What does Psalm 27:1 mean?
David opens Psalm 27 with a declaration of confidence. He calls the LORD three things. "My light" means God shows the way and drives away the darkness of fear and confusion. "My salvation" means God rescues and delivers. "The strength of my life," or stronghold, means God is the fortress that protects him. Each statement is followed by a question: "whom shall I fear?... of whom shall I be afraid?" The questions expect the answer "no one." David faced real enemies, and the psalm admits them, but his courage came from knowing who stood with him. The verse is a strong answer to fear in any form.
Psalm 27:1 in the World English Bible
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?
Context
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.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Psalm 27:1 mean?
David opens Psalm 27 with a declaration of confidence. He calls the LORD three things. "My light" means God shows the way and drives away the darkness of fear and confusion. "My salvation" means God rescues and delivers. "The strength of my life," or stronghold, means God is the fortress that protects him. Each statement is followed by a question: "whom shall I fear?... of whom shall I be afraid?" The questions expect the answer "no one." David faced real enemies, and the psalm admits them, but his courage came from knowing who stood with him. The verse is a strong answer to fear in any form.
What does Psalm 27:1 say in the KJV?
Psalm 27:1 (KJV) reads: “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?”