Psalms 31:20
Psalms 31:20 in Multiple Translations
You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: Thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
You will keep them safe in your house from the designs of man; in the secret of your tent will you keep them from angry tongues.
You shelter and protect them with your presence, far from their enemies who scheme against them. You keep them safe from attacks and accusations.
Thou doest hide them priuily in thy presence from the pride of men: thou keepest them secretly in thy Tabernacle from the strife of tongues.
Thou hast wrought for those trusting in Thee, Before sons of men. Thou hidest them in the secret place of Thy presence, From artifices of man, Thou concealest them in a tabernacle, From the strife of tongues.
In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
You hide people in your presence where it is safe, and protect them from people who plot to kill them. You hide them in safe places from their enemies [MTY] who accuse/insult them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 31:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מָ֤ה
רַֽב
טוּבְ/ךָ֮
אֲשֶׁר
צָפַ֪נְתָּ
לִּֽ/ירֵ֫אֶ֥י/ךָ
פָּ֭עַלְתָּ
לַ/חֹסִ֣ים
בָּ֑/ךְ
נֶ֝֗גֶד
בְּנֵ֣י
אָדָם
מָ֤ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
רַֽב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
טוּבְ/ךָ֮
ṭûwb
H2898
goodness
N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
צָפַ֪נְתָּ
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לִּֽ/ירֵ֫אֶ֥י/ךָ
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
Prep | Adj | Suff
פָּ֭עַלְתָּ
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לַ/חֹסִ֣ים
châçâh
H2620
to seek refuge
Prep | V-Qal
בָּ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
נֶ֝֗גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אָדָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:20
מָ֤ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
רַֽב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
טוּבְ/ךָ֮
ṭûwb
H2898
"goodness"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word describes goodness, beauty, or gladness, emphasizing the positive aspects of something. It is used in various books, including Psalms and Proverbs. This word highlights the best or most excellent qualities of something.
Definition: 1) goods, good things, goodness 1a) good things 1b) goods, property 1c) fairness, beauty, joy, prosperity, goodness (abstract) 1d) goodness (of taste, discernment) 1e) goodness (of God) (abstract)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: fair, gladness, good(-ness, thing, -s), joy, go well with. See also: Genesis 24:10; Psalms 27:13; Psalms 25:7.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צָפַ֪נְתָּ
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
לִּֽ/ירֵ֫אֶ֥י/ךָ
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
Prep | Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
פָּ֭עַלְתָּ
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
לַ/חֹסִ֣ים
châçâh
H2620
"to seek refuge"
Prep | V-Qal
To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.
בָּ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
נֶ֝֗גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
- Sermons on Psalms 31:20
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
18May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt.
19How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.
21Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His loving devotion in a city under siege. 22In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 27:5 | For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. |
| 2 | Psalms 32:7 | You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah |
| 3 | Psalms 91:1–4 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. |
| 4 | Job 5:21 | You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes. |
| 5 | Psalms 64:2–4 | Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. |
| 6 | Psalms 140:5 | The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 140:3 | They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
| 8 | Psalms 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. |
| 9 | Psalms 10:2 | In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. |
| 10 | Exodus 18:11 | Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.” |
Psalms 31:20 Summary
[This verse means that God protects us from the bad things that people might try to do to us, and He keeps us safe from their hurtful words, as seen in Psalms 31:20. He does this by being our shelter and refuge, which is a concept also found in Psalms 23:4, where it says that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for God is with us. When we trust in God and draw near to Him, we can experience this protection and peace, and we can know that He is our rock and our helper, as mentioned in Psalms 28:7, where it says that the Lord is our strength and our shield.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be hidden in the secret place of God's presence?
According to Psalms 31:20, being hidden in the secret place of God's presence means being protected from the schemes of men, which is a concept also found in Psalms 91:1, where it says that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
How does God conceal us from accusing tongues?
God conceals us from accusing tongues by being our shelter and refuge, as stated in Psalms 31:20, and also by being our rock and fortress, as mentioned in Psalms 71:3, where it says that He is the rock of refuge and a strong fortress.
Is this promise of protection only for certain people?
No, this promise of protection is for all those who fear God and take refuge in Him, as stated in Psalms 31:19, which says that God's goodness is laid up for those who fear Him and take refuge in Him, and is also seen in Proverbs 1:7, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
How can I experience this hiding and concealing in my own life?
You can experience this hiding and concealing by drawing near to God, trusting in His presence, and seeking refuge in Him, as seen in Psalms 73:28, where it says that the nearness of God is good for those who trust in Him, and in Hebrews 13:6, where it says that we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?'
