Psalms 91:4
Psalms 91:4 in Multiple Translations
He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
He will cover thee with his pinions, And under his wings shalt thou take refuge: His truth is a shield and a buckler.
You will be covered by his feathers; under his wings you will be safe: his good faith will be your salvation.
He will hide you under his feathers, and shelter you with his wings. His trustworthiness shields and protects you.
Hee will couer thee vnder his winges, and thou shalt be sure vnder his feathers: his trueth shall be thy shielde and buckler.
With His pinion He covereth thee over, And under His wings thou dost trust, A shield and buckler [is] His truth.
He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Upon an instrument of ten strings, upon the psaltery: with a canticle upon the harp.
He will shield/protect you like a bird shields/protects its chicks [MET] with/under her wings. You will be safe ◄in his care/because he takes care of you►. His faithfully doing what he has promised is like a shield [MET] that will protect you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 91:4
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 91:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אֶבְרָת֨/וֹ
יָ֣סֶךְ
לָ֭/ךְ
וְ/תַֽחַת
כְּנָפָ֣י/ו
תֶּחְסֶ֑ה
צִנָּ֖ה
וְֽ/סֹחֵרָ֣ה
אֲמִתּֽ/וֹ
בְּ/אֶבְרָת֨/וֹ
ʼebrâh
H84
pinion
Prep | N-fs | Suff
יָ֣סֶךְ
çâkak
H5526
to fence
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לָ֭/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ/תַֽחַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Conj | Prep
כְּנָפָ֣י/ו
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fp | Suff
תֶּחְסֶ֑ה
châçâh
H2620
to seek refuge
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
צִנָּ֖ה
tsinnâh
H6793
hook
N-fs
וְֽ/סֹחֵרָ֣ה
çôchêrâh
H5507
buckler
Conj | N-fs
אֲמִתּֽ/וֹ
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs | Suff
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 91:4
בְּ/אֶבְרָת֨/וֹ
ʼebrâh
H84
"pinion"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a bird's wing or feather, used to describe God's care in Psalm 91:4. It represents protection and safety. In the Bible, it often symbolizes freedom and beauty.
Definition: 1) pinion, wing 1a) of bird (ostrich, eagle, dove) 1b) of God (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: feather, wing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalms 68:14; Psalms 91:4.
יָ֣סֶךְ
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
לָ֭/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/תַֽחַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
כְּנָפָ֣י/ו
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
תֶּחְסֶ֑ה
châçâh
H2620
"to seek refuge"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.
צִנָּ֖ה
tsinnâh
H6793
"hook"
N-fs
This Hebrew word for shield refers to a protective device used in battle, like a buckler. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's protection, as in Psalm 5:12. The word also means cold, as in piercing or biting.
Definition: 1) something piercing, hook, barb 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: buckler, cold, hook, shield, target. See also: 1 Samuel 17:7; Psalms 5:13; Psalms 35:2.
וְֽ/סֹחֵרָ֣ה
çôchêrâh
H5507
"buckler"
Conj | N-fs
This word means a shield, like a buckler, used for protection in battle. It surrounds the person, keeping them safe from harm.
Definition: buckler, shield
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: buckler. See also: Psalms 91:4.
אֲמִתּֽ/וֹ
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 91:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 91:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:4
- Sermons on Psalms 91:4
Context — You Are My Refuge and My Fortress
2I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
3Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.
4He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
5You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 61:4 | Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah |
| 2 | Psalms 57:1 | Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. |
| 3 | Psalms 17:8 | Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:11 | As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions. |
| 5 | Isaiah 43:1–2 | Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. |
| 6 | Psalms 35:2 | Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. |
| 7 | Genesis 15:1 | After these events, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” |
| 8 | Matthew 23:37 | O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! |
| 9 | Ruth 2:12 | May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.” |
| 10 | Hebrews 6:17–18 | So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. |
Psalms 91:4 Summary
Psalms 91:4 tells us that God will cover us with His feathers and we will find refuge under His wings, meaning He protects and cares for us like a mother bird does for her babies. This protection is not just physical but also spiritual, shielding us from the evils and dangers of the world, as seen in Psalms 23:4 where God is our shepherd who guides and protects us. By trusting in God's faithfulness, we can have confidence that He is always with us, protecting and guiding us (as in Isaiah 41:10), and we can live our lives with courage and peace, knowing we are under His care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be covered with God's feathers as mentioned in Psalms 91:4?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's protection and care, much like a mother bird shields her young with her wings, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:11 and Matthew 23:37, where God's desire to gather His people under His wings is expressed.
How can God's faithfulness be a shield and rampart for me?
God's faithfulness, as mentioned in Psalms 91:4, acts as a protective barrier against the challenges of life, similar to the concept of God being our rock and refuge in Psalms 18:2, providing a secure foundation for trust and confidence.
