Psalm 118:8
New International Version
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.

New Living Translation
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people.

English Standard Version
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

Berean Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

King James Bible
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

New King James Version
It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.

New American Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in people.

NASB 1995
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.

NASB 1977
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.

Legacy Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh Than to trust in man.

Amplified Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.

Christian Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humanity.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

American Standard Version
It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to put confidence in man.

Contemporary English Version
It is better to trust the LORD for protection than to trust anyone else,

English Revised Version
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It is better to depend on the LORD than to trust mortals.

Good News Translation
It is better to trust in the LORD than to depend on people.

International Standard Version
It is better to take shelter in the LORD than to trust in people.

Majority Standard Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

NET Bible
It is better to take shelter in the LORD than to trust in people.

New Heart English Bible
It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in man.

Webster's Bible Translation
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

World English Bible
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Better to take refuge in YHWH, "" Than to trust in man,

Young's Literal Translation
Better to take refuge in Jehovah than to trust in man,

Smith's Literal Translation
Good to trust in Jehovah rather than to trust in man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is good to confide in the Lord, rather than to have confidence in man.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is good to trust in the Lord, rather than to trust in man.

New American Bible
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in mortals.

New Revised Standard Version
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to put confidence in mortals.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
It is good to trust upon LORD JEHOVAH: better than to trust upon man.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in man.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good
7The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.…

Cross References
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

Jeremiah 17:5-7
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. / He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. / But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.

Isaiah 2:22
Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

Psalm 40:4
Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

Psalm 62:8-9
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah / Lowborn men are but a vapor; the exalted are but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Isaiah 30:1-3
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Micah 7:5
Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

2 Corinthians 1:9-10
Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. / He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 4:10
To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.


Treasury of Scripture

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 40:4
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psalm 62:8,9
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah…

Jeremiah 17:5-7
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD…

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Better Confidence Faith Hope One's Refuge Trust
Psalm 118
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy
5. The psalmist by his experience shows how good it is to trust in God
19. Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his kingdom is expressed














It is better
The phrase "It is better" suggests a comparison, indicating a choice between two options. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "טוֹב" (tov), which means good, pleasant, or beneficial. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe what is morally right or what leads to well-being. The use of "better" here implies a superior choice, urging the reader to consider the wisdom of the decision being presented. In a world filled with choices, this phrase calls believers to discernment, encouraging them to seek what is truly beneficial for their spiritual lives.

to take refuge
The Hebrew word for "to take refuge" is "חָסָה" (chasah), which conveys the idea of seeking shelter or protection. This term is frequently used in the Psalms to describe a trust in God as a place of safety and security. In ancient times, cities had strongholds or fortresses where people could flee for protection during times of danger. Spiritually, this phrase invites believers to find their security and peace in God, rather than in worldly assurances. It is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that He is a reliable refuge in times of trouble.

in the LORD
The term "LORD" in the Hebrew text is "יהוה" (Yahweh), the personal name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal existence, faithfulness, and covenant relationship with His people. By using "LORD," the psalmist emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God, who is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His followers. This phrase reassures believers of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to those who trust in Him. It is a reminder of the covenant promises and the steadfast love that God extends to His people.

than to trust
The word "trust" in Hebrew is "בָּטַח" (batach), meaning to have confidence or to rely upon. Trust is a central theme in the Bible, often associated with faith and reliance on God's character and promises. This phrase contrasts the act of trusting in God with trusting in human beings, highlighting the reliability and faithfulness of God compared to the fallibility of man. It challenges believers to examine where they place their confidence and to prioritize their faith in God above all else.

in man
The Hebrew word for "man" is "אָדָם" (adam), which can refer to humanity in general. This term reminds readers of the frailty and limitations of human beings. Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of the unreliability of human strength and wisdom. By concluding with "in man," the verse underscores the futility of placing ultimate trust in people, who are inherently flawed and limited. It serves as a caution against idolatry of human leaders or systems, urging believers to place their ultimate trust in God alone, who is perfect and unchanging.

Verse 8. - It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man (comp. Psalm 62:8, 9). Israel, on its return from the Captivity, had begun by putting a good deal of trust in its human helpers, as Cyrus and the other friendly heathen mentioned in Ezra 1:4-6; Ezra 3:7. But this help, after a little time, had failed them (Ezra 4:1-24), and they had found themselves in great difficulties.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
It is better
ט֗וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to take refuge
לַחֲס֥וֹת (la·ḥă·sō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2620: To flee for, protection, to confide in

in the LORD
בַּיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

than to trust
מִ֝בְּטֹ֗חַ (mib·bə·ṭō·aḥ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

in man.
בָּאָדָֽם׃ (bā·’ā·ḏām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being


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OT Poetry: Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge (Psalm Ps Psa.)
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