Reflection Questions
- What are some schemes of men that I need to be protected from, and how can I trust God to hide me from them?
- In what ways have I experienced God's shelter and refuge in my life, and how can I thank Him for it?
- What are some accusing tongues that I face, and how can I trust God to conceal me from them?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of God and trust in His presence, so that I can experience the protection and refuge that He offers?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:20
Thou shall hide them in the secret of thy presence,.... That is, those that fear the Lord and trust in him; and therefore they are called his "hidden ones", Psalms 83:3; these the Lord preserves in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:20
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
In the secret of thy presence; or as in the secret of thy presence either, 1. As if they were in thy presence-chamber, where thine own eye and hand guardeth them from all the assaults of their enemies; called his secret, partly because the greatest part of the world are strangers to God and his presence; and partly because it is a safe and secure place, such as secret and unknown places are. Or, 2. As if they were in the secret of God’ s tabernacle, as it is called, , the place of God’ s special presence, where none might enter save the high priest. Or, 3. With thy secret favour and providence, which works mightily, yet secretly, for them, and saves them by hidden and unknown methods. This is opposed to those caves, or other obscure and unsafe places, where David was forced to hide himself. From the pride of man; from their vain-glorious boasts and threats, and from their bold and insolent attempts. In a pavilion; or, as in thy pavilion, or tabernacle; and so this clause explains the former, and the pronoun thy is here easily and aptly understood out of the foregoing branch. From the strife of tongues, i.e. from the mischief of contentious and slanderous tongues.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
Psalms 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.Ver. 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence] In the golden cabinet of thy gracious providence, where they shall be as safe as if they were in heaven. Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion] A kind of speech taken from princes’ retiringrooms and withdrawing chambers, which are sacred places (Diodati). From the strife of tongues] From the calumnies and contumelies of graceless tongue-smiters. The Arabic rendereth it, from the insurrection of tongues. Sedition is first in the tongue, and then in the hand; an unruly tongue setteth on fire, James 3:5 But the saints have a promise that as no weapon formed against them shall prosper, so every tongue that riseth against them in judgment shall be condemned, Isaiah 54:17.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
(20) The secret of thy presence.—Better, in the hiding-place of thy countenance, a beautiful thought and common in the Psalms, although expressed by different images. In Psalms 27:5, “the hiding-place of his tabernacle;” 61:4, “of his wings;” 91:1, “of his shadow.” The form the same image takes in the Christian’s hope is beautifully expressed by Tennyson: “To lie within the light of God as I lie upon your breast, And the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.” Pride.—Better, rough or wrangling talk, as the parallelism shows and the LXX. confirm; and, referring back to Psalms 31:18, Gesenius renders the word “conspiracies.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
Verse 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence] בסתר פניך besether paneycha, "With the covering of thy countenance." Their life shall be so hidden with Christ in God, that their enemies shall not be able to find them out. To such a hiding-place Satan himself dare not approach. There the pride of man cannot come. Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion] Thou shalt put them in the innermost part of thy tent. This implies that they shall have much communion and union with God; that they shall be transformed into his likeness, and have his highest approbation.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:20
20. Thou shalt hide them In the hiding-place of thy presence from the plottings of man: Thou shalt conceal them In a pavilion from the strife of tongues. With the whole verse cp. Psalms 27:5; but the hiding place of thy tent is here spiritualised into the hiding place of thy presence (lit. face as in Psalms 31:16). No darkness of evil can penetrate into the light of God’s countenance.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:20
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence - See the notes at Psalms 27:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:20
20. From the pride of man—The substantive here rendered “pride” occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament.
Sermons on Psalms 31:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 184 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of being influenced by man rather than God. He highlights the vanity and emptiness of worldly pursuits and the need to be free to |
|
Heaven: Its Hope by D.L. Moody | The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is |
|
Xlviii. to Lady Kenmure by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches from Aberdeen, expressing gratitude for the warm reception he has received despite facing opposition from those who do not share his faith. He encourages |
|
Small Things Give Anxiety by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding peace in God's presence, emphasizing the importance of hiding our lives in Him to experience true tranquility and joy. She highlights ho |
|
The Devil Is Out to Destroy Your Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher describes a dream he had where he walked through the streets of New York and saw a scene of darkness and ugliness. He came across young people lying in |
|
When My Heart Is Overwhelmed by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a family who faced multiple tragedies and hardships. They lost their farms, and later, their grandson was killed in an accident. Des |
|
Preaching Critique by William Booth | This sermon recounts the early days of the Christian mission led by William Booth in the rough quarter of London, where unkempt crowds gathered in a tent despite challenges. As win |