Psalms 119:114

KJV

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou art my hiding place {H5643} and my shield {H4043}: I hope {H3176} in thy word {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are my hiding-place and shield; I put my hope in your word.

Berean Standard Bible

You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.

American Standard Version

Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:114 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's absolute trust and confident expectation in God. It portrays God as the ultimate sanctuary and active defender, providing secure refuge from all dangers and adversaries. This deep reliance is explicitly grounded in God's revealed Word, which serves as the unwavering foundation for the psalmist's hope and steadfast assurance amidst life's trials and uncertainties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119:114 is situated within the longest chapter of the Bible, Psalm 119, an acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each of its 22 stanzas (of eight verses each) beginning with a successive letter. This psalm is an extended, passionate meditation on the excellence, sufficiency, and life-giving power of God's Torah (Law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments, word). The psalmist consistently expresses deep devotion to God's Word, pleads for understanding and obedience, and seeks divine help to live according to its decrees. Verse 114, found in the "Samekh" stanza (verses 113-120), follows expressions of hatred for duplicity and a commitment to God's law ([Psalm 119:113](/psalms/119-113 "Psalm 119:113 - Hatred for Duplicity")). It precedes further pleas for divine sustenance and salvation ([Psalm 119:115-117](/psalms/119-115-117 "Psalm 119:115-117 - Pleas for Divine Sustenance")), reinforcing the psalmist's posture of complete dependence on God's character and His revealed will as the sole source of safety and hope in a world often hostile to righteousness. The declaration of God as "hiding place" and "shield" is a natural overflow of a life committed to His commands, recognizing that obedience leads to divine protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concepts of "hiding place" and "shield" were deeply resonant. A "hiding place" (סֵתֶר, _çêther_) could literally refer to a cave, a fortress, or a walled city where one could find refuge from enemies or natural disasters. The landscape of Judah, with its numerous caves and rugged terrain, often served as literal hiding places during times of war or persecution, as seen in the life of David fleeing Saul in [1 Samuel 22:1](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David in the Cave of Adullam"). A "shield" (מָגֵן, _mâgên_) was an essential piece of defensive armor in ancient warfare, protecting a warrior from arrows, spears, and swords. These images, therefore, conveyed concrete, tangible security in a world fraught with danger. Culturally, the covenant relationship between God and Israel underscored God's role as protector and provider, where adherence to His Law was understood to bring blessings and security, while disobedience invited vulnerability. The psalmist's language draws on these deeply embedded cultural realities to express a spiritual truth: God Himself, and His reliable Word, are the ultimate and most dependable sources of security, far surpassing any physical stronghold or human defense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several central themes of [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Greatness of God's Law") and indeed, of biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Refuge**, portraying God as the ultimate sanctuary and active defender. This imagery of a "hiding place" and a "shield" is a common biblical motif, emphasizing God's sovereign power to guard and preserve His people from various threats—physical, spiritual, or emotional. This theme resonates throughout the Psalms, where God is frequently invoked as a [refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") or as the [rock and fortress](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and My Fortress"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Foundational Nature of God's Word for Hope**. The declaration, "I hope in thy word," is crucial, revealing that the psalmist's security is not based on personal strength, fleeting circumstances, or human alliances, but explicitly on God's revealed truth—His promises, commands, and unwavering faithfulness. This emphasis on the Word as the bedrock of hope is central to [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Greatness of God's Law") as a whole, which consistently links obedience to the Word with life, blessing, and confident expectation, as seen in [Psalm 119:49](/psalms/119-49 "Psalm 119:49 - Hope in God's Word"). Lastly, the intimate address, "Thou art my," signifies a theme of **Personal, Intimate Trust** in God. It speaks to a deep, personal relationship where the psalmist fully surrenders his safety and future into divine hands, recognizing God's personal commitment to those who cling to His Word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hiding Place (Hebrew, _çêther'_):** This term (סֵתֶר, H5643) denotes a cover, a hiding place, or protection. It conveys a sense of secure retreat from danger, a sanctuary where one is completely safe from external threats. It implies not just a passive cover, but an active, protective presence that shields from harm, often used in the context of fleeing from enemies or distress.
* **Shield (Hebrew, _mâgên'_):** The word (מָגֵן, H4043) refers to a defensive weapon carried in battle, designed to protect the warrior from blows and projectiles. As a metaphor, it signifies active defense, protection, and security provided by a powerful entity. When applied to God, it highlights His role as the one who actively intervenes to guard and preserve His people from all forms of attack, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.
* **Hope (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** This verb (יָחַל, H3176) signifies a deep, patient, and confident expectation or waiting. It is not a mere wish or a vague optimism, but a steadfast trust rooted in certainty, often implying endurance and perseverance while awaiting a promised outcome. In this context, the psalmist's hope is firmly anchored in the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou art my hiding place and my shield:"** This opening clause is a direct, personal declaration of the psalmist's relationship with God. The use of "my" indicates an intimate, possessive trust. God is not merely *a* hiding place or *a* shield, but *the* psalmist's personal, ultimate source of refuge and defense. This imagery conveys comprehensive security—God provides both a secure sanctuary to retreat into (hiding place) and active protection against incoming harm (shield). It speaks to God's dual role as a passive haven and an active defender, encompassing all aspects of safety and preservation.
* **"I hope in thy word."** This second clause reveals the foundation of the psalmist's profound trust and confident expectation. The hope is not in circumstances, human strength, or fleeting promises, but specifically "in thy word"—God's revealed will, His promises, His commands, and His faithfulness as expressed in Scripture. This demonstrates that the psalmist's security and confidence are not blind faith, but are firmly rooted in the immutable, reliable, and life-giving truth of God's divine revelation. The "word" here is the basis for the "hiding place" and "shield," showing that God's protection is experienced through adherence to and trust in His revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:114 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God is directly equated with a "hiding place" and a "shield." These are not literal objects, but symbolic representations of God's protective nature and His role as a secure refuge. The "hiding place" metaphor evokes a sense of sanctuary, safety from danger, and a place of retreat. The "shield" metaphor suggests active defense, protection against adversaries, and a barrier against harm. Together, they create a comprehensive image of divine security. Additionally, the verse uses **Personal Address** ("Thou art my..."), which establishes an intimate and direct relationship between the psalmist and God, emphasizing a personal reliance and a deep, individual trust. This direct address enhances the emotional impact and sincerity of the declaration. The structure of the verse also hints at a subtle **Parallelism** between the two clauses, where the declaration of God's protective nature is immediately followed by the declaration of hope in His Word, implying that the latter is the basis for the former.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:114 powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: true security and enduring hope are found exclusively in God and His immutable Word. This verse connects to the broader theological understanding of God as sovereign protector and faithful covenant keeper. It underscores that God's promises, as revealed in His Word, are not mere suggestions but divine guarantees that serve as the bedrock for human trust and expectation. The psalmist's experience reflects the reality that in a fallen world filled with threats and uncertainties, the believer's ultimate refuge is not in human institutions, personal strength, or material possessions, but in the character of God Himself, apprehended and relied upon through His written revelation. This theological framework establishes the Word of God as essential, not just for moral guidance, but for spiritual sustenance, psychological stability, and confident hope in the face of adversity.

