Psalm 91 2

Psalm 91:2 kjv

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:2 nkjv

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

Psalm 91:2 niv

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:2 esv

I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:2 nlt

This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91 verses

Psalm 91 2 Meaning

Psalm 91:2 is a profound personal declaration of faith and trust in God's protective power. The speaker asserts an intimate, possessive relationship with the Divine, specifically Yahweh (the Lord) and Elohim (God), identifying Him as their ultimate shelter, secure fortress, and an object of complete reliance. It signifies a confession that protection is not found in human strength, worldly security, or other deities, but solely in the character and presence of God.

Psalm 91 2 Context

Psalm 91 stands as a powerful testament to divine protection and security for those who dwell in God's presence and trust in Him. The entire chapter functions as a psalm of reassurance and confidence, possibly recited in the Temple or taught as an encouragement during times of danger or plague. Verse 1 sets the condition: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Verse 2 is the personal, active response and confession of one who understands this truth, translating the general theological principle into a personal creed. Historically, the audience would be familiar with the myriad dangers of their ancient world – disease, warfare, wild beasts, spiritual foes – making the promise of God as refuge particularly vital. There is a clear distinction, or polemic, against the prevalent reliance on idols, military strength, or magical incantations for protection by surrounding cultures; instead, the Psalm points solely to Yahweh as the all-sufficient deliverer.

Psalm 91 2 Word analysis

• I will say (אָמַר, 'āmar):
  • Significance: This is not a passive acceptance but an active, verbal declaration of faith. It's a personal confession.
  • Implication: Speaking out one's belief reinforces it internally and testifies to others. It transforms belief into affirmation.
  • Biblical Pattern: Confession (like in Rom 10:9-10) is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, showing commitment.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH, Yahweh):
  • Meaning: The personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Moses (Exod 3:14). It implies God's self-existence, eternal presence ("I Am"), and faithfulness to His promises.
  • Significance: Using YHWH rather than a general term for God (like Elohim) emphasizes God's specific, personal, and unbreakable covenant relationship with His people.
• He is my refuge (מַחְסֶה, machseh):
  • Meaning: A place of safety, shelter, protection from danger, a stronghold. It implies security from pursuit or harm.
  • Contextual use: Frequently used in Psalms to describe God as the ultimate safe haven, as one runs to Him.
  • Imagery: Evokes the idea of finding shelter during a storm or fleeing to a secure hideaway.
• and my fortress (מְצוּדָה, metsudāh):
  • Meaning: A fortified place, stronghold, inaccessible dwelling, castle. It denotes military strength and impregnability.
  • Contextual use: Often describes naturally strong positions or man-made fortresses that offer supreme defense.
  • Imagery: Conveys God as an unassailable stronghold that no enemy can breach. It speaks to divine power and unyielding protection.
• my God (אֱלֹהִים, ʾĚlōhīm, with possessive suffix):
  • Meaning: The general term for God or a deity, but here, the possessive "my" ('ělōhāy) transforms it into an intimate, personal relationship.
  • Significance: This reflects the covenant idea of God being the God of His people, and an individual's personal God. It indicates allegiance and deep relationship.
• in whom I trust (בּוֹ אֶבְטָח, boʾ ʾebṭāḥ):
  • Meaning: "in Him I will trust," or "I will confide in Him." The verb baṭaḥ (בָטַח) means to trust, to have confidence, to rely on.
  • Emphasis: The phrase emphasizes the active nature of trust, it's a decision to lean completely on God, abandoning self-reliance or reliance on anything else. The preposition "in Him" (bo) directly points to God as the exclusive object of trust.
  • Consequence: Such trust leads to security and confidence, which is the theme of the entire Psalm.

Words-group Analysis:

• "I will say of the Lord": This phrase frames the entire verse as a direct, intentional personal confession directed towards YHWH. It's a verbal commitment, transforming an intellectual understanding of God into an outward declaration. It contrasts with silently believing; this is about professing one's faith openly and actively engaging with God.
• "He is my refuge and my fortress": This pair describes two aspects of God's protection. "Refuge" speaks to safety from the elements or immediate threat, a place one runs to for shelter. "Fortress" implies a robust, secure, defensive structure that is hard to penetrate, representing a stable and continuous security. Together, they form a complete picture of God as an all-encompassing, secure protector. The repeated "my" highlights the personal nature of this security; God is specifically my refuge and my fortress, emphasizing the relational aspect.
• "my God, in whom I trust": This climactic statement identifies the divine being of the confession as "my God" (Elohim), affirming personal ownership and relationship. The addition "in whom I trust" is both the reason for calling Him "my God" and the practical expression of that relationship. It underlines the reliance and complete confidence placed in Him alone, making God the sole source of safety and security mentioned in the verse. This statement establishes the deep, personal foundation for the rest of Psalm 91.

Psalm 91 2 Bonus section

The specific choice of the divine names YHWH ("Lord") and Elohim ("God") within this single verse is significant. YHWH points to God's relational, covenant faithfulness and self-existent power, whereas Elohim emphasizes God's sovereign might and creative power as the universal God. Combining them here suggests that the speaker is trusting in both the intimate, covenantal God of Israel and the universally powerful Creator God for their protection. The transition from the collective truth of verse 1 (abiding in the shelter of the Most High) to the intensely personal declaration of verse 2 ("I will say... my refuge, my fortress, my God") signifies that faith in God's protective character is not just theoretical; it must become a lived, individual confession. This verse therefore calls believers not just to know about God's protection but to actively embrace and declare Him as their personal protector and secure hope.

Psalm 91 2 Commentary

Psalm 91:2 serves as the bedrock of the entire Psalm's message of divine protection. It's more than a simple statement; it's a personal, spoken declaration that emanates from an intimate relationship with God. By declaring "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God," the psalmist acknowledges God as the supreme source of safety against all forms of danger, whether seen or unseen, spiritual or physical. This verbal confession, "I will say," is key, suggesting a deliberate and conscious act of allegiance and trust, reinforcing faith in the heart and proclaiming it to the world. It shifts reliance from earthly securities—military might, human wisdom, or wealth—to the divine, all-powerful Yahweh. The possessive pronouns ("my") underscore the personal, covenantal bond. It means God is not merely a refuge, but my specific and exclusive refuge, tailor-made for me. This intimate, unreserved trust in the Lord ensures spiritual and practical stability in life, preparing the way for the specific promises of protection detailed in the verses that follow.