Psalms 91:7

KJV

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

A thousand {H505} shall fall {H5307}{H8799)} at thy side {H6654}, and ten thousand {H7233} at thy right hand {H3225}; but it shall not come nigh {H5066}{H8799)} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it won't come near you.

Berean Standard Bible

Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you.

American Standard Version

A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; Butit shall not come nigh thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 91:7 delivers a powerful declaration of divine protection amidst overwhelming peril. It paints a vivid picture of widespread devastation, with thousands perishing on every side, yet unequivocally assures the trusting believer that such calamity will not reach them. This verse stands as a testament to God's sovereign power to shield His faithful from the most extreme dangers, offering profound peace and an antidote to fear in times of crisis, emphasizing that ultimate security resides in Him alone.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 91 is a psalm of trust and confidence, a profound declaration of God's unwavering protection for those who dwell in His presence. It opens by establishing the secure abode of the believer: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" ([Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in God's Secret Place")). This foundational statement sets the stage for the remarkable promises that follow, which include deliverance from snares, pestilence, and terror. Verse 7 specifically amplifies these promises by addressing scenarios of widespread calamity—whether from war, plague, or other forms of destruction—reassuring the faithful of their safety amidst surrounding peril. It builds upon earlier assurances of deliverance from the "noisome pestilence" ([Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from Pestilence")) and the terror of the night ([Psalm 91:5](/psalms/91-5 "Psalm 91:5 - No Fear of Terror")). The psalmist moves from general promises of safety to a hyperbolic illustration of extreme danger, making the divine intervention in verse 7 all the more striking.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 91 is not specified, its themes resonate with the common experiences of ancient Israel, a nation frequently embroiled in conflicts and susceptible to plagues and natural disasters. Life in the ancient Near East was often precarious, marked by warfare, disease outbreaks, and famine. The imagery of "thousands falling" would have been acutely understood in a context where battles resulted in massive casualties and epidemics could decimate populations. The "side" and "right hand" refer to immediate proximity, emphasizing that the danger is not distant but directly surrounding the individual. In a culture where divine intervention was deeply integrated into the understanding of daily life and national destiny, a promise of such absolute protection would have been incredibly comforting and foundational to their trust in Yahweh as their ultimate refuge and fortress, as declared in [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God My Refuge and Fortress").

