Psalm 27
Psalm 27 is David's psalm of confident trust amid enemies — moving between bold assurance ('the LORD is my light and my salvation') and honest pleading, ending with a call to wait on the Lord.
The Book of Psalms · Old Testament · chapter 27 of 150.
Where this chapter sits
David's name sits in the heading with no occasion attached, and Psalm 27 combines two moods usually kept apart: the opening verses read as a confidence psalm, fearless and declarative, while the closing verses turn into a lament, pleading with a God who seems to have gone quiet. Scholars are divided over whether it was composed as one poem or joined from two, part of what gives it its emotional swing.
Key verses (KJV)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1 (KJV)
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.” — Psalm 27:14 (KJV)
What to notice as you read
Track where the address changes: verses 1 through 6 talk about the LORD, verse 7 onward talks to him, and the pivot lands hard on 'hear, O LORD, when I cry.' The closing charge to wait admits the fear raised earlier was never fully resolved within the poem.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does Psalm 27 come in Psalms?
It is chapter 27 of 150 in Psalms, a book of Wisdom in the Old Testament. The other widely-read chapters of Psalms are linked further down this page.
Where can I read Psalm 27?
Read the full text of Psalm 27 — and the whole Bible, offline, in your preferred translation — free in the Quiethaven app for iPhone.