What does Psalms 142:5 mean?
"I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." - Psalms 142:5

The Bible verse Psalms 142:5 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." This verse is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God, and it reflects the themes of reliance on God, finding refuge in Him, and recognizing Him as the ultimate provider of our needs.
The book of Psalms is a collection of ancient Hebrew poetry and prayers, attributed primarily to King David. It is often referred to as the book of praises and is a source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance for believers. Psalm 142 is a psalm of lament, in which the psalmist, believed to be David, pours out his heart to God in a time of distress and hardship.
In Psalm 142:5, the psalmist affirms his trust in the Lord by crying out to Him in prayer. This act of crying out demonstrates the psalmist's deep dependence on God and his belief that God is the only one who can provide true refuge and sustenance. By proclaiming, "Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living," the psalmist acknowledges God as his source of protection and ultimate provider. This verse reflects a deep sense of security and trust in God's care and provision.
The theme of reliance on God is a central message found throughout the Bible. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are instructed to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Similarly, in Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches about the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting Him to provide for our needs. Psalm 142:5 echoes this message of surrendering to God's care and finding security in His faithfulness.
The concept of finding refuge in God is also a recurring theme in the Bible. In Psalm 46:1, it is declared that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a stronghold and a safe haven for His people, offering protection and shelter from the storm. In the New Testament, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, promising to give them refuge and peace (Matthew 11:28-30). Psalm 142:5 reaffirms this truth, emphasizing that God alone is our ultimate refuge and source of security.
Furthermore, the phrase "my portion in the land of the living" carries significant spiritual symbolism. In the Old Testament, the concept of "portion" refers to one's inheritance or share, often used to describe God as the portion of His people. In Psalm 16:5, David proclaims, "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot." This language conveys the idea that God is not just a temporary refuge, but an eternal inheritance and fulfillment for His people. In Psalm 142:5, the psalmist recognizes that God is his ultimate portion, the source of his sustenance and fulfillment in this life.
In conclusion, Psalm 142:5 in the King James Version is a profound declaration of trust in God, reflecting themes of reliance on God, finding refuge in Him, and recognizing Him as the ultimate provider of our needs. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to turn to God in times of trouble, to seek refuge in His presence, and to find fulfillment in Him alone. It is a testament to the unwavering faith and trust in God's care and provision, offering comfort and assurance to all who place their hope and trust in Him.
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Psalms 142:5 Artwork
Psalms 142:5 - "I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living."
"I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." - Psalms 142:5
Psalms 119:142 - "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth."
Psalms 142:2 - "I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble."
Psalms 142:1 - "I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication."
"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth." - Psalms 119:142
Psalms 142:4 - "I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul."
Psalms 142:6 - "Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I."
Psalms 142:7 - "Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
"I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." - Psalms 142:4
"Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I." - Psalms 142:6
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
"I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble." - Psalms 142:2
"Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." - Psalms 98:5
"I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication." - Psalms 142:1
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." Light pastel colors
Psalms 17:5 - "Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."
Psalms 148:5 - "Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." Light pastel colors
Psalms 56:5 - "Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil."
Psalms 29:5 - "The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon."
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me." - Psalms 142:3
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." Light pastel colors, heavenly, peace, calm healing
Psalms 140:5 - "The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah."
Psalms 62:5 - "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."