Psalms 118:9

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Psalms 118:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
ESV
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
NLT
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
MSG
9 Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.
CSB
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in nobles.

Psalms 118:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the Lord
The Targum is,

``in the Word of the Lord.''

This is repeated for the sake of what follows:

than to put confidence in princes;
who have greater ability to help, and whose honour should engage them to keep their word; and yet it is better to trust in the Lord than in them; see ( Psalms 146:3 ) . Two different words being used in this verse and ( Psalms 118:8 ) ; for trust and confidence, Jarchi has observed, that the one signifies a lesser, the other a stronger confidence; as if the sense was this, "It is better lightly to trust in the Lord than to put the strongest confidence in men and princes." But the observation is scarcely solid enough.

Psalms 118:9 In-Context

7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.
11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down.

Cross References 1

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