Psalm 27 (KJV): Full Text, Meaning & Prayer
Psalm 27 in the King James Version, 'The Lord is my light and my salvation', with a plain explanation of its meaning and a prayer for fearful days.
Psalm 27 (King James Version)
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?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:1-14, King James Version
A Prayer Based on Psalm 27
Lord, You are my light when the way ahead is dark, and my salvation when I cannot save myself. Help me to believe that I have nothing to fear while You are near.
When worries gather like an army around me, steady my heart. When people let me down, be the one who never does. Teach me Your way, and lead me on a level path.
Give me one desire above all others: to dwell with You, to see Your goodness, and to rest in Your presence. Hide me in the shelter of Your love when trouble comes, and set me on solid ground.
I believe I will see Your goodness in the land of the living. Help me to wait for You with courage, and let my heart be strong. Amen.
Short Version
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? Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage. Amen.
What Psalm 27 Means
Psalm 27 is a psalm of David, and it is a song of trust sung in the middle of danger. It is often read when someone feels afraid, alone or under pressure, and it moves in three parts.
Verses 1-3: Confidence. David begins with a question that answers itself: if the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Light drives out darkness, and God is the strength of his life. Even if an army camps around him, his heart will not fear. This is not a denial of danger. It is trust that danger is not the last word.
Verses 4-6: The one thing. Out of everything he could ask for, David asks for one thing: to dwell in the house of the Lord and to behold His beauty. He trusts that in the time of trouble God will hide him and set him upon a rock. For many Christians, this is the heart of prayer, wanting God Himself more than wanting a solution.
Verses 7-12: The honest cry. The tone changes. David cries out, asks God not to hide His face, and admits that even a father and mother might forsake him. He asks to be taught and led. The psalm does not pretend that faith is always calm.
Verses 13-14: Waiting with courage. David says he would have fainted unless he believed he would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. The psalm ends with advice to himself and to us: wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.
When to pray it: before a hard conversation, during illness or uncertainty, at night when worries grow loud, or any time you need to remember that you are not facing things alone. Many people read it slowly, one section at a time, and then pause in silence after verse 14.
Scripture to Pray With
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
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.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
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.
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Psalm 27?
Psalm 27 is a song of trust in God during danger and fear. It moves from confidence, to longing for God's presence, to an honest cry for help, and ends by urging us to wait on the Lord with courage.
Who wrote Psalm 27?
The psalm is attributed to David in its heading. Its images of war and of dwelling in the house of the Lord fit the life of a king who knew both battle and worship.
What does 'The Lord is my light and my salvation' mean?
Light stands for guidance and safety, and salvation for rescue. David is saying that God shows him the way and saves him, so there is nothing left to be afraid of.
When should I pray Psalm 27?
Many people pray it when they are afraid, facing a difficult decision, feeling alone, or waiting for an answer. It is also a good psalm for the start of a hard day.
What does 'wait on the Lord' mean in Psalm 27:14?
It means to trust God patiently, keep praying, and not give up while you wait. The verse promises that He will strengthen your heart as you do.
Last updated 2026-10-13