Psalms 142:5 Meaning and Explanation
“I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist declares God as their refuge and sustenance in this life.
The Context of Psalms 142:5
The psalmist turns from human failure to God as their true source of safety and sustenance.
What Does Psalms 142:5 Mean?
After confessing that humans have failed to be refuge, the psalmist turns directly to God with certainty and claim: 'Thou art my refuge.' This is not a tentative hope but a declaration of identity and trust. God IS the refuge—the safe place, the protection, the shelter from all that threatens.
'My portion in the land of the living' speaks of sustenance and inheritance. A portion is what belongs to you, what feeds and sustains you. The psalmist claims that God is not distant comfort but their daily bread, their share of life itself—the tangible good they depend on to live.
Psalms 142:5 in the Original Language
portion (חֵלֶק, chelек) — a share, part, or inheritance; often used for what rightfully belongs to one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 142:5
What does Psalms 142:5 mean?
The psalmist declares God as their refuge and sustenance in this life.
What is the context of Psalms 142:5?
The psalmist turns from human failure to God as their true source of safety and sustenance.