I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

PSALMS 142:5KJV
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Psalms 142:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 142:5 mean?

Psalms 142:5 describes the psalmist calling out to the LORD, declaring that God is his safe place and his share in life among the living. The verse shows a personal cry for help, with the speaker recognizing God alone as his protection and what truly belongs to him.

The speaker here is David, talking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God in Hebrew). David is in a desperate situation, likely hiding from those who want to harm him. By calling God his "refuge" and "portion," David is saying that even when he has nothing else, God is enough for him and is the one who keeps him safe. This verse comes from a prayer when David feels alone and in need, making it a very personal and honest expression of trust.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 142:5

  • "cried" (זָעַק, za'aq): This word often means to call out loudly or urgently, especially in distress. It highlights the intensity and desperation of David’s prayer.
  • "refuge" (מַחְסֶה, machseh): This word means a shelter or a safe place, often used for protection from danger. David is not just asking for help; he is saying God himself is the place where he feels safe.
  • "portion" (חֵלֶק, cheleq): This word refers to a share or inheritance. In ancient times, a "portion" was what someone received as their rightful share. David is saying that God is his true inheritance, more valuable than land or possessions.
  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets) and "living" (חַי, chai): Together, these words mean "in the land of the living," pointing to life here and now, not just in some future hope.

Why Psalms 142:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s trust is not in his circumstances or possessions, but in God himself as his security and what he values most.
  • The language of "refuge" and "portion" connects to other psalms where God is described as both protector and provider, showing a consistent theme in David’s prayers.
  • Understanding the original words deepens the sense of urgency and personal relationship in David’s prayer, showing that his hope is anchored in God even when everything else is uncertain.

Where else these words appear

“refuge” Hebrew H4268 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Psalms 71:7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
  • Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

“portion” Hebrew H2506 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

“cried” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.