Psalms 31:20

KJV

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt hide {H5641} them in the secret {H5643} of thy presence {H6440} from the pride {H7407} of man {H376}: thou shalt keep them secretly {H6845} in a pavilion {H5521} from the strife {H7379} of tongues {H3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots, you conceal them in your shelter, safe from contentious tongues.

Berean Standard Bible

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.

American Standard Version

In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: Thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:20 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering protection and intimate refuge for those who trust in Him. It vividly portrays the Almighty actively shielding His faithful from the destructive forces of human arrogance and malicious verbal assaults. This verse assures believers that within God's immediate, personal presence, they find an impenetrable sanctuary—a secure, concealed hiding place from the world's most insidious and pervasive threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of David, articulating his profound distress and steadfast reliance on God amidst severe affliction and intense opposition. The psalm opens with David's desperate plea for divine deliverance, setting a tone of urgent dependence (e.g., David's cry for help in [Psalm 31:1-8](/psalms/31-1-8 "Psalm 31:1-8 - David's Plea for Deliverance")). He graphically describes the overwhelming nature of his suffering, encompassing both physical and emotional decay (as seen in [Psalm 31:9-10](/psalms/31-9-10 "Psalm 31:9-10 - David's Anguish and Distress")). Crucially, David emphasizes the treachery and slander of his adversaries, who conspire against him and spread damaging rumors (highlighted in [Psalm 31:13](/psalms/31-13 "Psalm 31:13 - David's Enemies Plot Against Him")). Amidst these heartfelt cries for rescue, verse 20 marks a powerful transition from petition to confident declaration, expressing David's unwavering trust in God's faithful preservation of the righteous. It stands as a testament to God's character as a steadfast protector, following David's clear declaration of trust in [Psalm 31:14](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14 - David's Trust in God Amidst Trouble").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was undeniably marked by frequent and intense persecution, ranging from King Saul's relentless pursuit to the painful betrayal by his own son, Absalom. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a person's reputation was of paramount importance, and slander or false accusations could be utterly devastating, often leading to social ostracization, legal condemnation, or even death. The concept of "the pride of man" (human arrogance, oppressive power, and self-exaltation) represented a constant threat from rulers and powerful individuals who frequently disregarded divine law and justice. The imagery of a "pavilion" or "tent" as a place of refuge was deeply ingrained in nomadic and early Israelite culture, symbolizing temporary yet secure shelter. This concept is powerfully echoed in the [tabernacle](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Construction and Dedication"), which served as God's dwelling place and a sacred sanctuary for His people. This verse profoundly resonates with the lived experience of those facing precarious times, seeking divine intervention and protection against powerful and malicious human forces.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present within Psalm 31 and the broader Psalter. The primary theme is **Divine Refuge and Security**, emphasizing God's unique and sovereign ability to "hide" and "keep" His people safe from external threats. The evocative imagery of being hidden "in the secret of thy presence" and "in a pavilion" conveys a profound sense of intimate, personal sanctuary, rendered inaccessible to human malice. This directly ties into the theme of **Protection from Human Adversity**, specifically targeting "the pride of man" (representing human arrogance, oppression, and self-exaltation) and "the strife of tongues" (malicious speech, slander, false accusations, and contentious words). God's presence acts as an ultimate, impenetrable barrier against these destructive forces, a concept beautifully echoed in other psalms that speak of God as a [strong tower](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"). Furthermore, the phrase "secret of thy presence" profoundly underscores the theme of **Intimacy with God**, suggesting a deep, personal relationship where believers dwell in close communion with the Almighty, experiencing His direct oversight, favor, and tender care. This intimate dwelling provides a profound peace that transcends external circumstances, a peace promised to those whose minds are [stayed on God](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **סֵתֶר (Hebrew, _çêther_):** This noun, derived from the root H5641 (çâthar, "to hide"), signifies a "hiding place," "covering," or "secret place." In Psalms 31:20, its use emphasizes the divine act of concealment, not merely for physical protection but also for profound intimacy. To be hidden in God's _çêther_ implies a deep security that emanates from being enveloped by His very being, a sacred space where the believer is uniquely protected from external threats and drawn into a deeper, confidential relationship with the Almighty. It suggests a place of profound peace, inaccessible to the enemy's reach.
* **פָּנִים (Hebrew, _pânîym_):** Literally meaning "face" or "faces," this term is a common Hebrew idiom for "presence." To be in the "secret of thy presence" means to be in the closest possible communion with God, enjoying His direct oversight, favor, and personal attention. It is not an abstract theological concept but a vibrant relational reality where God's very countenance is turned towards the believer, signifying His active engagement, benevolent gaze, and protective care. This intimate presence is the ultimate and most secure source of the believer's safety.
* **סֻכָּה (Hebrew, _çukkâh_):** This word refers to a "booth," "tent," or "temporary dwelling." While inherently temporary, in biblical imagery, it frequently symbolizes a place of shelter, divine protection, and provision, as vividly seen in the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). Here, it metaphorically represents a secure enclosure divinely provided by God, a divinely appointed shelter that shields His people from external dangers. The repetition of the idea of "secretly" (implied by both "hide" and "pavilion") powerfully reinforces the concept of a divinely concealed and impenetrable refuge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence":** This opening clause powerfully highlights God's active and sovereign role as the protector ("Thou shalt hide"). The beneficiaries are "them," referring to those who trust in Him, as firmly established in the broader context of Psalm 31. The nature of this hiding place is profoundly intimate and personal: "in the secret of thy presence." This signifies a deep, personal communion where God Himself is the sanctuary, actively enveloping and concealing His people within His very being. It is a place of profound security, divine intimacy, and absolute inaccessibility to human malice.
* **"from the pride of man":** This clause precisely specifies the first type of pervasive threat from which God provides refuge. "The pride of man" refers to human arrogance, self-exaltation, oppressive power, and the destructive actions that stem from a haughty, rebellious spirit. This encompasses the nefarious schemes, violent acts, and oppressive systems perpetrated by those who oppose God and His people, seeking to exert their own fallen will and power. God's presence acts as an impenetrable barrier, nullifying or rendering ineffective the destructive manifestations of human pride.
* **"thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion":** This second clause powerfully reinforces and parallels the first, reiterating God's unwavering commitment to the preservation of His people ("thou shalt keep them"). The adverb "secretly" (related to _çêther_) further emphasizes the concealed, intimate, and secure nature of this divine protection. The "pavilion" (_çukkâh_) serves as a potent metaphor for a divinely provided, secure dwelling or shelter. It signifies a place of refuge that is both deeply intimate and utterly impenetrable, a sanctuary where God's people are shielded from external harm and danger.
* **"from the strife of tongues":** This identifies the second specific and insidious threat: verbal attacks. "Strife of tongues" vividly describes contention, quarrels, malicious gossip, slander, false accusations, and all forms of destructive, divisive speech. In ancient societies, such verbal assaults could utterly ruin reputations, incite violence, and cause immense emotional and social suffering. God's protection extends to shielding His people from the cutting, damaging, and divisive effects of such verbal conflict, providing a haven of profound peace amidst the noise, venom, and chaos of human words.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 31:20 is richly imbued with powerful **Imagery** and profound **Metaphor**, creating a vivid and comforting picture of divine protection. The concepts of being hidden "in the secret of thy presence" and "in a pavilion" are potent metaphors for God's protective embrace, transforming abstract theological ideas into tangible, comforting images of secure shelter and intimate concealment. The verse also employs striking **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second half of the verse reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half using different but closely related imagery and threats. "Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence" directly parallels "thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion," both conveying the profound truth of divine safeguarding. Similarly, "from the pride of man" parallels "from the strife of tongues," identifying two distinct but deeply related forms of human malice from which God provides protection. Finally, there is an element of **Personification** in how "the pride of man" and "the strife of tongues" are presented almost as active, attacking entities from which one needs protection, giving them a vivid, almost adversarial presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:20 profoundly articulates God's character as the ultimate Protector and the sole source of true security. It teaches that genuine refuge is not found in human defenses, worldly power, or self-reliance, but exclusively in the intimate, active presence of the Almighty. The verse highlights the pervasive nature of human evil, manifest in both overt arrogance and subtle, destructive speech, underscoring humanity's desperate need for a divine shield. The promise of being "hidden" and "kept secretly" reveals God's tender, meticulous care and His sovereign power to nullify the schemes of the wicked. This divine sanctuary offers not just physical safety but also profound spiritual and emotional peace, enabling believers to rest securely even amidst the most hostile environments. It affirms that God's presence is the most secure, comforting, and transformative place one can be, a place of deep communion where His people are enveloped in His boundless love and omnipotent power.

