Question 1

What does Psalms 56:3 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 56:3 means that whenever the writer feels afraid, he chooses to put his trust in God. The verse is a simple statement of turning to God as a source of security and confidence in times of fear. The speaker is David, who is expressing his personal response to fear during a time of danger and uncertainty. The context is David being pursued by enemies, and he openly admits his fear but also his decision to rely on God. The verse highlights a moment of honesty about human emotion and a deliberate act of faith in the midst of trouble.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 56:3

Accepted Answer

"time" (יּוֹם, yom): This word often means "day," but here it can refer to any moment or occasion, emphasizing that whenever fear arises, trust is the response. "afraid" (אִירָא, 'ira): This word means to fear or be afraid, showing that the writer is not denying fear but acknowledging it honestly. "trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to have confidence or feel secure, often used for relying on someone dependable. Here, it stresses a conscious choice to depend on God rather than being controlled by fear.

Question 3

Why Psalms 56:3 matters

Accepted Answer

Psalms 56:3 clarifies that feeling afraid is not a failure of faith; even someone as faithful as David admits to fear but chooses to trust God in response. The verse highlights that trust in God is a decision made in the midst of fear, not just in its absence, which can encourage readers who struggle with anxiety or uncertainty. This verse connects to the wider psalm, where David repeatedly contrasts his fears with his confidence in God, showing a pattern of honest emotion and deliberate faith.

Psalms 56:3 (KJV)