An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.

PSALMS 33:17KJV
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Psalms 33:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 33:17 mean?

Psalms 33:17 says that relying on a horse for protection is pointless, because even a strong horse cannot guarantee anyone’s safety. The verse points out that human strength and resources, no matter how impressive, are not enough to truly save or deliver someone from danger.

The writer of Psalms, speaking to the people of Israel, uses the image of a horse—a symbol of military power in ancient times—to show that real security does not come from physical might. This verse is part of a larger passage that encourages trust in God rather than in human abilities or weapons.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 33:17

  • "horse" (סוּס, sus): In ancient Israel, horses were mainly used for war, so mentioning a horse highlights dependence on military strength.
  • "vain thing" (שָׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means something empty, false, or unreliable. The verse stresses that trusting in a horse for safety is not just unwise, but actually deceptive.
  • "safety" (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshuah): This word refers to deliverance or rescue, especially in battle or times of trouble. The verse reminds readers that true deliverance does not come from human means.
  • "strength" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean strength, might, or wealth. Here, it underlines that even great power or resources are not enough to ensure deliverance.

Why Psalms 33:17 matters

  • Psalms 33:17 corrects the common idea that military power or personal resources can guarantee safety, pointing instead to their limits.
  • The verse fits into a larger theme in Psalms 33, which contrasts human plans and strength with God’s power and faithfulness.
  • By highlighting the emptiness of trusting in horses, the verse sets up the following lines, which focus on God as the true source of hope and security.

Where else these words appear

“safety” Hebrew H8668 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 15:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
  • 1 Chronicles 19:12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
  • Psalms 119:41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

“deliver” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
  • Isaiah 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

“thing” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.

“horse” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?