Psalms 91:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He that dwelleth {H3427}{H8802)} in the secret {H5643} place of the most High {H5945} shall abide {H3885}{H8698)} under the shadow {H6738} of the Almighty {H7706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You who live in the shelter of 'Elyon, who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai,

Berean Standard Bible

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

American Standard Version

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 91:1 serves as the foundational declaration of divine security, asserting that those who cultivate a deep, intimate, and continuous relationship with God, the "Most High," will experience the all-encompassing, protective presence of the "Almighty." This verse introduces the profound truth that true refuge and unwavering shelter are found not in human strength or earthly circumstances, but in a settled, trusting residence within the very presence and power of God, setting the stage for the psalm's rich promises of preservation and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 91 opens as a profound declaration of God's unwavering protection for those who trust Him, immediately following Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses reflecting on the brevity of human life and the eternal nature of God. This juxtaposition highlights a crucial transition: from acknowledging human frailty and God's judgment to embracing His steadfast refuge and security. Verse 1 sets the indispensable condition for the subsequent promises of deliverance from snares, pestilence, terror, and war (e.g., [Psalms 91:3-7](/psalms/91-3 "Psalms 91:3-7 - Promises of Deliverance")). It establishes that the blessings described throughout the psalm are not automatic but flow from a committed, abiding relationship with God, framing the entire psalm as a testament to the security found in divine intimacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the author of Psalm 91 is not explicitly named, its themes resonate deeply with the experiences of ancient Israel, a nation often surrounded by hostile forces and vulnerable to natural dangers and diseases. The imagery of "shadow" and "secret place" evokes the ancient Near Eastern concept of a powerful patron or king providing shelter and protection to those under their care, often in literal fortresses or strongholds. The titles "Most High" (`Elyon`) and "Almighty" (`Shaddai`) were significant in the broader Semitic world, denoting supreme deity and self-sufficient power, respectively. For the Israelites, these titles affirmed Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty and His unique ability to provide ultimate security in a world fraught with peril, whether from human enemies, wilderness dangers, or unseen spiritual threats.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate Psalm 91 and resonate throughout the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Intimacy and Abiding**, portraying a continuous, intentional, and personal relationship with God as the prerequisite for divine protection, echoing the call to "walk with God" seen in figures like [Enoch](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Walks with God") and [Noah](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah Walks with God"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Shelter**, using vivid metaphors like "shadow" to convey God's comprehensive and active guardianship over His devoted followers, a theme consistently found in passages like [Psalms 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Psalms 17:8 - Shadow of Your Wings") and [Isaiah 49:2](/isaiah/49-2 "Isaiah 49:2 - Hidden in His Hand"). Lastly, the verse underscores **God's Sovereign Power and Sufficiency**, through the titles "Most High" and "Almighty," affirming His supreme authority and boundless capacity to fulfill His promises of preservation, a truth reinforced by the declarations in [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") and [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is a Stronghold").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwelleth (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** This verb signifies more than a temporary stay; it implies a settled, continuous habitation, a permanent residence. It speaks to a lifestyle of abiding, resting, and establishing one's home in a particular place. In this context, it denotes a deep, ongoing, and intentional relationship with God, where one's spiritual life is rooted in His presence.
* **Secret Place (Hebrew, _seter'_):** This noun refers to a hiding place, a covering, or a shelter. It evokes a sense of intimacy and security, a secluded sanctuary where one is concealed and protected from external dangers. It suggests a privileged access to God's inner presence, a place of profound communion and refuge known only to those who seek Him.
* **Shadow (Hebrew, _tsel'_):** This word literally means "shade" and metaphorically represents protection, comfort, and refuge. In a hot, arid climate, shade provides vital relief and safety. When applied to God, it powerfully conveys His protective presence, His ability to shield from harm, and the comfort found under His watchful care, much like a bird sheltering its young under its wings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High":** This opening clause establishes the condition for divine protection. "Dwelling" implies a continuous, intentional, and intimate relationship, not a casual visit. The "secret place" refers to a profound, hidden communion with God, a sanctuary of His presence accessible through faith and devotion. "Most High" (Hebrew: `Elyon`) emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, His exalted position above all creation, and His absolute power.
* **"shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty":** This second clause declares the guaranteed outcome of such intimacy. To "abide" reinforces the continuous nature of the protection. The "shadow" is a powerful metaphor for God's comprehensive, comforting, and active guardianship, shielding from all harm and danger. "Almighty" (Hebrew: `Shaddai`) signifies God's self-sufficiency, His boundless power, and His ability to fulfill all His promises, especially those of protection and provision for those who trust Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 91:1 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Divine Epithet**, which combine to create a profound image of divine protection. The phrase "secret place" functions as a metaphor for an intimate, hidden communion with God, suggesting a sanctuary of profound spiritual security. Similarly, "shadow of the Almighty" is a powerful metaphor, evoking the protective presence of a bird sheltering its young under its wings or the relief provided by shade in a harsh environment. This imagery vividly conveys God's comprehensive and comforting guardianship. The use of two distinct **Divine Epithets**, "Most High" (`Elyon`) and "Almighty" (`Shaddai`), serves to emphasize God's supreme sovereignty and His boundless power. `Elyon` highlights His exalted position above all creation, while `Shaddai` underscores His self-sufficiency and all-encompassing might, reinforcing the absolute reliability of the protection offered. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, where the two clauses (`He that dwelleth...` and `shall abide...`) reinforce and elaborate on the same core idea of security found in God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 91:1 lays the theological groundwork for understanding God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His faithful. It posits that divine protection is not a random occurrence but a direct consequence of a cultivated, intimate relationship with the Creator. This concept of "dwelling" in God's presence is foundational to biblical spirituality, emphasizing that true security and flourishing are found not in self-reliance or worldly defenses, but in consistently seeking and resting in the omnipotent care of the Most High. It highlights God's character as both sovereign (`Elyon`) and all-sufficient (`Shaddai`), capable of providing complete refuge from any threat, whether seen or unseen. This verse invites believers into a deeper trust, reminding them that their ultimate safety is secured by the One who holds all power and authority.

