Psalms 91:3

KJV

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely he shall deliver {H5337}{H8686)} thee from the snare {H6341} of the fowler {H3353}, and from the noisome {H1942} pestilence {H1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he will rescue you from the trap of the hunter and from the plague of calamities;

Berean Standard Bible

Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.

American Standard Version

For he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 91:3 stands as a profound declaration of divine protection, assuring those who abide in God's presence of His certain deliverance from both insidious, hidden dangers and widespread, destructive calamities. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's unwavering confidence in the Almighty's power to shield His beloved from the unseen traps set by adversaries and the overt threats of disease and disaster, reinforcing the foundational truth that security is found solely in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 91 is a psalm of profound trust and divine protection, often referred to as a psalm of refuge. It opens with a powerful affirmation of the security found in dwelling "in the secret place of the most High" and abiding "under the shadow of the Almighty" ([Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in the Secret Place")). The psalmist immediately establishes a personal relationship with God, proclaiming, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust" ([Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God My Refuge and Fortress")). Verse 3 then logically follows, specifying the nature of the deliverance promised by this refuge. It transitions from the general declaration of security to concrete examples of the dangers from which God delivers, setting the stage for the broader promises of protection against various perils detailed throughout the rest of the psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the "fowler" and "snare" was deeply resonant in ancient agrarian and nomadic societies. Bird trapping was a common practice, and the fowler's methods—hidden nets, traps, and decoys—were well understood as metaphors for deceptive plots, ambushes, or malicious schemes designed to ensnare the unwary. Such dangers could come from human enemies, political adversaries, or even spiritual forces. Similarly, "pestilence" (plague, epidemic) was a terrifying and frequent reality in the ancient world, capable of decimating populations without warning or apparent cause. Lacking modern medical understanding, these widespread diseases were often attributed to divine judgment or malevolent forces. The promise of deliverance from such a "noisome pestilence" would have offered immense comfort and hope in a world constantly vulnerable to unseen microbial threats and widespread illness, much like God's protective hand over Israel during the [plagues in Egypt](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - Protection from the Tenth Plague").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Psalm 91 and biblical theology. Firstly, **Divine Deliverance** is paramount; the word "Surely" emphasizes the absolute certainty and reliability of God's intervention. Secondly, it highlights **Protection from Hidden Dangers**, symbolized by the "snare of the fowler," which represents subtle, deceptive, or unseen threats—whether physical traps, human conspiracies, or spiritual attacks designed to cause downfall, echoing warnings about the [devil's schemes](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Schemes of the Devil"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Protection from Widespread Calamity**, embodied by the "noisome pestilence," encompassing plagues, epidemics, and any destructive force that brings widespread suffering or death. This underscores God's sovereignty over natural disasters and global crises. Finally, the verse reinforces **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Sovereignty**, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as an active, vigilant, and personal deliverer who is intimately involved in the lives of His trusting people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Snare (Hebrew, _pach'_):** This term refers to a trap, net, or gin, typically used for catching birds or animals. It vividly conveys the idea of something hidden, deceptive, and designed to ensnare or capture. In a metaphorical sense, it speaks to malicious plots, cunning deceptions, or sudden dangers that are not easily perceived until one is caught. The imagery highlights the insidious nature of the threat.
* **Noisome (Hebrew, _havvah'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fall" or "to rush upon," _havvah_ signifies ruin, calamity, or destruction. When paired with "pestilence," it emphasizes the destructive, ruinous, and often sudden nature of the affliction. It's not merely an inconvenience but something that brings devastation and harm.
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _dever'_):** This word specifically denotes a plague, epidemic, or widespread disease that causes death. It's a common biblical term for divine judgment or a severe, contagious illness. Its inclusion alongside the "snare" indicates that God's protection extends to both personal, targeted threats and broad, indiscriminate calamities that affect entire populations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely he shall deliver thee":** This opening phrase is a powerful declaration of absolute certainty and divine commitment. The word "Surely" (כִּי, _ki_) functions as an emphatic particle, emphasizing the unwavering truth and reliability of the promise. "He" refers to the Lord, the God of [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1-2 - Abiding in God's Presence"), highlighting His active role as the deliverer. The promise is personal ("thee"), underscoring God's individual care for those who trust in Him.
* **"from the snare of the fowler":** This clause introduces the first category of threat: hidden, deceptive, and often malicious dangers. The "fowler" (יָקוֹשׁ, _yaqosh_) is one who lays traps, symbolizing human adversaries, spiritual enemies (like Satan, the great deceiver), or circumstances designed to trick, entrap, or cause downfall. God promises to rescue His people from these cunningly laid snares, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual.
* **"[and] from the noisome pestilence":** This second clause presents the other major category of threat: widespread, destructive calamities, particularly diseases or plagues. The "noisome" aspect emphasizes the ruinous and deadly nature of such an affliction. This promise extends God's protection beyond targeted attacks to include general, pervasive dangers that threaten entire communities, demonstrating His comprehensive sovereignty over life and death.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 91:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine protection. **Metaphor** is prominently featured in "the snare of the fowler," which vividly represents hidden dangers, deceptive plots, or spiritual attacks designed to entrap. This concrete image helps the reader grasp the insidious nature of unseen threats. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous or complementary parallelism, by juxtaposing "the snare of the fowler" with "the noisome pestilence." While distinct, both phrases describe forms of danger from which God delivers, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of His protection. The opening word, "Surely," functions as a strong **Declaration** or **Assurance**, setting an emphatic tone of absolute certainty and divine reliability. This rhetorical choice instills confidence and underscores the psalmist's unwavering faith in God's protective power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 91:3 beautifully articulates the biblical truth of God's active and comprehensive providence over His people. It reassures believers that their security is not dependent on their own vigilance or strength, but on the unfailing power and faithfulness of the Almighty. This verse connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God as a deliverer, protector, and refuge for His covenant people, echoing themes found from the Exodus story to the prophetic promises of future safety. It emphasizes God's sovereignty over both human malice and natural forces, asserting His ability to shield His own from both insidious plots and widespread calamities. This divine protection is not a guarantee against all suffering, but an assurance of God's presence and ultimate deliverance through or from trials, fostering a profound sense of trust and peace.

