Psalms 91:1
Psalms 91:1 in Multiple Translations
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Happy is he whose resting-place is in the secret of the Lord, and under the shade of the wings of the Most High;
Those who live under the protection of the Most High are kept safe by the Almighty.
Who so dwelleth in the secrete of the most High, shall abide in the shadowe of the Almightie.
He who is dwelling In the secret place of the Most High, In the shade of the Mighty lodgeth habitually,
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
A psalm of a canticle on the sabbath day.
Those who live under the protection of God Almighty, will be able to rest safely under his care.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 91:1
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 91:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֹ֭שֵׁב
בְּ/סֵ֣תֶר
עֶלְי֑וֹן
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
יִתְלוֹנָֽן
יֹ֭שֵׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בְּ/סֵ֣תֶר
çêther
H5643
secrecy
Prep | N-ms
עֶלְי֑וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
יִתְלוֹנָֽן
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
V-r-Imperf-3ms
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 91:1
יֹ֭שֵׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/סֵ֣תֶר
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
עֶלְי֑וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
יִתְלוֹנָֽן
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
V-r-Imperf-3ms
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 91:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 91:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
- Sermons on Psalms 91:1
Context — You Are My Refuge and My Fortress
1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 32:7 | You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 36:7 | How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! |
| 4 | Psalms 17:8 | Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings |
| 5 | 1 John 4:15–16 | If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. |
| 6 | Psalms 31:20 | You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues. |
| 7 | Isaiah 25:4 | For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall, |
| 8 | Psalms 61:3–4 | For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 121:5 | The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. |
| 10 | Isaiah 32:2 | Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. |
Psalms 91:1 Summary
This verse, Psalms 91:1, tells us that when we trust in God and stay close to Him, we are safe and protected. It's like being in the shadow of a big tree on a hot day - we are cool and safe. Just like David said in Psalms 23:4, when we are with God, we don't have to be afraid. We can trust that God will take care of us, just like a good parent takes care of their child, as seen in Matthew 7:11, where it says, 'If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High?
To dwell in the shelter of the Most High means to trust and take refuge in God's presence and power, just as it is written in Psalms 23:4, where David says, 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.'
Who is the Almighty mentioned in this verse?
The Almighty refers to God, the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe, as seen in Genesis 17:1, where God says, 'I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.'
What is the significance of abiding in the shadow of the Almighty?
Abiding in the shadow of the Almighty signifies being under God's protection and care, much like a child feels safe under the shadow of a parent, as expressed in Isaiah 49:2, where it says, 'He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He has hidden me.'
Is this promise of shelter and protection only for certain people?
No, this promise is available to anyone who puts their trust in God, as stated in Romans 10:13, which says, 'For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to dwell in the shelter of the Most High in my daily life?
