Psalm 27:1
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
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A psalm of David mixing confidence and longing. Even surrounded by enemies, he anchors his courage in who God is.
What Does Psalm 27:1 Mean?
In one sentence: because God is David's light, salvation, and strength, he has no ultimate reason to fear. The two rhetorical questions expect the answer "no one" -- not because danger is absent, but because God is greater than it.
"Light" dispels the darkness of confusion and dread; "strength" (literally a stronghold) is a place of safety. Fear is answered not by denying threats but by looking at the One who outweighs them.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew "or" (light) drives out darkness and dread. "Ma'oz" (strength) is a stronghold or fortress -- a secure place of refuge.
Cross References
Application
When fear rises, preach this truth to yourself: name who God is -- your light, salvation, and stronghold -- larger than what you fear.