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 91:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Protection Amidst Calamity**. The verse vividly portrays a scene of immense destruction and loss, with "a thousand" and "ten thousand" falling, yet despite this overwhelming danger, the core message is God's supernatural ability to preserve His faithful, ensuring that the calamity "shall not come nigh thee." This highlights God's unique shielding power, akin to the protection promised in [Psalm 121:7](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7 - God's Preservation from All Evil"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Control** over all circumstances. The deliverance is not a matter of chance or good fortune, but a deliberate act of divine will, demonstrating God's absolute power to intervene directly and provide a sanctuary for those who rely on Him. Finally, the verse offers profound **Assurance and Peace** for the believer. In times of crisis, it provides an antidote to fear, assuring that even when surrounded by the worst, God's presence provides an invisible barrier, bringing comfort and security that transcends worldly circumstances, echoing the peace Christ gives in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fall (Hebrew, _nāphal_):** This verb signifies "to fall, lie, be cast down, perish." In the context of warfare or plague, it denotes death and destruction. The repetition of "fall" with escalating numbers emphasizes the overwhelming scale of the surrounding devastation, making the subsequent promise of immunity all the more miraculous. It implies a complete and utter defeat or demise.
* **Nigh (Hebrew, _nāgaš_):** The Hebrew word for "nigh" means "to draw near, approach, come close." The strong negation preceding it ("it shall not come nigh thee") emphatically declares an absolute and precise immunity from the surrounding destruction for the one dwelling in God's shelter. It signifies that the calamity will not even make contact, let alone inflict harm.
* **Side (Hebrew, _tsad_):** This term literally means "side" or "flank." Coupled with "right hand," it emphasizes the extreme proximity of the danger. The falling of thousands is not in a distant land but directly beside and surrounding the individual, highlighting the precision and immediacy of God's protective hand in the midst of imminent peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A thousand shall fall at thy side":** This clause introduces the scenario of widespread death and destruction occurring in immediate proximity to the individual. "A thousand" is a significant number, indicating a large-scale disaster, whether military defeat, plague, or other forms of calamity, directly impacting those nearby.
* **"and ten thousand at thy right hand":** This phrase intensifies the preceding statement through numerical escalation, employing hyperbole. "Ten thousand" signifies an even greater magnitude of destruction, emphasizing that the individual is completely surrounded by overwhelming peril. The "right hand" further underscores the extreme closeness and pervasive nature of the danger.
* **"but it shall not come nigh thee":** This is the pivotal declaration of divine protection. Despite the immense and proximate danger described, God's promise is that the destruction will not reach, affect, or harm the one under His shelter. The strong negation ("shall not come nigh") asserts an absolute and supernatural immunity, highlighting God's sovereign power to create an impenetrable barrier around His beloved.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 91:7 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine protection. **Hyperbole** is prominently used with the numbers "a thousand" and "ten thousand," which are not literal counts but powerful exaggerations to illustrate the immense scale and overwhelming nature of the surrounding danger. This heightens the miraculous aspect of the divine deliverance. **Contrast** is central to the verse, juxtaposing the widespread death and destruction ("thousands shall fall") with the absolute immunity of the believer ("it shall not come nigh thee"). This stark opposition emphasizes the unique and supernatural nature of God's protection. **Imagery** is vivid, painting a picture of bodies falling around the protected individual, allowing the reader to visualize the dire circumstances and the divine shield. Though not a full **Personification**, there's an implied sense of calamity as an entity that attempts to "come nigh" but is prevented, giving it an active role in the scene. The verse's structure also demonstrates a powerful **Climax** from "a thousand" to "ten thousand," leading to the ultimate, definitive promise of safety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 91:7 is a profound theological statement on God's active, sovereign protection over His people. It speaks to the reality of a fallen world, where suffering, disease, and conflict are pervasive, yet simultaneously proclaims God's power to create a sphere of safety for those who trust Him. This protection is not merely passive but an active intervention, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It underscores the biblical theme that true security is found not in worldly defenses or human strength, but in intimate communion and reliance upon the Almighty. While not promising absolute immunity from all physical suffering or death in a fallen world, it assures ultimate spiritual and existential security, guaranteeing that no true harm or separation from God can befall those who abide in Him.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "Deuteronomy 33:27 - The Eternal God is your refuge")
* [Proverbs 1:33](/proverbs/1-33 "Proverbs 1:33 - Those who listen will live in safety")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's presence in trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 91:7 offers tremendous encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and adversities of contemporary life. In a world frequently marked by global pandemics, economic instability, social unrest, and personal trials, this verse calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's faithfulness. It reminds us that our ultimate security comes from Him, not from worldly safeguards, human ingenuity, or fleeting circumstances. While we are not promised a life devoid of challenges, the verse assures us that even when surrounded by overwhelming peril, God's presence provides an invisible barrier, a spiritual immunity to the destructive forces that would otherwise consume us. This includes not only physical dangers but also spiritual warfare, the schemes of the adversary, and the moral decay of the age. Our response is to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High," cultivating a continuous, intimate relationship with God, allowing His promises to anchor our souls and dispel fear, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to the "thousands falling" around you?**
* **How does the promise of "it shall not come nigh thee" challenge your natural inclination to fear or rely on worldly security?**
* **What does it mean practically to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" in your daily life, and how does this posture enable you to claim God's protection?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse promise that believers will never experience physical harm or death?**

Answer: While Psalms 91:7 powerfully declares God's protection, it's important to interpret it within the broader biblical narrative. It does not guarantee absolute immunity from all physical suffering, illness, or even death in a fallen world. Many faithful believers throughout history have faced persecution, sickness, and martyrdom. Rather, the verse emphasizes God's sovereign care and ultimate preservation. It assures that no true, ultimate, or spiritual harm can befall those who are in Christ. It speaks to a divine shield that prevents the *intended* destructive outcome of calamity from reaching the believer, often preserving life, but always preserving their eternal soul and purpose in God. The promise is that the "plague will not come near your tent" ([Psalm 91:10](/psalms/91-10 "Psalm 91:10 - No harm will overtake you")), signifying that God's people are under His special watch, and even in death, they are delivered into His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 91:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise speaks of physical and temporal protection, Christ embodies the complete and eternal security for all who trust in Him. He is the true "secret place of the Most High" ([Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in God's Secret Place")), the ultimate refuge where believers abide under the shadow of the Almighty. When "a thousand fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand," representing the pervasive power of sin, death, and the devil, Christ's victory on the cross ensures that these spiritual calamities "shall not come nigh" the believer in a salvific sense. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), conquered death itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")), and secured an eternal inheritance for His followers. The protection promised in Psalms 91:7 is ultimately realized in the New Covenant, where believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), kept by God's power ([1 Peter 1:5](/1_peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by God's Power")), and assured that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")). Thus, in Christ, the promise of immunity from ultimate spiritual destruction is absolute and eternal.

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

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 12:13

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye [are]: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you], when I smite the land of Egypt.

Genesis 7:23

And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained [alive], and they that [were] with him in the ark.

Numbers 14:37

Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

Numbers 14:38

But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men that went to search the land, lived [still].

Psalms 32:6

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Joshua 14:10

And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while [the children of] Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I [am] this day fourscore and five years old.