Psalm 27:1 Text
King James Version (KJV)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
World English Bible (WEB)
Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
What Psalm 27:1 Means
David opens this psalm with a bold declaration built on two images. Light suggests guidance and the removal of darkness, and salvation means rescue. Strength of my life uses the picture of a fortress, a place where a person is safe. Then he asks two rhetorical questions, whom shall I fear and of whom shall I be afraid. The rest of the psalm mentions enemies, armies, and being abandoned, so the danger is real. The point is that fear no longer has the final say, because God is greater than what is threatening. A common misreading treats the verse as a promise that believers will never feel afraid. David himself later asks God not to hide his face, which shows that confidence and fear can coexist.
Context of Psalm 27:1
Psalm 27 is attributed to David, and the setting is likely a time of danger, perhaps during his conflicts with Saul or later enemies. It moves from confidence in the first verses to urgent prayer in the second half, then ends with an encouragement to wait for the LORD and be strong. Just after this verse, David describes evildoers stumbling when they come against him, and he says his heart will not fear even if an army camps around him. To read the whole book, see random verse from Psalms.
How to Apply Psalm 27:1
When you feel afraid, try saying the question out loud and answering it plainly: what exactly am I afraid of, and what do I know about God that speaks to it? It may not remove the fear, but it can make it smaller. If the fear is heavy, tell a trusted person as well.
Related Verses
- Psalm 56:3-4 – What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
- Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Psalm 46:1-2 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
- Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Courage, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Psalms 27:1 mean?
David declares that God is his light, his rescuer, and his stronghold, so he does not need to be ruled by fear. He is stating where he places his trust, even while real dangers surround him.
Does Psalms 27:1 mean Christians should never be afraid?
No. David wrote this psalm while facing real threats and later pleads with God for help. The verse says fear does not have to control us because God is greater, not that we will never feel afraid.
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