Psalms 71:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist declares God as a secure refuge and fortress, and reminds himself that God has ordained his salvation.
The Context of Psalms 71:3
God is presented as an enduring dwelling place and refuge.
What Does Psalms 71:3 Mean?
A 'habitation' is a dwelling place, and a 'strong' one suggests permanence and safety. Rock and fortress are frequent metaphors in the Psalms for God's reliability—unmovable, protective, durable. The phrase 'given commandment to save me' suggests God has decreed it, making it certain rather than uncertain.
The theology here is personal: God is not distant but present as shelter. The repeated imagery (rock, fortress, habitation) reinforces that security is not found in walls or armies but in God's sustained presence and will to preserve His people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 71:3
What does Psalms 71:3 mean?
The psalmist declares God as a secure refuge and fortress, and reminds himself that God has ordained his salvation.
What is the context of Psalms 71:3?
God is presented as an enduring dwelling place and refuge.