Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

PSALMS 115:11KJV
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Psalms 115:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 115:11 mean?

Psalms 115:11 calls on everyone who honors and reveres the LORD to put their trust in Him, assuring them that the LORD is both their help and their protection. The verse encourages those who fear God to rely on Him for support and safety.

In the context of Psalms 115, the psalmist is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them not to trust in idols but in the living God. The verse highlights a relationship of trust between those who respect God and God Himself, emphasizing that God actively supports and shields those who look to Him with reverence.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 115:11

  • "fear" (יְרֵאִים, y're'im): This word means those who deeply respect or stand in awe of the LORD, not just those who are afraid. It points to a relationship built on reverence and honor.
  • "trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word carries the sense of confident reliance or security, not just a vague hope. The verse is inviting people to lean on the LORD with real confidence.
  • "help" (עֵזֶר, ezer): This word describes someone who gives practical aid or support. The verse assures that God is actively involved in helping, not just passively watching.
  • "shield" (מָגֵן, magen): This word refers to a protective shield in battle. The image is of God as a defender, someone who stands between His people and harm.

Why Psalms 115:11 matters

  • Psalms 115:11 clarifies that fearing the LORD is not about terror, but about a respectful relationship that leads to trust and confidence in God's care.
  • The verse connects trust in God with real, tangible help and protection, not just spiritual comfort or abstract ideas.
  • In the wider context of Psalms 115, this verse stands out as a call to reject trust in powerless idols and instead rely on the living God who is both present and active in the lives of those who honor Him.

Where else these words appear

“help” Hebrew H5828 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
  • Psalms 20:2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
  • Psalms 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

“shield” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“trust” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: