On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angels are not just preventing a stumble, but actively lifting you over the obstacle. This isn't about avoiding hardship entirely, but about being divinely supported so that you don't get stuck or defeated by the smaller, unexpected challenges along your path.
On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues the theme of divine protection described earlier in Psalm 91, specifically mentioning the ministry of angels who are commissioned to guard believers. It follows the promise that angels will keep the faithful in "all their ways," emphasizing their role in preventing stumbling, whether literal or spiritual. The imagery suggests a tender, almost parental care, ensuring that the person under God's protection won't be tripped up by the hidden dangers along their path.
Ever feel like you're barely keeping your head above water? This verse promises a divine lifting, not by your own strength, but by heavenly hands.
Divine Support in Your Steps
When Psalm 91:12 says, "On their hands they will bear you up," it's not talking about your own effort or even the efforts of other people helping you in the usual way. The context of Psalm 91, especially verse 11 about angels being given charge over us, points to supernatural assistance.
Life's path is rarely perfectly smooth. What kind of 'stones' does this verse warn against, and how does divine carrying protect us?
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Navigating Life's Hidden Hazards
The 'stone' in Psalm 91:12 is more than just a physical tripping hazard. It represents the unexpected dangers, the moral temptations, and the spiritual stumbling blocks that lie hidden on life's journey.
Understand the original words
nāśā’ · Hebrew Verb
To carry, lift up, or support; in a theological sense, it often denotes God’s sustaining providence or the active intervention of His agents.
This verse speaks of walking safely and without stumbling because of God's wisdom and guidance, echoing the protective care mentioned in Psalms 91:12.
Matthew 4:6Here, Satan quotes Psalms 91:11-12 to tempt Jesus, showing how these promises of angelic protection can be misapplied and highlighting the importance of trusting God's protection according to His will.
Exodus 19:4God reminds Israel that He carried them 'on eagles' wings,' a powerful image of strong, protective support similar to the imagery of being borne up in hands in Psalms 91:12.
Isaiah 40:31This passage promises that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings, running and not growing weary, which parallels the idea of God's support preventing stumbling.
pulpitPsalms 91:12: "They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Verse 12. - They shall bear thee up in their hands; rather, upon their hands - lifting thee over difficulties and stumbling blocks. Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone (comp. Proverbs 3:23, 24). Moral impediments are, no doubt, chiefly meant.
ellicottPsalms 91:12: "They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
(12) In their hands. —Literally, on, as a nurse a child. There is a Spanish proverb, expressive of great love and solicitude: “They carry him on the palms of their hands.”
The angels are not just preventing a stumble, but actively lifting you over the obstacle. This isn't about avoiding hardship entirely, but about being divinely supported so that you don't get stuck or defeated by the smaller, unexpected challenges along your path.
This verse continues the theme of divine protection described earlier in Psalm 91, specifically mentioning the ministry of angels who are commissioned to guard believers. It follows the promise that angels will keep the faithful in "all their ways," emphasizing their role in preventing stumbling, whether literal or spiritual. The imagery suggests a tender, almost parental care, ensuring that the person under God's protection won't be tripped up by the hidden dangers along their path.
This verse continues the theme of divine protection described earlier in Psalm 91, specifically mentioning the ministry of angels who are commissioned to guard believers. It follows the promise that angels will keep the faithful in "all their ways," emphasizing their role in preventing stumbling, whether literal or spiritual. The imagery suggests a tender, almost parental care, ensuring that the person under God's protection won't be tripped up by the hidden dangers along their path.
"On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." — The angels are not just preventing a stumble, but actively lifting you over the obstacle. This isn't about avoiding hardship entirely, but about being divinely supported so that you don't get stuck…
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Last reviewed October 2026