Psalms 91:5
Psalms 91:5 in Multiple Translations
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
You will have no fear of the evil things of the night, or of the arrow in flight by day,
You will not be afraid of terror at night or an arrow that flies in the day,
Thou shalt not be afraide of the feare of the night, nor of the arrowe that flyeth by day:
Thou art not afraid of fear by night, Of arrow that flieth by day,
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
For thou hast given me, O Lord, a delight in thy doings: and in the works of thy hands I shall rejoice.
You will not be afraid of things that happen during the night that could ◄terrorize you/cause you to be very afraid►, or of arrows that your enemies will shoot at you during the day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 91:5
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 91:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תִ֭ירָא
מִ/פַּ֣חַד
לָ֑יְלָה
מֵ֝/חֵ֗ץ
יָע֥וּף
יוֹמָֽם
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מִ/פַּ֣חַד
pachad
H6343
dread
Prep | N-ms
לָ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
מֵ֝/חֵ֗ץ
chêts
H2671
arrow
Prep | N-ms
יָע֥וּף
ʻûwph
H5774
to fly
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יוֹמָֽם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 91:5
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מִ/פַּ֣חַד
pachad
H6343
"dread"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.
Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.
לָ֑יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
מֵ֝/חֵ֗ץ
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
Prep | N-ms
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
יָע֥וּף
ʻûwph
H5774
"to fly"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word can mean flying or fainting, often due to darkness or gloom. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, describing dramatic scenes.
Definition: v 1) to fly, fly about, fly away 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to fly, hover 1a2) to fly away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to fly about or to and fro 1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish 1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away 2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: brandish, be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), [idiom] set, shine forth, weary. See also: Genesis 1:20; Proverbs 23:5; Psalms 18:11.
יוֹמָֽם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 91:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 91:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
- Sermons on Psalms 91:5
Context — You Are My Refuge and My Fortress
3Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.
4He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
5You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. 7Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. |
| 2 | Job 5:19–27 | He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven. In famine He will redeem you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth. For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you. You will know that your tent is secure, and find nothing amiss when inspecting your home. You will know that your offspring will be many, your descendants like the grass of the earth. You will come to the grave in full vigor, like a sheaf of grain gathered in season. Indeed, we have investigated, and it is true! So hear it and know for yourself.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:23–25 | Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, |
| 4 | Psalms 3:5–6 | I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side. |
| 5 | Hebrews 13:6 | So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” |
| 6 | Psalms 112:7 | He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. |
| 7 | Psalms 27:1–3 | The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread? When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. |
| 8 | Proverbs 28:1 | The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 9 | Isaiah 21:4 | My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight of my desire has turned to horror. |
| 10 | Job 24:14–16 | When daylight is gone, the murderer rises to kill the poor and needy; in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight. Thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ he covers his face. In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light. |
Psalms 91:5 Summary
[Psalms 91:5 tells us that when we trust in God, we don't have to be afraid of the things that go bump in the night or the dangers that come our way during the day. This is because God is our protector and shield, as also mentioned in Ephesians 6:16. He keeps us safe from harm and gives us peace in the midst of trouble, as seen in John 14:27. By trusting in His faithfulness, we can face each day without fear, knowing He is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'terror of the night' represent in Psalms 91:5?
The 'terror of the night' in Psalms 91:5 likely refers to the fears and anxieties that come with the unknown or unseen, which can be especially overwhelming in the stillness of the night, but as the Psalmist says, God's presence and faithfulness can dispel such fears, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.
How can I trust God to protect me from harm as mentioned in Psalms 91:5?
Trusting God for protection involves having faith in His goodness and power, as expressed in Psalms 91:4, where He is described as a shield and rampart, and in Proverbs 18:10, where the name of the Lord is a strong tower.
What is the 'arrow that flies by day' a metaphor for?
The 'arrow that flies by day' in Psalms 91:5 is a metaphor for the sudden, unexpected dangers or troubles that can arise during the course of our daily lives, but with God, we do not have to fear them, as He is our protector and deliverer, as seen in Psalms 7:10 and Deuteronomy 32:30.
Does Psalms 91:5 promise complete protection from all harm?
While Psalms 91:5 does promise protection from fear of terror and harm, it does not guarantee that believers will never face difficulties or dangers, but rather that they will not be overcome by fear in the face of them, as supported by Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11, which remind us that God works all things for our good and has plans to prosper us.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I let fear of the unknown or unseen control my thoughts and actions, and how can I apply the promise of Psalms 91:5 to those areas?
