Psalms 91:1
What does Psalms 91:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 91:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 91:1 means
This verse opens with a profound truth: those who make the Most High God their dwelling place will experience His constant protection. "Dwelling in the secret place" implies a deep, intimate relationship, not just a casual acquaintance. When God is our chosen refuge, we are promised to remain under the protective "shadow of the Almighty," a vivid image of His comforting and powerful presence. This shadow signifies security and relief from the scorching trials of life, a divine shelter from all harm for those who truly abide in Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Happy is he whose resting-place is in the secret of the Lord, and under the shade of the wings of the Most High;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is dwelling In the secret place of the Most High, In the shade of the Mighty lodgeth habitually,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A psalm of a canticle on the sabbath day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Context
This verse introduces the psalm's central theme of divine protection. It sets the condition for receiving God's care: an intimate relationship with the Most High. The imagery of dwelling and abiding under His shadow establishes the tone for the promises of security that will unfold in the subsequent verses. It is the foundational statement upon which all further assurances are built.
v.1This passage
v.2I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 61:3
For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
- Song of Solomon 2:3
As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
- Psalms 90:1
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place In all generations.
- 1 John 4:15
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.
- Psalms 121:5
Jehovah is thy keeper: Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand.
- Psalms 32:7
Thou art my hiding-place; thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. [Selah
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