Psalm 91
Read Psalm 91 slowly and peacefully — a psalm of refuge, protection, and trust in God.
1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Read Psalm 91 in Other Bible Translations
This page presents Psalm 91 KJV — the King James Version, also known as the Psalm 91 King James Version. You can also read Psalm 91 in these translations:
What Does Psalm 91 Mean?
The meaning of Psalm 91 centers on the relationship between trust and divine protection. Many believers understand this psalm as a declaration that those who choose to dwell in God's presence — "the secret place of the most High" — will find shelter, safety, and peace.
The psalm speaks of refuge and fortress, of feathers and wings, of angels and deliverance. Traditionally interpreted across both Jewish and Christian traditions, Psalm 91 addresses some of the deepest human fears: danger in the night, disease, violence, and the unknown. Its answer is not the absence of difficulty, but the assurance of God's presence through every trial.
The final verses (14–16) are often seen as God Himself speaking — promising deliverance, honor, long life, and salvation to those who set their love upon Him. Many readers find these closing words among the most comforting in all of Scripture.
Key Verses from Psalm 91
Psalm 91:1
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Psalm 91:1 introduces the theme of the entire psalm — the "secret place" where God's presence becomes shelter. Together, Psalm 91:1-2 form a declaration of faith that sets the foundation for every promise that follows. Many believers understand this secret place not as a physical location, but as a state of intimate trust and communion with God.
Psalm 91:2
"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:2 is a personal declaration — the moment the reader makes God's protection their own. "Refuge" speaks of a place to run to; "fortress" speaks of a stronghold that cannot be breached. Traditionally interpreted as the bridge between knowing about God's protection and personally claiming it through trust.
Psalm 91:4
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 is one of the most beloved images in Scripture — God as a protective parent bird, sheltering the vulnerable under His wings. Many believers find this verse deeply comforting because it combines tenderness with fierce protection. The feathers suggest closeness; the shield and buckler suggest strength.
Psalm 91:11
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 — also referenced as Psalm 91 11 — is among the most quoted verses in the Bible. It promises angelic guardianship for those who trust in God. This verse was also cited during the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:6, Luke 4:10-11), making it a subject of deep theological reflection across Jewish and Christian traditions. Many believers understand it as assurance that God's care is both personal and powerful.
Psalm 91 Morning Prayer
Many believers turn Psalm 91 into a personal Psalm 91 morning prayer for protection — reading each verse as a direct conversation with God. The psalm's language naturally lends itself to prayer: it speaks of refuge, trust, deliverance, and God's personal promises.
Whether you are facing illness, fear, uncertainty, or simply seeking a moment of peace, praying through Psalm 91 can be a powerful act of faith. Many traditions encourage reading the psalm aloud, slowly, allowing each verse to become a declaration of trust.
A Quiet Reflection
Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress. I choose to dwell in Your secret place and rest under Your shadow. Cover me with Your feathers, and let Your truth be my shield. I trust in Your promises, for You have said: "I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."
Inspired by Psalm 91 (KJV)
Psalm 91 Audio
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Explore Psalm 91
Psalm 91 Meaning
Understand what each verse means and how it applies to your life.
Read morePsalm 91 Morning Prayer
Begin your day with a peaceful prayer of faith and protection.
Read morePsalm 91 Protection
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Read morePsalm 91 For Sleep
Rest peacefully by reading Psalm 91 before bed.
Read morePsalm 91 For Family
Pray Psalm 91 over your family for protection and blessing.
Read morePsalm 91 Verse by Verse
Explore a detailed study of each verse in this powerful chapter.
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Psalm 91?
The Hebrew text does not name an author. Jewish tradition often connects Psalm 91 with Moses, based on its placement after Psalm 90 which is titled "A Prayer of Moses." Other traditions associate it with David or with temple worship during the period of the Second Temple.
What is Psalm 91?