Is the image of being under God's wings in Psalms 91:4 only symbolic, or does it have a deeper meaning?
The image of being under God's wings is not just symbolic but represents a real, spiritual protection and shelter that believers can experience, as reinforced by Jesus' teaching in Luke 13:34, where He yearns to gather Jerusalem's children under His wings.
How can I practically find refuge under God's wings as described in Psalms 91:4?
Finding refuge under God's wings involves trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7, and seeking a personal relationship with Him through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to His commands, much like the Psalmist's declaration in Psalms 16:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's protection and care, and how can I apply the promise of Psalms 91:4 to these situations?
- In what ways have I experienced God's faithfulness as a shield and rampart in my life, and how can I share these testimonies with others to encourage their faith?
- How does the image of being covered with God's feathers and finding refuge under His wings impact my understanding of God's love and care for me?
- What practical steps can I take to 'abide under the shadow of the Almighty' as mentioned in Psalms 91:1, and how will this impact my daily life and trust in God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:4
He shall cover thee with his feathers,.... As birds do their young, who cannot cover themselves: this they do from a tender regard to them, whereby they both keep them warm, and protect them from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:4
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
His truth; whereby he is obliged to fulfil all his gracious promises, and, amongst the rest, that of protection in dangers.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.Ver. 4. He shall cover thee with his feathers] As the hen doth her chickens; Fides est quae te pullastrum, Christum gallinam facit, ut sub pennis eius speres; nam salus in pennis eius, saith Luther; it is faith which maketh thee the little chicken, and Christ the hen; that thou mayest hide, and hope, and hover, and cover under his wings; for there is health in his wings. And under his wings shalt thou trust] For without faith what use is there to us of the promises. Non de se debet sperare Christianus; si vult esse firmus vapore materno nutriatur, ut pullus gallinaceus, saith Austin; Let no man hope for safety or strength but under Christ’ s wings graciously stretched out over him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
(4) Feathers . . . wings . . .—For this beautiful figure, here elaborated, see Psalms 17:8, Note.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:4
Verse 4. He shall cover thee with his feathers] He shall act towards thee as the hen does to her brood, - take thee under his wings when birds of prey appear, and also shelter thee from chilling blasts. This is a frequent metaphor in the sacred writings; see the parallel texts in the margin (Psalms 17:8, Psalms 57:1, Psalms 61:4), and the notes on them. The Septuagint has Εντοιςμεταφρενοιςαυτουεπισκιασεισοι· He will overshadow thee between his shoulders; alluding to the custom of parents carrying their weak or sick children on their backs, and having them covered even there with a mantle. Thus the Lord is represented carrying the Israelites in the wilderness. See Deuteronomy 32:11-12, where the metaphor is taken from the eagle. His truth shall be thy shield and buckler] His revelation; his Bible. That truth contains promises for all times and circumstances; and these will be invariably fulfilled to him that trusts in the Lord. The fulfillment of a promise relative to defence and support is to the soul what the best shield is to the body.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:4
4. He shall shelter thee with his pinions, And under his wings shalt thou take refuge: His truth is a shield and buckler. Cp. Psalms 5:11-12; Psalms 17:8; Psalms 63:7; and the figure in Deuteronomy 32:11, though the application there is different. God’s truth, i.e. His faithfulness to His promises, will be a defence against hostile calumnies. The words rendered shield and buckler both denote large shields, protecting the whole of the person.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:4
He shall cover thee with his feathers ... - As the parent bird protects its young. See the notes at Psalms 17:8. Compare Deuteronomy 32:11.
Sermons on Psalms 91:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dr. Law and Dr. Grace - Part 1 by Lester Roloff | This sermon focuses on the theme of finding comfort and security in God's arms amidst life's challenges and uncertainties. It emphasizes the peace and protection that comes from be |
|
About Leonard Ravenhill Video by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the power of God's protection and provision in our lives, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's plan rather than seeking external prayers. It delv |
|
(Depressed Disciples) False Teaching by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and how it reflects the perilous times mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the storms and challenges that pe |
|
|
(Depressed Disciples) the Storms of Life by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and how it reflects the perilous times mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the storms and challenges that pe |
|
A Psalm of Moses by Chuck Smith | The video discusses the various ways in which Christians view Halloween. Some Christians see it as an opportunity to preach the gospel and engage with people by giving out candy an |
|
The Little Sanctuaries - Ezekiel 11:16 by Glenn Hill | This sermon emphasizes the concept of finding sanctuary in God, drawing parallels from Ezekiel's words about God being a little sanctuary for His scattered people. It highlights th |
|
|
Is the Lord Sleeping? by Richard Burson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of having a quiet time and being alone with God. He references Psalm 5:1-3, which emphasizes the act of praying and |