- How does my faith in God's protection and deliverance impact my daily life and the decisions I make?
- What are some 'arrows that fly by day' in my life right now, and how can I trust God to protect me from them?
- In what ways can I practically 'find refuge under His wings' as mentioned in Psalms 91:4, and how will that affect my fear of the terror of the night?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:5
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night,.... The terrible things that happen in the night; as fire, storms and tempests, invasion of enemies, murders, thefts, and, robberies: a good man,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:5
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
By night, when evil accidents are most terrible and least avoidable. The arrow; the pestilence, or any such common and destructive calamity; for such are frequently called God’ s arrows, as Dent. ,42 La 3:12,13, &c. By day, which is the time for shooting of arrows. The sense of the verse is, He shall be kept from secret and open mischiefs at all times.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
Psalms 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;Ver. 5. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night] Thou shalt be freed, if not from the common destruction, yet from the common distraction. Impavidum ferient ruinae. Nor for the arrow that flieth by day] Sudden ill occurrences quae nec praevident nec praecavent fideles, the arrows of death shall come whisking by thine ears, and not hit. (Hor. lib 2, Od. 13.) Quid quisque vitet nunquam homini saris Cautum est in horas - Improvisa lethi Vis rapuit, rapietque gentes. True faith is a target, and sayeth a man if not from the smart, yet from the hurt of evil accidents.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
(5) Terror by night.—Possibly a night attack by an enemy. (Comp. Son 3:8; Proverbs 3:23-26.) Comp. Milton: “To bless the doors from nightly harm.” In this case the arrow flying by day would refer to dangers of actual battle. But it is quite possible that the latter may be merely the Oriental expression for the pestilence, since it is still so called by Arabians. “I desired to remove to a less contagious air. I received from Solyman the emperor this message: that the emperor wondered what I meant in desiring to remove my habitation. Is not the pestilence God’s arrow, which will always hit his mark?”—Quoted in Spurgeon’s Treasury of David, from Busbequin’s Travels.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
Verse 5. The terror by night] Night is a time of terrors, because it is a time of treasons, plunder, robbery, and murder. The godly man lies down in peace, and sleeps quietly, for he trusts his body, soul, and substance, in the hand of God; and he knows that he who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. It may also mean all spiritual foes, - the rulers of the darkness of this world. I have heard the following petition in an evening family prayer: "Blessed Lord, take us into thy protection this night; and preserve us from disease, from sudden death, from the violence of fire, from the edge of the sword, from the designs of wicked men, and from the influence of malicious spirits!" Nor for the arrow] The Chaldee translates this verse, "Thou shalt not fear the demons that walk by night; nor the arrow of the angel of death which is shot in the day time." Thou needest not to fear a sudden and unprovided - for death.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:5
5. Neither sudden assaults of enemies by night, nor open attacks by day (Son 3:8; Jeremiah 6:4-5; Proverbs 3:24-25) shall have power to harm thee. The language is figurative: all hostility, whether secret or avowed, is meant.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:5
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night - That which usually causes alarm at night - a sudden attack; an unexpected incursion of enemies; sudden disease coming on by night; or the pestilence
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 91:5
5. Terror by night… arrow… by day—A time of war is here supposed, when the night is filled with apprehensions and the day with battles.
Sermons on Psalms 91:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Danger of the Middle Years by G.B. Duncan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dwelling in a secret place with God, which is the most high. By doing so, one can experience renewal of strength and the ab |
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Abiding in God's Presence by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks and showing praise to God. He encourages listeners to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes fr |
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Living in God's Compound by Otto Koning | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of how God transformed his family's life. He talks about how his son repented and became a soul winner after attending a lif |
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Mastering Our Midnights by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches on the theme 'Mastering Our Midnights,' highlighting how our attitude towards dark and challenging times can either make us stronger or weaker, better or bi |
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Thou Shalt Not Be Afraid for the Terror by Night by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that believers need not fear the various terrors that may arise during the night, such as sickness, death, or other anxieties, because God is always presen |
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Matthew 2:12-15. the Heavenly Warnings. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about God's divine protection over His faithful servants, showcasing how God can thwart the plans of the wicked through dreams, prayers, and discernmen |
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God Routs Fear by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that no enchantment or divination can harm God's people, as those blessed by God cannot be cursed by any evil force. He reassures believers that despite th |