Psalm 91 is a psalm of protection and trust found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It describes the safety and shelter promised to those who dwell in the presence of God, using vivid imagery of wings, shields, angels, and divine deliverance.
What does Psalm 91 mean?
Many believers understand Psalm 91 as a declaration of faith in God's protection. It describes the spiritual refuge available to those who trust in God — covering themes of shelter from danger, freedom from fear, angelic guardianship, and the promise of divine presence in times of trouble.
What is Psalm 91 about?
Psalm 91 is about finding safety and peace in the presence of God. It moves from a declaration of trust (verses 1–2) through promises of protection from specific dangers (verses 3–13) to God's own voice affirming His care for those who love Him (verses 14–16).
Who wrote Psalm 91 and why?
While the authorship is uncertain, Jewish tradition often credits Moses. Many scholars believe it was written to offer assurance and comfort — a declaration that those who place their trust in God will find refuge and protection, especially during times of fear, illness, or spiritual warfare.
What does Psalm 91 say?
Psalm 91 declares that those who dwell in God's secret place will be sheltered by the Almighty. It promises deliverance from traps and disease, protection under God's wings, freedom from fear by night and day, angelic guardianship, and ultimately God's own promise of long life and salvation.
What is the main message of Psalm 91?
The main message is that trusting in God brings real spiritual protection and peace. The psalm assures believers that God is their refuge and fortress — not that they will never face hardship, but that God's presence will be with them through every difficulty.
Why is Psalm 91 so powerful?
Many find Psalm 91 powerful because it speaks directly to fundamental human fears — danger, illness, darkness, and death — and answers each one with a promise of divine protection. Its imagery is vivid and personal, and its closing verses carry the weight of God speaking directly to the reader.
When was Psalm 91 written?
The exact date is uncertain. If attributed to Moses, it could date to around the 15th–13th century BCE. Many scholars place its composition during the monarchic period or post-exilic era of ancient Israel. Regardless of its exact date, the psalm has been cherished in Jewish and Christian worship for thousands of years.
Explore More About Psalm 91
Readers often have deeper questions about the meaning, history, and promises found in Psalm 91. Explore these reflections as you continue studying this powerful chapter.
What is the full verse of Psalm 91?
Explore the complete Psalm 91 English reading and reflect on the chapter's message of refuge, trust, and God's presence.
Explore reflectionWhy is Psalm 91 so powerful?
Discover why generations of believers have turned to Psalm 91 for encouragement, courage, and spiritual comfort.
Explore reflectionWhat is the meaning of Psalm 91?
Understand the deeper meaning behind the images of shelter, protection, angels, and trust found throughout this psalm.
Explore reflectionWhat is the famous verse in Psalm 91?
Learn why verses such as Psalm 91:1 and the promises of angelic protection are among the most remembered passages.
Explore reflectionWhat is the main message of Psalm 91?
Explore the central themes of God's refuge, faithfulness, and presence during life's uncertain moments.
Explore reflectionWhat happens when you read Psalm 91 every day?
Many readers include Psalm 91 in daily prayer, reflection, worship, and even Psalm 91 song devotion practices.
Explore reflectionWho wrote Psalm 91?
Learn about the traditional views, historical questions, and discussions surrounding the authorship of Psalm 91.
Explore reflectionWho wrote Psalm 91 and why?
Explore possible backgrounds of Psalm 91 and why this chapter has remained meaningful across generations.
Explore reflectionWhat does Psalm 91 say?
Read a simple overview of Psalm 91's message about trust, protection, fear, and God's faithful presence.
Explore reflectionWhat are the key promises in Psalm 91?
Explore the promises of shelter, deliverance, protection, and God's presence described throughout the chapter.
Explore reflectionWho is speaking in Psalm 91 in the Bible?
Understand the different voices within Psalm 91 and how the chapter moves between trust, testimony, and God's promise.
Explore reflectionWhy is Psalm 91 called the Soldier's Psalm?
Discover why Psalm 91 has historically been associated with courage, danger, protection, and trust during difficult times.
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