* [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - My Refuge and My Fortress")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Romans 15:4](/romans/15-4 "Romans 15:4 - Scripture Written for Our Instruction and Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, pervasive anxieties, and myriad threats to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, Psalms 119:114 offers a timeless anchor for the soul. It calls believers to re-evaluate where they place their ultimate trust and hope. Rather than seeking fleeting security in human systems, financial stability, or personal accomplishments, this verse directs us to the unchanging nature of God and the unwavering truth of His Word. To embrace God as our "hiding place" means to consciously retreat into His presence and promises when fear, doubt, or external pressures mount, finding solace and peace in His sovereign care. To acknowledge Him as our "shield" means trusting in His active defense against spiritual attacks, the schemes of evil, and the overwhelming challenges of life. Crucially, our hope is not a vague optimism but a confident expectation rooted in God's Word. This implies a diligent engagement with Scripture—reading it, meditating on it, believing it, and allowing it to shape our worldview and decisions. When we immerse ourselves in God's promises, we build an unshakeable foundation for hope that transcends circumstances, enabling us to face trials with courage and live with profound peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God to be your "hiding place" and "shield" today?**
* **How does your daily interaction with God's Word practically contribute to or diminish your hope in Him?**
* **What fears or uncertainties are currently challenging your sense of security, and how can you intentionally anchor your hope in God's promises found in Scripture?**
* **How might a deeper, more consistent reliance on God's Word transform your approach to life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be a "hiding place" and a "shield" in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, God being a "hiding place" and a "shield" means He is our ultimate source of security, refuge, and defense in every aspect of life. Practically, this implies several things:
* **Emotional and Mental Sanctuary:** When overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or despair, God offers a spiritual retreat where we can find peace and solace. We can "hide" in His presence through prayer, meditation on His attributes, and dwelling on His promises, finding rest for our souls as described in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary").
* **Spiritual Protection:** He shields us from the attacks of the enemy, the temptations of sin, and the spiritual battles we face. Just as a physical shield protects from blows, God's power and truth protect our hearts and minds from spiritual harm, enabling us to [stand firm against the schemes of the devil](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Full Armor of God").
* **Guidance and Direction:** His Word serves as a shield against deception and error, guiding us in truth and righteousness. By adhering to His precepts, we are protected from making destructive choices and are led in paths of life, as [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp") declares His Word is a lamp to our feet.
* **Ultimate Security Amidst Life's Dangers:** While not promising immunity from all hardship, God guarantees His presence and ultimate deliverance. He is our refuge in times of physical danger, persecution, or loss, assuring us that even if our earthly circumstances crumble, our eternal security in Him remains inviolable, as promised in [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love"). In essence, it means living with a deep, abiding trust that God is actively watching over us, protecting us, and providing a secure haven for our souls, all grounded in the reliability of His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:114 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist found refuge and hope in God's revealed Word (Torah), the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the living Word of God, the full and final revelation of God's character and will, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). Therefore, the "hiding place" and "shield" that the psalmist longed for are perfectly embodied in Christ. He is our ultimate sanctuary, the one to whom we can flee for refuge from the condemnation of sin, the power of death, and the accusations of the enemy, as He promises [rest for the weary and burdened](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). Christ is also our perfect "shield," having disarmed the powers and authorities through His death and resurrection, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Our hope is no longer merely in written precepts, but in the Person of Jesus Christ, who is [our living hope](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope through Resurrection"). He is the faithful and true witness, the one who perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law, and in whom all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, to hope in God's Word today is to place our entire trust and confident expectation in Jesus, the Word made flesh, who is our complete salvation, our eternal refuge, and our impenetrable shield.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 91:1

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

Psalms 91:2

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

Psalms 32:7

¶ Thou [art] my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psalms 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Isaiah 32:2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Psalms 130:5

¶ I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalms 130:6

My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: [I say, more than] they that watch for the morning.