Psalm 61:3
New International Version
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

New Living Translation
for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

English Standard Version
for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

Berean Standard Bible
For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.

King James Bible
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

New King James Version
For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.

New American Standard Bible
For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.

NASB 1995
For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.

NASB 1977
For Thou hast been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.

Legacy Standard Bible
For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength before the enemy.

Amplified Bible
For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, A strong tower against the enemy.

Christian Standard Bible
for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.

American Standard Version
For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy.

Contemporary English Version
You are a strong tower, where I am safe from my enemies.

English Revised Version
For thou hast been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.

Good News Translation
for you are my protector, my strong defense against my enemies.

International Standard Version
For you have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength before the enemy.

Majority Standard Bible
For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.

NET Bible
Indeed, you are my shelter, a strong tower that protects me from the enemy.

New Heart English Bible
For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.

Webster's Bible Translation
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

World English Bible
For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For You have been a refuge for me, "" A tower of strength because of the enemy.

Young's Literal Translation
For Thou hast been a refuge for me, A tower of strength because of the enemy.

Smith's Literal Translation
For thou wert a refuge to me, a tower of strength from the face of the enemy.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
for thou hast been my hope; a tower of strength against the face of the enemy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
for you have been my hope, a tower of strength before the face of the enemy.

New American Bible
for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe.

New Revised Standard Version
for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from my enemies,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because you have been for me a house of refuge and a high tower in front of my enemies.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For Thou hast been a refuge for me, A tower of strength in the face of the enemy.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
because thou wert my hope, a tower of strength from the face of the enemy.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
You Have Heard My Vows
2From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. 4Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah…

Cross References
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Psalm 91:2
I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 62:7-8
My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. / Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah

Psalm 144:2
He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Isaiah 25:4
For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,

2 Samuel 22:3
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence.

Psalm 27:5
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 31:3
For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.

Psalm 71:3
Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 94:22
But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge.

Psalm 9:9
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.


Treasury of Scripture

For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

thou

Psalm 4:6,7
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us…

Psalm 116:2
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Psalm 140:7
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

strong

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

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Enemy Face Foe High Refuge Secret Shelter Strength Strong Tower War
Psalm 61
1. David flees to God upon his former experience
4. He vows perpetual service unto him, because of his promises














For You have been
This phrase acknowledges a personal relationship with God, emphasizing His past faithfulness. The Hebrew root for "have been" is "הָיָה" (hayah), which means "to be" or "to exist." This verb is often used to describe God's eternal presence and unchanging nature. Historically, this reflects the psalmist's reliance on God's consistent protection and provision throughout his life, reinforcing the idea that God is a constant and reliable presence.

my refuge
The term "refuge" comes from the Hebrew word "מַחֲסֶה" (machaseh), meaning a shelter or place of trust. In ancient times, a refuge was a place of safety from danger or distress, often a physical location like a cave or fortress. Spiritually, this signifies God as a safe haven where believers can find peace and security amidst life's trials. The imagery of God as a refuge is prevalent throughout the Psalms, underscoring His role as a protector and sanctuary for His people.

a tower of strength
The phrase "tower of strength" is derived from the Hebrew "מִגְדַּל עֹז" (migdal oz). Towers in ancient cities were strategic points of defense, offering a vantage point and protection against invaders. The "tower" symbolizes God's might and the security He provides. The word "strength" (עֹז, oz) conveys power, might, and fortitude. This imagery reassures believers of God's formidable power to safeguard them against any adversities they face.

against the enemy
The term "enemy" is translated from the Hebrew "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which refers to an adversary or foe. In the historical context of the Psalms, enemies could be literal, such as hostile nations or individuals, or metaphorical, representing spiritual battles and personal struggles. This phrase highlights the reality of opposition in the believer's life and the assurance that God stands as a defense against all forms of enmity. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare Christians face and the divine protection available to them through faith in God.

(3) A strong tower.--Comp. Proverbs 18:10.

Verse 3. - For thou hast been a Shelter for me. In the past thou hast often been my "Shelter" or my "Refuge" (comp. Psalm 18:2; Psalm 44:7, 11; Psalm 48:3, etc.); be so once more. And a strong Tower. A migdal - a fortress, like the great fortress of the south (Exodus 14:2) - the Magdolus of Herodotus (2:149). From the enemy. If the psalm is David's, "the enemy" is probably Absalom.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You have been
הָיִ֣יתָ (hā·yî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

my refuge,
מַחְסֶ֣ה (maḥ·seh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4268: Refuge, shelter

a tower
מִגְדַּל־ (miḡ·dal-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

of strength
עֹ֝֗ז (‘ōz)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

against
מִפְּנֵ֥י (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the enemy.
אוֹיֵֽב׃ (’ō·w·yêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary


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OT Poetry: Psalm 61:3 For you have been a refuge (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 61:2
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