The Meaning of Psalms 31:3 Explained

Psalms 31:3

KJV: For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

YLT: For my rock and my bulwark art Thou, For Thy name's sake lead me and tend me.

Darby: For thou art my rock and my fortress; and, for thy name's sake, thou wilt lead me and guide me.

ASV: For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name's sake lead me and guide me.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For thou [art] my rock  and my fortress;  therefore for thy name's  sake lead  me, and guide  me. 

What does Psalms 31:3 Mean?

Context Summary

Psalm 31:1-13 - A Cry Out Of Deep Trouble
Some have supposed that this psalm was written during the Sauline persecutions; but it is more likely that it dates from Absalom's rebellion. It alternates between the depths of despondency and the heights of sublime faith, and well befits those who walk in darkness and have no light, Isaiah 50:10.
It sounds as if the soul were on a wind-swept moor, with no shelter from the storm. All is dark and wild; and it dreads to be caught in the entangling net, Psalms 31:4. What a magnificent prayer is that of Psalms 31:5! It supplied their last words to Stephen, Polycarp, Bernard, Hus, Luther, Melanchthon-above all, to our Lord, Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59. The Psalter was our Lord's prayer book. This verse is a suitable petition also, as we go forth into the unknown day, 2 Timothy 1:12.
Sin, slander, neglect make the heart break; but God is all-sufficient. Hide in Him; that life is safe which is God-encompassed. "Hid with Christ in God!" Colossians 3:1-4. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalm 31

1  David, showing his confidence in God, craves his help
7  He rejoices in his mercy
9  He prays in his calamity
19  He praises God for his goodness

What do the individual words in Psalms 31:3 mean?

For my rock and my fortress You [are] therefore for sake of Your name Lead me and guide me
כִּֽי־ סַלְעִ֣י וּמְצוּדָתִ֣י אָ֑תָּה וּלְמַ֥עַן שִׁ֝מְךָ֗ תַּֽנְחֵ֥נִי וּֽתְנַהֲלֵֽנִי

סַלְעִ֣י  my  rock 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: סֶלַע  
Sense: crag, cliff, rock.
וּמְצוּדָתִ֣י  and  my  fortress 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Noun, feminine singular construct, first person common singular
Root: מְצוּדָה 
Sense: net, prey, net prey.
אָ֑תָּה  You  [are] 
Parse: Pronoun, second person masculine singular
Root: אַתְּ 
Sense: you (second pers.
וּלְמַ֥עַן  therefore  for  sake 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Preposition
Root: לְמַעַן 
Sense: purpose, intent prep.
שִׁ֝מְךָ֗  of  Your  name 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, second person masculine singular
Root: שֵׁם  
Sense: name.
תַּֽנְחֵ֥נִי  Lead  me 
Parse: Verb, Hifil, Imperfect, second person masculine singular, first person common singular
Root: נָחָה  
Sense: to lead, guide.
וּֽתְנַהֲלֵֽנִי  and  guide  me 
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Verb, Piel, Conjunctive imperfect, second person masculine singular, first person common singular
Root: נָהַל  
Sense: to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh.