but the Lord hath gathered me up." My parents were my protectors for a time; but the Lord has been my Protector always. There is no time in which I do not fall under his merciful regards.
This verse isn't just about feeling abandoned; it's a powerful declaration that God's love surpasses even the deepest human bonds. The phrasing "take me up" speaks of God actively gathering and holding someone close, like a precious foundling, demonstrating that His care is more constant and profound than that of earthly parents.
The psalmist is expressing his deep trust in God amidst profound personal danger and betrayal. He begins by declaring his ultimate desire to dwell in the house of the Lord (v. 4) and finds refuge in God's protection against enemies and false accusers (v. 1-6). This verse follows his plea for God's guidance and presence in trouble (v. 7-9), and here he acknowledges that even the closest earthly relationships, like parents, could fail him in his hour of need, but God's faithfulness remains absolute.
The psalmist is expressing his deep trust in God amidst profound personal danger and betrayal. He begins by declaring his ultimate desire to dwell in the house of the Lord (v. 4) and finds refuge in God's protection against enemies and false accusers (v. 1-6). This verse follows his plea for God's guidance and presence in trouble (v. 7-9), and here he acknowledges that even the closest earthly relationships, like parents, could fail him in his hour of need, but God's faithfulness remains absolute.
"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in." — This verse isn't just about feeling abandoned; it's a powerful declaration that God's love surpasses even the deepest human bonds. The phrasing "take me up" speaks of God actively gathering and holdi…
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Last reviewed October 2026