Psalms 31:21
Psalms 31:21 in Multiple Translations
Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His loving devotion in a city under siege.
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
Blessed be Jehovah; For he hath showed me his marvellous lovingkindness in a strong city.
May the Lord be praised, because he has made clear to me the wonder of his grace in a strong town.
Bless the Lord, for he has shown me his wonderful trustworthy love when my city was being attacked
Blessed be the Lord: for hee hath shewed his marueilous kindenesse toward me in a strong citie.
Blessed [is] Jehovah, For He hath made marvellous His kindness To me in a city of bulwarks.
Praise be to the LORD, for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath showed me his wonderful kindness in a strong city.
Praise Yahweh! When my enemies surrounded the city in which I was living, he showed me in a wonderful way that he faithfully loves me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 31:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תַּסְתִּירֵ֤/ם
בְּ/סֵ֥תֶר
פָּנֶי/ךָ֮
מֵֽ/רֻכְסֵ֫י
אִ֥ישׁ
תִּצְפְּנֵ֥/ם
בְּ/סֻכָּ֗ה
מֵ/רִ֥יב
לְשֹׁנֽוֹת
תַּסְתִּירֵ֤/ם
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
בְּ/סֵ֥תֶר
çêther
H5643
secrecy
Prep | N-ms
פָּנֶי/ךָ֮
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
מֵֽ/רֻכְסֵ֫י
rôkeç
H7407
conspiracy
Prep | N-mp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
תִּצְפְּנֵ֥/ם
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
בְּ/סֻכָּ֗ה
çukkâh
H5521
booth
Prep | N-fs
מֵ/רִ֥יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
Prep | N-cs
לְשֹׁנֽוֹת
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:21
תַּסְתִּירֵ֤/ם
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
בְּ/סֵ֥תֶר
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
פָּנֶי/ךָ֮
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מֵֽ/רֻכְסֵ֫י
rôkeç
H7407
"conspiracy"
Prep | N-mp
Conspiracy or a snare is a trap or a plot to catch someone. This term is used to describe a secret plan or a clever trick. It involves deceit or cunning.
Definition: 1) snares, plots, band, league, conspiracy 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pride. See also: Psalms 31:21.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תִּצְפְּנֵ֥/ם
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
בְּ/סֻכָּ֗ה
çukkâh
H5521
"booth"
Prep | N-fs
This word describes a small, temporary shelter or booth. It is used to describe a thicket or covert, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tabernacles or tents of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) thicket, covert, booth 1a) thicket 1b) booth (rude or temporary shelter)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15; Psalms 18:12.
מֵ/רִ֥יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
לְשֹׁנֽוֹת
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cp
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
- Sermons on Psalms 31:21
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
19How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
20You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.
21Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His loving devotion in a city under siege.
22In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. 23Love the LORD, all His saints. The LORD preserves the faithful, but fully repays the arrogant.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 23:7–13 | When Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, he said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has trapped himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men. When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. |
| 2 | Psalms 17:7 | Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:9 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 1:18 | Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. |
| 5 | Psalms 98:1 | Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory. |
| 6 | Psalms 118:23 | This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. |
Psalms 31:21 Summary
[This verse means that even when things seem really tough and scary, God is still with us and loves us, as seen in Psalms 31:21, where the psalmist says that God has shown him His loving devotion in a city under siege. It's like when a city is surrounded by enemies, but God is still taking care of the people inside, similar to the experience of the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14. We can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things seem uncertain or dangerous, and seek refuge in Him, as described in Psalms 31:20, where it says that God hides His people in the secret place of His presence. By doing so, we can experience God's loving devotion in our own lives, just like the psalmist did, and express our gratitude to Him, as seen in Psalms 100:4-5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to show His loving devotion in a city under siege?
This phrase suggests that even in the midst of great difficulty and danger, God's love and care for His people are still present and active, as seen in Psalms 31:21, where the psalmist expresses gratitude for God's loving devotion in a desperate situation, similar to the experience of the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14.
How can we experience God's loving devotion in our own times of trouble?
We can experience God's loving devotion by trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as expressed in Psalms 31:19, and by seeking refuge in Him, as seen in Psalms 31:20, where it says that God hides His people in the secret place of His presence.