* [Psalm 27:5](/psalms/27-5 "Psalm 27:5 - God Hides Me in His Pavilion")
* [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly defined by digital noise, pervasive public scrutiny, and contentious discourse, Psalms 31:20 offers an enduring beacon of hope and profoundly practical guidance. We live in an age where "the pride of man" manifests in unchecked power, systemic injustice, self-aggrandizing narratives, and oppressive structures, while "the strife of tongues" proliferates relentlessly through social media, rampant gossip, and deeply polarized public opinion, often inflicting deep, unseen wounds. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and inner peace are not contingent on silencing every critic or overcoming all opposition by our own limited strength. Instead, true, lasting refuge is found in intentionally seeking and dwelling in the "secret of God's presence." This calls for a deliberate spiritual posture: prioritizing prayer, diligent meditation on Scripture, and heartfelt worship as essential means of entering into and abiding within that divine sanctuary. When we are truly hidden in Him, our perspective profoundly shifts; the external chaos loses its power to define or disturb our inner state. We are encouraged to trust that God is actively at work, not necessarily by removing us from all trials, but by providing an inner calm, spiritual resilience, and divine wisdom that allows us to navigate the storms of human malice with grace, confidence, and unwavering faith. This sacred promise fosters a deep sense of belonging and absolute safety, enabling us to live courageously, knowing that our true dwelling place and ultimate security are found in the very heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's "secret presence" as your ultimate refuge transform your perspective on current challenges or conflicts you face in your life?**
* **In what specific ways do "the pride of man" (e.g., arrogance, abuse of power, self-promotion) or "the strife of tongues" (e.g., gossip, slander, online negativity) manifest in your life today, and how can you practically rely on God's protection in those instances?**
* **What tangible steps can you take this week to "hide" yourself more deeply in God's presence, moving beyond a superficial understanding to a profound, lived experience of His intimate sanctuary?**

