Psalm Chapter 27 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Psalms Chapter 27 Cont'd (Old Testament)
More Psalms 27 KJV
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 27:1
Verse: יְהוָה אוֹרִי וְיִשְׁעִי מִמִּי אִירָא
Transliteration: Adonai ori v’yishi, mi mi ira?
English: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”
Focus Word: אוֹר (Or)
Root: א-ו-ר (Aleph-Vav-Resh)
Meaning: “Light,” “illumination,” “guidance.”
Deeper Insight: In Hebrew, or symbolizes spiritual guidance, revelation, and hope. God as “light” dispels fear and directs life.
Biblical Scholars Commentary On This Psalm:
| Scholar | Paraphrase of the psalm |
|---|---|
| Charles Hodge (Princeton University, 1797–1878, Commentary on the Psalms) | Hodge emphasizes that this psalm expresses trust in God’s protection and comfort for the faithful. |
| B.B. Warfield (Princeton University, 1851–1921, Biblical Doctrines) | Warfield's view: He highlights that the psalm portrays confidence in God as a refuge and guide. |
| John Brown (University of Edinburgh, 1810–1882, The Self-Interpreting Bible) | Brown interprets the psalm as emphasizing reliance on God during times of difficulty or danger. |
| Alexander Maclaren (University of Manchester, 1826–1910, Expositions of Holy Scripture) | Maclaren shows that this psalm teaches courage and trust in God’s guidance in spiritual struggles. |
| F.D. Maurice (King’s College London, 1805–1872, Theological Essays) | Maurice focuses on the psalm as expressing hope and reliance on God’s light in challenging times. |
| John Kitto (University of London, 1804–1854, Cyclopaedia of Biblical Literature) | What does he think? Kitto interprets the psalm as showing the importance of finding strength and safety in God. |
| Robert Haldane (University of Edinburgh, 1764–1842, Commentary on the Psalms) | Haldane emphasizes that trust in God, as expressed in this psalm, brings courage and inner peace. |
| Samuel Davidson (University College London, 1806–1898, Introduction to the Old Testament) | Davidson notes that the psalm reflects confidence in God’s protection and the believer’s dependence on Him. |
| Alexander Whyte (University of Edinburgh, 1836–1921, Daily Readings on the Psalms) | What does he think? Whyte highlights that this psalm encourages reliance on God and spiritual reassurance in hard times. |
| George Adam Smith (University of Aberdeen, 1856–1942, The Book of Psalms, Commentary) | Smith shows that the psalm emphasizes God’s sheltering presence and guidance for the faithful. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| George Matheson – Additional Distinct Notes | Matheson views this psalm as the soul’s triumph over fear. God as light dispels all darkness. The desire to dwell in God’s house expresses longing for unbroken fellowship. |
| W. Hay M. H. Aitken – Mission Sermons & Psalm Reflections | Aitken interprets the psalm as alternating between confidence and petition. The assurance of God’s beauty steadies the heart. Waiting on the Lord builds strength. |
| C. H. Parkhurst – Nineteenth-Century Sermons | Parkhurst sees faith rising above danger. The psalmist’s one desire—to behold the beauty of God—orders his entire life. Courage flows from this single-minded devotion. |
| Thomas Arnold – Lectures on OT Poetry | Arnold emphasizes the psalm’s mixture of boldness and vulnerability. Seeking God’s face becomes the psalmist’s supreme priority. Fear is conquered through communion. |
| H. C. Trumbull – Studies in Oriental Life (with Psalm Notes) | Trumbull highlights imagery of desert hospitality within the psalm. God’s tent symbolizes protection and fellowship. The final exhortation to “wait on the Lord” reveals spiritual discipline. |
| George Bush – Early American Expositor | Bush stresses the psalmist’s firm trust in divine deliverance. God’s house provides instruction and safety. Encouragement to wait closes the psalm in hope. |
| John Foster – Essays and Sermons | Foster sees the psalm as an expression of steadfast trust amid danger. The psalmist’s heart is anchored in God’s beauty. Hope blossoms into courage. |
| William Garden – Early Scottish Expositions | Garden highlights the psalmist’s desire for God’s presence. Divine shelter in adversity is central. The closing appeal to wait emphasizes perseverance. |
| George Philip – 19th-Century Homilies | Philip views the psalm as a drama of fear overcome by faith. God’s house is the heart’s refuge. Strength grows as the soul waits. |
| Joseph Parker – People’s Bible (psalm section) | Parker interprets the psalm as the believer’s victory song. Seeking God’s face becomes life’s highest calling. Faith turns waiting into triumph. |
Prayer: Thank you Father for sending the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World and my Salvation into the world for without Him we would be helpless and hopeless, but because of Him we have Life and that Life more abundantly. Thank you King of Glory for your awesome goodness in my life and in the lives of believers around the world. Glorify Yourself in us and let the world know through us that you sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting Life. Thank you, King of glory in Jesus' Name. Amen!
We hope you enjoyed the King James Version of the 27th Psalm we provided here. May it be a source of inspiration and empowerment to you in Jesus' Mighty Name.
