Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 91:1
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
NIV · New International Version
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
WEB · World English Bible
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
What does Psalms 91:1 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High,.... Or the Supreme; a title of God, who is superior to all beings, the Creator and Preserver of them, God over all, higher than the highest of angels or men; see Genesis 14:22, "his secret place" is his heart, his bosom, where his only begotten Son lies; and into which he takes his people, where they are set as a seal, and who enjoy intimate communion with him; which is no other than his gracious presence, called "the secret of his presence", Psalm 31:20, which none but saints are admitted to, when his everlasting love, which was a secret in his heart, is made known unto them, and in which they also dwell, 1 John 4:16, as they likewise…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 91:1–8
A great truth laid down in general, That all those who live a life of communion with God are constantly safe under his protection, and may therefore preserve a holy serenity and security of mind at all times (Psa 91:1): He that dwells, that sits down, in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty; he that by faith chooses God for his guardian shall find all that in him which he needs or can desire. Note, 1. It is the character of a true believer that he dwells in the secret place of the Most High; he is at home in God, returns to God, and reposes in him as his rest; he acquaints himself with inward religion, and makes heart-work of the service of God…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 91:1–4
1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the High One shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2. I will say to Jehovah, He is my hope and my fortress: my God; in him will I hope. 3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, from the noxious pestilence. 4.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 91:1–4 (WEB)
1He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 3For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. 4He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
Cross references
- Psalms 32:7
- Psalms 27:5
- Psalms 36:7
- Psalms 17:8
- 1 John 4:15–16
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God.
- Psalms 31:20
- Isaiah 25:4
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall.
- Psalms 61:3–4