Bible Strands
Psalms 121:4
Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses a pilgrim ascending to Jerusalem, following a promise that the traveler’s foot will not slip. The declaration functions as a direct assurance of uninterrupted divine vigilance.
The words — שׁוֹמֵר (Shomer) translates to protector or guardian, and יָנוּם (Yanum) means he will slumber. The text pairs these with לֹא (lo') to form a double negative that emphatically denies any lapse in watchfulness.
The thread — This theme of ceaseless divine watchfulness appears in Psalms 127:1, which contrasts human labor with God’s protective role; Isaiah 27:3, which describes the Lord guarding his vineyard day and night; and Psalms 32:7, which identifies God as a hiding place and protector from trouble.
Why it lands — The text states that the Protector will neither slumber nor sleep, so the reader must abandon reliance on human vigilance and trust in uninterrupted divine care.
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
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Cross-references
- Psalms 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
- Isaiah 27:3 I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it continually. I guard it night and day so no one can disturb it;
- Psalms 32:7 You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
- 1 Kings 18:27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!”
- Ecclesiastes 8:16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the task that one performs on the earth—though his eyes do not see sleep in the day or even in the night—
- Psalms 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
- Revelation 7:15 For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.