Psalms 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?Psalms 27:1
What does Psalms 27:1 mean?
David declares that because the LORD is his light and salvation, and the strength of his life, he has no reason to fear anyone. It's a rhetorical question building to confidence: with God as light, salvation, and strength, fear has no ground to stand on.
Context
Psalm 27 is attributed to David and moves between confident trust (vv.1-6) and honest, urgent prayer for help (vv.7-14), reflecting the real tension of faith under pressure. Verse 1 opens the psalm on a note of bold confidence that sets the tone even before the later verses turn to more vulnerable pleading.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Bible study
- Why might David use three different images — light, salvation, strength — in one verse?
- How does the shift later in the psalm, from confidence to urgent prayer, change how you read verse 1?
- What fear in your life would look different if you focused on this verse's picture of God?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
LORD, You are my light and my salvation. When fear tries to take hold, remind me there is nothing to be afraid of because You are my strength. Amen.
Memorize this verse
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?
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
Is Psalm 27 only about confidence?
No — while it opens with bold confidence, the psalm shifts later (vv.7-14) into honest, urgent prayer for God's help, reflecting real tension between faith and fear.
What does 'the strength of my life' mean?
It describes God as the source of David's vitality and courage — not just occasional help, but the ongoing foundation of his life and confidence.