Psalms 27:5
What does Psalms 27:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 27:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 27:5 means
This verse explains *why* the psalmist's desire to dwell in God's house is so central. He believes that God will provide a secure refuge during times of trouble, likened to a secret hiding place within a pavilion or tabernacle. This imagery suggests both intimacy and impenetrable protection. Furthermore, being 'lifted... upon a rock' speaks of elevation above danger, stability, and an unshakeable foundation. God's presence is not merely a comfort, but an active, strong, and elevated sanctuary.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me; He will lift me up upon a rock.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For in the time of trouble he will keep me safe in his tent: in the secret place of his tent he will keep me from men's eyes; high on a rock he will put me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For He hideth me in a tabernacle in the day of evil, He hideth me in a secret place of His tent, On a rock he raiseth me up.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Because they have not understood the works of the Lord, and the operations of his hands: thou shalt destroy them, and shalt not build them up.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For in the day of evil he will hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tent will he keep me concealed: he will set me high upon a rock.
Context
This verse provides the theological grounding for the passionate desire expressed in verse 4. It explains the practical benefit and spiritual security found in dwelling with God. It functions as a divine promise, showing that the longing for God's house is not a vain wish but a guaranteed refuge. This reinforces the psalmist's confidence even before he returns to addressing his enemies.
v.4One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.
v.5This passage
v.6And now shall my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; And I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Jehovah.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 6:10
And I went unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
- Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
- Colossians 3:3
For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
- Psalms 61:2
From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
- Matthew 16:16
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
- Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 27
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 27.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
Topic
Bible Verses About Discouragement
When life’s challenges weigh heavily on our hearts, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and guidance to overcome discouragement.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.