Psalm 118:9
New International Version
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

New Living Translation
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

English Standard Version
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Berean Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

King James Bible
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

New King James Version
It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.

New American Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in noblemen.

NASB 1995
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes.

NASB 1977
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes.

Legacy Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh Than to trust in nobles.

Amplified Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes.

Christian Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in nobles.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in nobles.

American Standard Version
It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in princes.

Contemporary English Version
including strong leaders.

English Revised Version
It is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It is better to depend on the LORD than to trust influential people.

Good News Translation
It is better to trust in the LORD than to depend on human leaders.

International Standard Version
It is better to take shelter in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Majority Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

NET Bible
It is better to take shelter in the LORD than to trust in princes.

New Heart English Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes.

Webster's Bible Translation
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

World English Bible
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in princes.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Better to take refuge in YHWH, "" Than to trust in princes.

Young's Literal Translation
Better to take refuge in Jehovah, Than to trust in princes.

Smith's Literal Translation
Good to trust in Jehovah rather than to trust in nobles.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is good to trust in the Lord, rather than to trust in princes.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is good to hope in the Lord, rather than to hope in leaders.

New American Bible
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in princes.

New Revised Standard Version
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
It is good to trust upon LORD JEHOVAH: better than to trust upon a prince.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It is better to hope in the Lord, than to hope in princes.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 10All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.…

Cross References
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.

Isaiah 2:22
Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

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.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

2 Chronicles 32:8
With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Isaiah 30:1-3
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

Psalm 62:8-9
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah / Lowborn men are but a vapor; the exalted are but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Isaiah 36:6
Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

1 Samuel 17:45
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

2 Kings 18:21
Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

Isaiah 57:13
When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”

2 Corinthians 1:9
Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.


Treasury of Scripture

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

than to put

Psalm 146:3-5
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help…

Isaiah 30:2,3,15-17
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! …

Isaiah 31:1,8
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! …

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Better Confidence Faith Hope Nobles One's Princes Refuge Rulers Trust
Psalm 118
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy
5. The psalmist by his experience shows how good it is to trust in God
19. Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his kingdom is expressed














It is better
The phrase "It is better" suggests a comparison, indicating a choice between two options. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "טוֹב" (tov), which means good, pleasant, or beneficial. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe what is morally right or advantageous. The psalmist is emphasizing the superiority of one action over another, urging the reader to consider what is truly beneficial for their spiritual well-being. This sets the tone for a lesson in trust and reliance, foundational themes in the wisdom literature of the Bible.

to take refuge
The Hebrew word for "to take refuge" is "חָסָה" (chasah), which conveys the idea of seeking shelter or protection. This term is frequently used in the Psalms to describe a deep trust in God as a protector and provider. The imagery here is of someone fleeing to a safe place during a storm or battle, highlighting the security and peace found in God's presence. In the historical context of ancient Israel, cities of refuge were places where individuals could seek asylum, symbolizing God's role as a divine sanctuary.

in the LORD
The phrase "in the LORD" uses the sacred name of God, "יהוה" (Yahweh), which is often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. This name is deeply significant, representing God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. Trusting in Yahweh implies a personal relationship and reliance on His faithfulness and sovereignty. Throughout the Old Testament, Yahweh is depicted as a warrior, shepherd, and king, providing a multifaceted understanding of His protective and guiding role.

than to trust
The word "trust" in Hebrew is "בָּטַח" (batach), meaning to have confidence or to be secure. This verb is used extensively in the Psalms to describe a wholehearted reliance on God. The psalmist contrasts this trust with misplaced confidence in human leaders or institutions. Trusting in God is portrayed as a foundational aspect of faith, one that brings peace and assurance even in uncertain times.

in man
The term "man" here is "אָדָם" (adam), which can refer to humanity in general. The psalmist warns against placing ultimate trust in human beings, who are inherently fallible and limited. This reflects a broader biblical theme that cautions against idolatry and the elevation of human power above divine authority. Historically, Israel often faced the temptation to rely on political alliances or military strength rather than God's provision, a lesson that remains relevant for believers today. The verse concludes with a call to prioritize divine wisdom and guidance over human understanding.

(9) Trust.--The word constantly used of the security the Israelite found in his relation to Jehovah. The meaning here is apparently, "Fidelity to the covenant is better than alliance with foreign princes," though, of course, the larger sense, in which the words are applicable to all men, may be read into the words.

Verse 9. - It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. The "princes" after Cyrus had proved "broken reeds," and, instead of favoring Israel, had favored Israel's enemies (Ezra 4:6-24). At last Darius had done them justice, but it was felt that no sure dependence could be placed either on him or on his successors. Jehovah alone was Israel's safe ground of confidence, He "would not fail them, nor forsake them" (Joshua 1:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
It is better
ט֗וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to take refuge
לַחֲס֥וֹת (la·ḥă·sō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2620: To flee for, protection, to confide in

in the LORD
בַּיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

than to trust
מִ֝בְּטֹ֗חַ (mib·bə·ṭō·aḥ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

in princes.
בִּנְדִיבִֽים׃ (bin·ḏî·ḇîm)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5081: Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee


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OT Poetry: Psalm 118:9 It is better to take refuge (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 118:8
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