Psalm 91 1

Psalm 91:1 kjv

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 nkjv

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 niv

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 esv

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 nlt

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91 verses

Psalm 91 1 Meaning

Psalm 91:1 declares a profound truth about divine protection: those who consistently and intimately reside in God's closest presence will experience the secure covering of His omnipotence. It portrays a reciprocal relationship where faithful devotion to God's presence guarantees His enduring safeguard, offering security from all adversaries and perils of life. This verse serves as the foundational premise for the abundant promises of safety and deliverance elaborated throughout the rest of the psalm.

Psalm 91 1 Context

Psalm 91 stands out as a unique psalm of assurance and trust in God's unwavering protection. Often seen as a counterpart or companion to Psalm 90 (traditionally attributed to Moses), which speaks of human frailty and God's eternality, Psalm 91 presents God's robust response to those who seek refuge in Him. Verse 1 sets the indispensable condition for the many promises that follow in the psalm. It establishes the nature of the relationship required—one of consistent, intentional proximity and dependence on the Divine. This understanding contrasts with the precarious existence of ancient Israel, surrounded by enemies and vulnerable to diseases, natural disasters, and spiritual adversaries. The psalm as a whole assures the believer of divine protection, not from all suffering, but through all suffering, highlighting God's faithfulness to those in a deep covenant relationship with Him.

Psalm 91 1 Word analysis

• He who dwells (Hebrew: Yoshev - יֹשֵׁב): Derived from the verb yashab (יָשַׁב), meaning "to sit down, to remain, to inhabit, to abide." It implies more than a transient visit; it signifies a settled, continuous, and intentional residence. This points to a lifestyle of consistent reliance, intimacy, and a fixed state of relationship with God, suggesting commitment and loyalty rather than occasional outreach.
• in the secret place (Hebrew: b'sether - בְּסֵ֫תֶר): Sether means a "hiding place," "shelter," "secret spot," or "covering." This isn't a physical location but a metaphor for an intimate, secluded communion with God, accessible only through a conscious drawing near to Him. It suggests privacy, safety, and a depth of relationship that keeps one concealed from dangers and adversaries, signifying special access and privilege.
• of the Most High (Hebrew: Elyon - עֶלְיוֹן): This is a majestic title for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and exalted nature. Elyon literally means "Highest" or "Exalted One," conveying His ultimate authority above all other powers, gods, and earthly rulers. It underscores that the dwelling place is with the supreme Ruler of the universe, assuring ultimate security under His unchallengeable authority.
• shall abide (Hebrew: yilone - יָלִין): Derived from lun (לוּן), meaning "to lodge," "to stay overnight," "to pass the night." It suggests a persistent, protective dwelling, especially during times of vulnerability, darkness, or danger (often associated with night). The protection promised is not fleeting but continuous and enduring, encompassing all hours and circumstances.
• under the shadow (Hebrew: b'tzel - בְּצֵל): Tzel means "shadow" or "shade." This metaphor evokes protection, comfort, refreshment, and shelter from scorching heat or glaring dangers. It conveys the image of a bird sheltering its young under its wings or a large rock offering shade in a desert—a place of secure refuge and comfort from harm. It implies closeness and pervasive care.
• of the Almighty (Hebrew: Shaddai - שַׁדַּי): This divine name, traditionally rendered "Almighty," speaks to God's self-sufficiency, all-sufficiency, power to provide, sustain, and destroy what threatens His people. Some scholarly views also connect it to shad (breast), implying nourishment and satisfaction. It signifies God's boundless power and resources to fulfill His promises and protect His own, making Him the all-competent provider and defender for those who trust Him.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High": This phrase describes the believer's active, intentional, and intimate posture towards God. It is about a consistent life of close fellowship, recognizing God's supreme authority, and seeking His intimate presence as a lifestyle. It sets the condition for the promise.
  • "shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty": This phrase presents the divine consequence or promise. It assures that those living in such a relationship with God will experience His continuous, all-encompassing, and powerful protection. The juxtaposition of "Most High" (transcendence, authority) and "Almighty" (immanence, powerful provision/protection) highlights the comprehensive nature of God's care.

Psalm 91 1 Bonus section

The conjunction of God's titles, Elyon (Most High) and Shaddai (Almighty), is unique and significant in this opening verse. Elyon underscores God's sovereignty and position as the ultimate ruler above all, suggesting His capacity to protect from anything "above" or beyond human control. Shaddai speaks to God's intimate and active power to sustain, provide for, and utterly crush any threat from "below" or within the earthly realm. Together, these names convey a complete, comprehensive scope of divine protection, from cosmic dangers to everyday perils, encompassing every possible threat for those who remain in His personal care. This verse functions as the essential key or access code to unlock the full depth of security promises throughout the subsequent verses of Psalm 91.

Psalm 91 1 Commentary

Psalm 91:1 opens with a powerful declaration of God's protective covenant. It establishes that divine security is not passive but contingent upon active, ongoing communion with God. "He who dwells" speaks of more than mere acknowledgment; it implies a sustained, intentional residency in God's presence, characterized by consistent devotion and reliance. This "secret place" is an intimate spiritual refuge, distinct from physical locations, where believers experience profound closeness with the God who is "Most High"—supreme in power and authority over all creation. In return for this dedicated dwelling, the psalm promises that the believer "shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." This metaphor paints a picture of constant, comforting shelter from every harm, under the vigilant watch of God, who is "Almighty"—possessing infinite strength and complete sufficiency to defend, sustain, and fulfill His purposes for His beloved. The verse emphasizes that genuine safety comes from living intimately with the transcendent yet intimately powerful God.