Bible Strands
Psalms 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A speaker in a post-victory thanksgiving (the Hallel, Psalms 113–118) declares confidence in Yahweh, bracketed by "the LORD is on my side" (v. 7) and a parallel with "princes" (v. 9).
The words — חֲס֥וֹת (cha.Sot) is a noun — "refuge," a fixed place of shelter — not an abstract verb, grounding the comparison in a concrete act of taking cover.
The thread — Psalms 62:8 states flatly that "God is our refuge"; Jeremiah 17:5 curses the one who trusts in "mankind" (H120, the same word here); Psalms 40:4 blesses the one who makes the LORD his trust.
Why it lands — The verse presents no middle option: confidence is placed in Yahweh or in a human, and the text stakes the outcome on which.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
Cross-references
- Psalms 40:4 Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
- Jeremiah 17:5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.
- Psalms 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah
- Micah 7:5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.