* [Psalms 27:5](/psalms/27-5 "Psalms 27:5 - God Hides Me in His Tabernacle")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Whose Mind is Stayed on You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 91:1 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers navigating a world filled with uncertainty and peril. The invitation to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" is an exhortation to cultivate a continuous, intentional, and deeply personal relationship with God. This isn't about fleeting moments of prayer but a lifestyle of abiding in His presence through consistent communion, meditation on His Word, and active obedience. When we make God our permanent dwelling, we activate the promise of His unwavering protection. To "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" means to live with the profound assurance that His omnipotent power is our constant shield, providing refuge from all forms of danger—physical, emotional, and spiritual. In an age of anxiety, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security is not found in human ingenuity, financial stability, or political systems, but in the all-sufficient, loving care of our sovereign God, empowering us to face life's challenges with courage and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" in my daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to more fully trust God to "abide under His shadow"?**
* **How does cultivating intimacy with God change my perspective on security and fear?**

### FAQ
**What is the "secret place" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "secret place" (Hebrew: `seter`) refers to a hidden, intimate sanctuary of God's presence. It's not a physical location but a spiritual state of deep communion and fellowship with God. It implies a relationship characterized by trust, devotion, and a conscious seeking of His presence, where one finds refuge and concealment from the dangers and anxieties of the world. It is a place of profound spiritual security, accessible to those who consistently draw near to God, as encouraged in [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God").

**What do "Most High" and "Almighty" signify about God?**

Answer: These are two powerful divine titles that reveal God's character and authority. "Most High" (Hebrew: `Elyon`) emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, His exalted position above all creation, and His ultimate authority over everything. It speaks to His transcendence and unparalleled greatness. "Almighty" (Hebrew: `Shaddai`) signifies God's self-sufficiency, His boundless power, and His ability to fulfill all His promises. It highlights His omnipotence and His complete sufficiency to provide, protect, and sustain. Together, they assure the believer that the One offering protection is absolutely sovereign and infinitely powerful, capable of delivering on His promises, as seen in His covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God Appears to Abram as El Shaddai").

**Is God's protection in this verse conditional or unconditional?**

Answer: The protection described in Psalms 91:1 is presented as conditional upon a particular relationship with God. The verse begins with "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High," implying that the promise of abiding "under the shadow of the Almighty" is for those who actively cultivate and maintain a deep, intimate, and continuous relationship with God. While God's love and grace are unconditional, the specific experience of this comprehensive, abiding protection is contingent upon a lifestyle of trust, obedience, and dwelling in His presence, as further elaborated throughout the psalm, for example, in [Psalms 91:9-10](/psalms/91-9 "Psalms 91:9-10 - Because You Have Made the Lord Your Dwelling Place").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 91:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "secret place" and the "shadow of the Almighty" for believers. In Christ, we are invited not merely to visit but to permanently "dwell" in God's presence, for He is "Immanuel," God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus has opened the way for us to draw near to God with confidence, tearing the veil that separated humanity from the Most High ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). When we are "in Christ," we are literally abiding in the Son, and thus in the Father, experiencing the full protective embrace of the Almighty. He is our ultimate refuge, the One who truly shelters us from the dominion of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). The security promised in this psalm is not just a temporal protection but an eternal one, guaranteed by our union with Christ, who conquered all powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and in Him, we find our true "secret place" of rest and our eternal "shadow" of salvation ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 32:7

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

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 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalms 17:8

¶ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

1 John 4:16

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Psalms 31:20

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.