What does Psalm 91:4 mean?
This verse uses a tender picture from nature: a mother bird spreading her wings over her chicks. "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust." Jesus used the same image when he wept over Jerusalem, saying he longed to gather its children as a hen gathers her brood. God's protection is not cold or distant; it is warm, close, and personal. The second half changes the image to battle equipment. God's "truth," his faithfulness to his promises, is a "shield and buckler," the large shield and the small one. God is both gentle shelter and strong defense for those who trust him.
Psalm 91:4 in the King James Version
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Context
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
What does Psalm 91:4 mean?
This verse uses a tender picture from nature: a mother bird spreading her wings over her chicks. "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust." Jesus used the same image when he wept over Jerusalem, saying he longed to gather its children as a hen gathers her brood. God's protection is not cold or distant; it is warm, close, and personal. The second half changes the image to battle equipment. God's "truth," his faithfulness to his promises, is a "shield and buckler," the large shield and the small one. God is both gentle shelter and strong defense for those who trust him.
What does Psalm 91:4 say in the KJV?
Psalm 91:4 (KJV) reads: “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”