What is the significance of the city under siege in this verse?
The city under siege likely represents a situation of great danger and uncertainty, where the psalmist feels overwhelmed and threatened, but still experiences God's loving devotion, much like the siege of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 25:1-2, where God was still with His people even in the midst of judgment.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is a declaration of praise and thanksgiving, following the psalmist's expression of trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 31:19-20, and preceding his call to love and trust in God, as seen in Psalms 31:22-23, which is similar to the call to trust in God in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced God's loving devotion in my own life, even in difficult circumstances?
- How can I trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things seem uncertain or dangerous?
- What are some ways that I can seek refuge in God, as described in Psalms 31:20, and experience His loving devotion in my own life?
- How can I express my gratitude to God for His loving devotion, as the psalmist does in Psalms 31:21, and what are some ways that I can share this gratitude with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:21
Blessed [be] the Lord,.... A form of thanksgiving, in which the psalmist calls upon himself and others to bless and praise the Lord for the singular mercy granted him, expressed in the next clause;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:21
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. Strong city. Yahweh Himself, with His almighty protection, is the "strong city" (Psalms 46:1; Psalms 46:11).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
To wit, in Keilah; where God wonderfully preserved me; of which see . Others, as in a strong city. He hath kept me as safe in woods and caves, as if I had been in a fenced city.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
Psalms 31:21 Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.Ver. 21. Blessed be the Lord] This should always be in a Christian’ s mouth, as Deo gratias was in Austin’ s. He can never want matter, and should, therefore, ever find a heart. For he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness] Mirificavit bonitatem suam, hath been far better to me than my hopes. In a strong city] In Mahanaim, 2 Samuel 18:27, where it is likely he made this and some other psalms.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
(21) Shewed me his marvellous kindness . . .—Better, made his kindness distinguished or manifest, referring to Psalms 31:19. In a strong city.—Some see a reference to David’s adventures at Ziklag or Keilah; others to Jeremiah’s in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38). It is, however, better to regard it merely as a general image of the Divine protection.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
Verse 21. In a strong city.] If this Psalm was written by David, this must refer to his taking refuge with Achish, king of Gath, who gave him Ziklag, a fortified city, to secure himself and followers in. See 1 Samuel 27:6. This is more likely than that it was Keilah, where he only had intimation of the traitorous design of the inhabitants to deliver him up to Saul; so that the place was no refuge to him, howsoever fortified. Perhaps the passage may mean that, under the protection of God, he was as safe as if he had been in a fortified city.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:21
19–24. Can the author of this serenely joyous thanksgiving be the despised and downcast sufferer of Psa 31:9-18? If so, it was surely not at the same moment. An interval has elapsed; his prayer has been answered; the danger is past.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:21
Blessed be the Lord - An expression of thanksgiving for the evidence that God had heard him in his troubles, and had answered him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:21
21, 22. Strong city—Fenced city, namely, Keilah. See 1 Samuel 23:7. I said in my haste—Literally, in my flight.
Sermons on Psalms 31:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marvelous Kindness in a Strong City by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding peace and strength in God during times of struggle and despair. It encourages listeners to trust in God's simplicity and power to p |
|
David in Training for Kingship by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrast between David's seemingly peaceful nature as a musician and poet, and his ultimate destiny as a great warrior. The speaker emphas |
|
Exposition on Psalm 18 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalm of David, highlighting the relationship between Christ and the Church as the Head and the Body. The sermon emphasizes the love, strength, and de |
|
David Relying Upon the Lord's Lovingkindness by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on David's reliance on the Lord's lovingkindness, which is better than life itself. Lovingkindness, akin to grace, encompasses God's zealous, loyal, and merci |
|
Israel in the Last Days by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's purpose for Israel. He urges believers to bless and not curse Israel, as shown in Numbers 23 with the s |
|
A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou |
|
Evan Roberts Preaching in 1905 by Evan Roberts | Evan Roberts reflects on the glorious deeds of God, emphasizing that no amount of time could fully express His greatness. He challenges the congregation to consider what they offer |