- How can I practically abide in the shadow of the Almighty when faced with challenges and fears?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and protection, just like a child trusts in their parent's care?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's shelter and protection?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High,.... Or the Supreme; a title of God, who is superior to all beings, the Creator and Preserver of them, God over all, higher than the highest of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Kimchi says the older Rabbis ascribed this psalm to Moses. Israel's exemption from the Egyptian plagues answers to the psalm.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
Psalms 91 THE . The penman of this Psalm is uncertain. The occasion of it seems to have been that great pestilence recorded 2Sa 24 The psalmist representeth the state of the godly, ,2. Their safety, and place of habitation, . Comfortable promises of God’ s preserving them, , of his support and salvation, . The secret place; or, hiding-place. He that makes God his habitation and refuge, as he is called below, , resorting to him, and relying upon him in his dangers and difficulties, shall not be disappointed of his hope, but shall find a quiet and safe repose under the Divine protection. A shadow in Scripture phrase commonly signifies protection. See , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Ver. 1. He that dwelleth in the secret place, &c.] The safety of a saint is in this whole psalm ( Quo nihil neque solidius neque splendidius dici potest) set forth to the life, Verbis vivis, animatis sententiis et spiritus fervore flagrantissimo. Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty] Under the pleasant and assured defence of God; he shall lodge under the shadow of Shaddai, and there sing away care and fear.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
(1, 2) He . . . I.—The especial difficulty of this psalm, its abrupt changes of person, meets us at the outset. The text literally rendered, runs: “He sitting in the hiding place of the Most High; In the shadow of the Almighty he lodgeth, I say to Jehovah, My refuge and my fortress, My God, I trust in Him. The change in the last clause presents no particular difficulty, as many similar instances occur; but that from the third person, in the first verse, to the first, in the second, is very awkward, and many shifts have been adopted to get out of it. The best is to supply the word blessed: “Blessed is he that,” &c[16] The different names for God employed here should be noticed. By their accumulation the poet makes the sum of assurance doubly sure. [16] The omission of this word by a copyist would be very natural, from its confusion with the numerical heading of the psalm and the initial letter of the word that now begins it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
PSALM XCI The safety of the godly man, and his confidence, 1, 2. How he is defended and preserved, 3-10. The angels of God are his servants, 11, 12; and he shall tread on the necks of his adversaries, 13. What God says of, and promises to, such a person, 14-16. NOTES ON PSALM XCI This Psalm has no title in the Hebrew; nor can it be determined on what occasion or by whom it was composed. It is most likely by the author of the preceding; and is written as a part of it, by fifteen of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., commencing before the repetition of the four last words of the ninetieth. It is allowed to be one of the finest Psalms in the whole collection. Of it Simon de Muis has said: "It is one of the most excellent works of this kind which has ever appeared. It is impossible to imagine any thing more solid, more beautiful, more profound, or more ornamented. Could the Latin or any modern languages express thoroughly all the beauties and elegancies as well of the words as of the sentences, it would not be difficult to persuade the reader that we have no poem, either in Greek or Latin, comparable to this Hebrew ode." Verse 1.
He that dwelleth in the secret place] The Targum intimates that this is a dialogue between David, Solomon, and Jehovah. Suppose we admit this, - then DAVID asserts: "He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty," Psalms 91:1. SOLOMON answers: "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him will I trust," Psalms 91:2. DAVID replies, and tells him what blessings he shall receive from God if he abide faithful, Psalms 91:3-13. Then the SUPREME BEING is introduced, and confirms all that David had spoken concerning Solomon, Psalms 91:14-16: and thus this sacred and instructive dialogue ends. In the secret place of the Most High] Spoken probably in reference to the Holy of holies. He who enters legitimately there shall be covered with the cloud of God's glory - the protection of the all-sufficient God. This was the privilege of the high priest only, under the law: but under the new covenant all believers in Christ have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus; and those who thus enter are safe from every evil.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:1
1, 2. The theme of the Psalm; Jehovah a secure defence for those who take refuge in Him.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth - Everyone that so dwells. The proposition is universal, and is designed to embrace all who are in this condition. It is true of one; it is true of all.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 91:1
1. Dwelleth—Sitteth, or waiteth. Secret place—The allusion is to the holy of holies in the tabernacle.
Sermons on Psalms 91:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the excessive focus on entertainment and pleasure in today's society. He emphasizes the negative impact of television, which he believes is d |
|
A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains |
|
Protection in the Coming Storm by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience growing up during the Great Depression and the lessons he learned about relying on God during times of trouble. He references |
|
The Hidden Life of Faith by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of faith and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes that if a person obeys God's work, they will fulfill His will. The speaker also |
|
Abiding — I John 2:28 by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unfortunate reality of many people who start off strong in their faith but eventually fall away. He shares a personal story of a preacher |
|
Sparrows in the Church by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the limitations of our physical bodies and senses. He emphasizes that our eyes can only see the external appearance of others, while our ea |
|
A Secret Place Called Christmas by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving towards the place where God's strength, power, provision, and pathway can be found. Ordinary and honest people are e |