### FAQ
**What does "secret of thy presence" truly mean for a believer today?**

Answer: For a believer today, "the secret of thy presence" signifies an intimate, personal, and profoundly secure relationship with God. It means that through faith in Christ, we have direct, unhindered access to God's very being, where He actively conceals, protects, and sustains us. It's not a physical location but a spiritual reality where we are enveloped by His boundless love, omnipotent power, and divine wisdom. This "secret place" is where we find profound refuge from the world's chaos, experience deep communion with the Creator, and receive divine guidance and peace, much like a beloved child hidden securely and tenderly in a parent's embrace. It is the spiritual dwelling place of those who abide in Him, as beautifully described in [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High").

**How does God protect from "the pride of man" and "the strife of tongues" in a practical sense?**

Answer: God's protection from "the pride of man" and "the strife of tongues" is multifaceted and deeply practical. It doesn't always mean physical removal from these threats, but often involves granting profound inner peace, divine wisdom, and spiritual resilience to endure and overcome them. Practically, this can manifest as:
1. **Inner Peace and Calm:** God's presence provides a deep, supernatural peace that transcends external circumstances, allowing believers to remain unshaken even when surrounded by hostility and turmoil ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God Guards Hearts and Minds")).
2. **Divine Wisdom:** He graciously grants wisdom to navigate difficult situations, respond with grace and truth, and discern truth amidst falsehood and deception ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - God Gives Wisdom Generously")).
3. **Vindication and Justice:** While not always immediate or in the way we expect, God ultimately vindicates His people and brings justice against those who act in pride or spread malicious lies, often in ways that display His sovereignty ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord")).
4. **Spiritual Resilience:** He strengthens believers to endure persecution, slander, and false accusations without being consumed by bitterness, despair, or a desire for revenge ([2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8-9 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Perplexed but Not Crushed, Struck Down but Not Destroyed")).
5. **Changed Hearts:** Sometimes, God even works sovereignly to soften the hearts of oppressors or expose the truth, turning situations around in unexpected and miraculous ways, for His glory.

**Is this protection absolute, meaning believers will never suffer from these things?**

Answer: The protection promised in Psalms 31:20 is absolute in its spiritual and ultimate sense, but it does not guarantee immunity from all external suffering or exposure to "the pride of man" or "the strife of tongues." Believers, much like David himself, will still experience these trials, persecutions, and verbal assaults in this fallen world. However, the profound promise is that these forces will not ultimately destroy, overwhelm, or separate them from God's enduring love and sovereign purpose for their lives. God's presence acts as an internal, spiritual shield, preserving their soul, their inner peace, and their faith amidst the most violent storms. It ensures that while the world may rage and inflict temporary pain, the believer's true refuge, identity, and eternal security in God remain unshaken and eternally secure. The ultimate security is found in God's unwavering faithfulness to keep His covenant people, even through profound suffering, leading them ultimately to eternal glory and perfect peace in His presence [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "presence" (פָּנִים), the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") who "tabernacled" (pitched His tent/pavilion) among us, thereby perfectly fulfilling the imagery of the _çukkâh_ or "pavilion" as God's dwelling place with humanity ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel, God With Us")). Jesus perfectly endured "the pride of man" in its most insidious and concentrated forms: the arrogant self-righteousness of religious leaders, the abuse of political power by Pilate and Herod, and the scornful cries of the crowds who demanded His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:11-26](/matthew/27-11-26 "Matthew 27:11-26 - Jesus Before Pilate and His Condemnation")). He also bore the full brunt of "the strife of tongues," facing relentless false accusations, vicious mockery, and slander from His enemies even as He hung on the cross ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")). Yet, through His perfect life, atoning suffering, redemptive death, and glorious resurrection, He decisively conquered these forces, providing the ultimate "secret place" for all who trust in Him. Believers are now eternally "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Hidden with Christ in God")), finding their complete security, identity, and eternal refuge in His finished work on the cross. Moreover, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ's very presence becomes the believer's intimate sanctuary, a constant source of peace, strength, and protection from within, fulfilling the promise of God's abiding presence and intimate fellowship ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, the profound promise of Psalms 31:20 is not merely a hope or a distant ideal, but a living, dynamic reality for every believer who is united to Him.

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 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

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 91:1

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

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

Job 5:21

Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

Psalms 64:2

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

Psalms 64:4

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.