* [Proverbs 3:25-26](/proverbs/3-25 "Proverbs 3:25-26 - No Fear of Sudden Terror")
* [Psalm 124:7](/psalms/124-7 "Psalm 124:7 - Our Soul Escaped Like a Bird")
* [Isaiah 26:20](/isaiah/26-20 "Isaiah 26:20 - Hide Yourself for a Moment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world perpetually marked by uncertainty, hidden dangers, and the threat of widespread illness, Psalm 91:3 offers profound comfort and a steadfast anchor for the soul. It calls believers to a posture of unwavering trust, reminding us that our ultimate security rests not in human ingenuity, medical advancements, or political stability, but in the sovereign hand of God. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with the Lord, making Him our refuge and fortress, so that we may confidently claim His promises of deliverance. When faced with the "snares" of deception, spiritual attack, or malicious intent, or the "pestilence" of global crises and personal sickness, we are invited to lean into God's faithfulness, knowing that He is vigilant over our lives and able to shield us. Our response should be one of active faith, seeking His presence and resting in the certainty of His protective love, allowing this truth to dispel fear and cultivate peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "snares" or hidden dangers do you perceive in your life or in the world today, and how does this verse encourage you to trust God for deliverance from them?**
* **How does the promise of deliverance from "noisome pestilence" speak to your fears or anxieties concerning widespread diseases or calamities?**
* **In what practical ways can you "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" to experience the protective presence described in this psalm?**
* **How does understanding God as your "fowler-deliverer" and "pestilence-protector" deepen your trust and strengthen your faith during times of uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Does Psalm 91:3 guarantee that believers will never get sick or face any harm?**

Answer: While Psalm 91:3 is a powerful promise of divine protection, it's crucial to interpret it within the broader biblical narrative and Christian experience. It does not promise absolute immunity from all suffering, sickness, or even death in this life. Many faithful believers throughout history have faced illness, persecution, and hardship, as seen in the lives of apostles like Paul ([2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). Rather, the verse emphasizes God's *certainty* of deliverance and His *sovereignty* over all dangers. It assures that God is able and willing to protect His people, and that ultimately, no snare or pestilence can thwart His divine purposes for those who trust in Him. It speaks to a deeper, spiritual security and God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and destruction, even if physical harm occurs. The ultimate deliverance is from eternal death and the power of the enemy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 91:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's protective presence and ultimate deliverer. The "snare of the fowler" represents the insidious traps of sin, death, and the devil, who is depicted as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil as a Roaring Lion")). Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, has definitively broken the power of this ultimate fowler, delivering humanity from the snare of spiritual bondage ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death and the Devil")). He triumphed over principalities and powers, disarming them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, the "noisome pestilence" can be understood not only as physical disease but also as the pervasive spiritual sickness of sin that afflicts all humanity, leading to spiritual death. Jesus, the Great Physician, came to heal this ultimate pestilence, offering forgiveness and new life ([Luke 5:31-32](/luke/5-31 "Luke 5:31-32 - Jesus, the Physician")). His atoning work provides the ultimate deliverance from the consequences of sin and the promise of a future where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, in Christ, God's promise to deliver from every snare and every destructive force is perfectly and eternally realized.

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 124:7

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Psalms 141:9

Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.

Job 5:10

Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:

Job 5:22

At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

Proverbs 6:5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Ecclesiastes 9:12

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.