Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What looks like a simple instruction to hand over your problems actually carries a deeper meaning: the original Hebrew word translated as "burden" can also mean "gift" or "lot." This means we’re invited to cast not just our troubles, but also the things God has given us – good or bad – onto Him, trusting His provision and care for every aspect of our lives.
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is grappling with the intense pain of betrayal by a close friend and the threats of his enemies, feeling utterly alone and overwhelmed by his circumstances. He expresses deep anguish and a desire for justice, contrasting his own faithfulness with the treachery of those around him. In this context, he turns to prayer and reflection, offering this verse as both a personal plea and a universal encouragement for believers facing their own trials.
The word for 'burden' here is unique and carries a surprising depth. What does it mean to cast your 'gift' upon the Lord?
The Hebrew word translated as 'burden' (jehabcha) is a bit of a puzzle! While 'burden' fits the context of distress, some scholars point out it's closer to the word for 'gift' or 'giving.'
Two Ways to Understand:
What does it truly mean for God to 'sustain' us, and how does this promise guard the righteous?
The promise that follows is profound: 'he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.' This isn't just about emotional comfort; it's about God's active, powerful support.
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More Than Just Bearing:
Understand the original words
yehabka · Hebrew Noun
In the Hebrew Bible, this indicates a physical or metaphorical weight, burden, or an assigned portion/lot, often used to describe the struggles placed upon the believer.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and active involvement in the lives of His people.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are declared right in the sight of God, characterized by their obedience, moral integrity, and faith in His covenant promises.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 55:22, urging believers to 'cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you,' reinforcing the idea of entrusting our burdens to God's loving care.
Matthew 11:28-30Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to him, promising rest. This speaks to the relief found when we offload our heavy loads onto Christ, who sustains us.
Proverbs 3:5-6This proverb parallels the psalm's message by encouraging trust in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning on our own understanding. By doing so, He will make our paths straight, much like sustaining the righteous.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise assures us that God is with us, and He will strengthen and uphold us. It directly reflects the sustaining power promised to those who cast their burdens on Him.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage provides a practical application for casting our anxieties on God through prayer, resulting in a peace that surpasses understanding, mirroring the security found in God's sustenance.
gillPsalms 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Cast thy burden upon the Lord,.... These are either the words of the Holy Ghost to David, according to Jarchi; or of David to his own soul in distress, and may be directed to any good man in like circumstances. The word rendered "burden" signifies a gift and so the words are translated by many, "cast thy gift upon the Lord" (f); what he has given in a way of providence and…
poolePsalms 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
Thy burden, or portion , Heb. gift ; whatsoever affliction God giveth or sendeth to thee; for even the sufferings of good men are called God’s gifts in Scripture, Philippians 1:29 John 18:11 . So it is a synecdochical expression. Or, whatsoever gift thou desirest from him. Although the following words of the verse seem to restrain it to afflictions. The sense is, All thy af…
What looks like a simple instruction to hand over your problems actually carries a deeper meaning: the original Hebrew word translated as "burden" can also mean "gift" or "lot." This means we’re invited to cast not just our troubles, but also the things God has given us – good or bad – onto Him, trusting His provision and care for every aspect of our lives.
David is grappling with the intense pain of betrayal by a close friend and the threats of his enemies, feeling utterly alone and overwhelmed by his circumstances. He expresses deep anguish and a desire for justice, contrasting his own faithfulness with the treachery of those around him. In this context, he turns to prayer and reflection, offering this verse as both a personal plea and a universal encouragement for believers facing their own trials.
David is grappling with the intense pain of betrayal by a close friend and the threats of his enemies, feeling utterly alone and overwhelmed by his circumstances. He expresses deep anguish and a desire for justice, contrasting his own faithfulness with the treachery of those around him. In this context, he turns to prayer and reflection, offering this verse as both a personal plea and a universal encouragement for believers facing their own trials.
"Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." — What looks like a simple instruction to hand over your problems actually carries a deeper meaning: the original Hebrew word translated as "burden" can also mean "gift" or "lot." This means we’re invi…
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Last reviewed October 2026