He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

PSALMS 62:2KJV
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What does Psalms 62:2 mean?

Psalms 62:2 describes the psalmist’s deep trust in God, saying that God alone is his secure foundation (“rock”), his rescuer (“salvation”), and his strong protection (“defence”), so he will not be shaken or greatly disturbed. The verse expresses confidence that, with God’s help, nothing can truly overwhelm or uproot him.

King David is the speaker in Psalms 62, addressing either himself or anyone listening as he reflects on facing trouble and opposition. The verse uses strong images—rock, salvation, defence—to show how David sees God as his only true source of safety and stability, especially when others might fail him or when life feels uncertain.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 62:2

  • rock (צוּר, tsur): This word often means a large, unmovable rock or cliff, highlighting God’s strength and reliability as a place of refuge.
  • salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This term means rescue or deliverance, pointing to God’s role in saving David from danger or distress.
  • defence (מִשְׂגָּב, misgav): This word refers to a high, secure place like a fortress or stronghold, emphasizing the idea of safety that cannot easily be breached.
  • greatly (רַבָּה, rabbah): This word means “much” or “greatly,” so the phrase “not be greatly moved” suggests that while David might be shaken a little, he will not be overthrown or lose his footing completely.
  • moved (מוֹט, mot): This word means to totter, shake, or slip, reinforcing the idea that with God as his support, David will not fall or be destroyed.

Why Psalms 62:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David’s confidence is not in himself or in other people, but in God alone, which is a central theme throughout Psalms 62.
  • The specific words for “rock,” “salvation,” and “defence” show that David is picturing God as both a solid foundation and a place of safety high above danger, not just a general helper.
  • The phrase “not be greatly moved” suggests that faith does not mean never feeling shaken, but rather that with God, a person will not be overcome, which can help clear up the idea that faith removes all struggles.

Where else these words appear

“defence” Hebrew H4869 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
  • Psalms 48:3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
  • Psalms 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

“moved” Hebrew H4131 · used in 36 verses

  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Psalms 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
  • Psalms 104:5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

“rock” Hebrew H6697 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
  • Psalms 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

“salvation” Hebrew H3444 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:18 I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.
  • Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
  • Psalms 119:123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.