Psalm 91 5

Psalm 91:5 kjv

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Psalm 91:5 nkjv

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

Psalm 91:5 niv

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

Psalm 91:5 esv

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

Psalm 91:5 nlt

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Psalm 91 verses

Psalm 91 5 Meaning

Psalm 91:5 provides a powerful assurance of divine protection, promising that one who dwells under the shadow of the Almighty will be fearless in the face of various dangers. It specifically covers threats that manifest under the cloak of night, characterized as overwhelming terror or dread, and perils that arise in plain sight during the day, metaphorically represented by a swiftly flying arrow. This verse emphasizes God's comprehensive, continuous guardianship, ensuring spiritual and psychological peace amidst both hidden and evident dangers.

Psalm 91 5 Context

Psalm 91 stands as a powerful declaration of God's protection for those who dwell in close communion with Him. The opening verses establish the prerequisite of dwelling "in the secret place of the Most High" and abiding "under the shadow of the Almighty." Following this, the psalmist launches into a series of assurances against various dangers. Verse 5 is part of this unfolding promise, itemizing specific threats the faithful will not need to fear. It elaborates on the general safety promised by specifying dangers often associated with ancient life: threats lurking in darkness (superstition, actual nighttime assaults) and visible, physical attacks during daylight (warfare, ambush). The psalm progresses to include protection from pestilence (v. 6), natural disasters, and the promise of angelic guardianship, culminating in a direct affirmation from God Himself. Historically, such prayers for protection were vital in times of widespread conflict, disease, and the omnipresent threats of the natural world, alongside cultural fears of night spirits or sudden attacks. The psalm counters any ancient pagan beliefs that gods were territorial or time-limited, asserting Yahweh's sovereign protection over all times and all places.

Psalm 91 5 Word analysis

• Thou shalt not be afraid: Hebrew: lo-tira (לֹא־תִירָא). This is a strong negative command or an emphatic promise. It indicates not just the absence of fear, but an inner fortitude and peace that comes from trusting in divine protection. It contrasts with a spirit of timidity or panic.
• for the terror: Hebrew: mipaḥad (מִפַּ֤חַד). The noun paḥad (פַּחַד) refers to dread, horror, or overwhelming fear, often associated with a sudden or surprising cause. It describes a psychological and emotional assault, rather than a purely physical one.
• by night: Hebrew: layla (לָיְלָה). The period of darkness, traditionally associated with vulnerability, the unknown, and intensified fears. In ancient contexts, night brought threats from bandits, wild animals, or superstitious fears of demons and evil spirits.
• nor for the arrow: Hebrew: meḥeṭ (מֵחֵ֣ץ). The term ḥēṣ (חֵץ) directly means an "arrow," a common weapon in ancient warfare. This signifies a visible, physical, and direct form of attack. It represents deliberate harm from an external enemy.
• that flieth: Hebrew: ya‘ūf (יָעוּף). From the verb ūf (עוּף), meaning to "fly," "hover," or "swoop down." It suggests swiftness, suddenness, and a targeted nature, implying an immediate, active threat.
• by day: Hebrew: yōmām (יוֹמָם). The daytime, when visibility is clear. Juxtaposed with "by night," it signifies threats that are apparent and directly confronted, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of God's protection across all times.
• Word-groups by word-groups analysis:
  • "terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day": This masterful Hebrew parallelism demonstrates antithesis, where two contrasting elements cover the entire scope of danger. "Terror by night" points to unseen, psychological, or sudden dangers, often heightened by darkness and uncertainty. "Arrow that flieth by day" represents overt, physical, and visible assaults, often related to human conflict. Together, they promise protection against every conceivable type of threat, at all hours, reinforcing God's omniscient and omnipresent guardianship. The specific mention of night and day emphasizes God's comprehensive oversight over all chronological segments and all forms of peril.

Psalm 91 5 Bonus section

Psalm 91:5 highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty, implying that nothing—no dark dread or overt assault—is outside His knowledge or control. It is often referred to as a "soldier's verse" or a "traveler's verse" due to the directness of its protective promises, resonating deeply with those facing palpable dangers. The verse establishes a framework of total temporal coverage (night and day) and a dual nature of protection (from fear itself and from actual harm), reminding believers that divine guardianship is not situational but absolute for those who abide in Him. It calls for active trust rather than passive expectation, transforming the potential for dread into an opportunity for steadfast reliance on the Most High.

Psalm 91 5 Commentary

Psalm 91:5 powerfully asserts that the person abiding in the divine refuge is inoculated against fear from all dangers, whether unseen or apparent, throughout every moment. "Terror by night" encapsulates not only physical threats that favor darkness—like sudden raids or ambush—but also the more insidious, psychological dread, nightmares, or the spiritual oppression that often seems amplified in the vulnerability of night. In contrast, "the arrow that flieth by day" represents tangible, visible assaults or overt hostilities—a metaphor for direct and evident dangers, such as warfare, malicious words, or unexpected calamities. The juxtaposition highlights that God's protection is not limited by time or the nature of the threat. It is an assurance that enables one to face the world with profound inner peace, confident that the Almighty safeguards both soul and body from every peril, fostering a life lived not in dread, but in divine assurance. This peace does not guarantee an absence of trials but assures an absence of crippling fear within them, because the sovereign God is actively shielding His own.