Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

PSALMS 31:20KJV
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Psalms 31:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:20 mean?

Psalms 31:20 describes God as a protector who hides and shields people in His presence, keeping them safe from human pride and harmful gossip. The verse uses the image of a secret shelter or pavilion to show how God keeps His people secure from the attacks and slander of others.

King David is speaking to God, expressing trust that God will guard those who seek Him. The verse paints a picture of God’s care as both personal and hidden, suggesting a protection that is not always visible but is deeply real. David’s words come from a place of distress, asking for refuge from both the arrogance and the harsh words of others.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:20

  • "hide" (סָתַר, satar): This word means to conceal or keep out of sight. Here, it emphasizes the idea that God’s protection is thorough—He doesn’t just defend, but actually hides people away from danger.
  • "secret" (סֵתֶר, seter): This word refers to a hidden or secret place. It highlights the intimacy and security of God’s presence, suggesting a shelter that others cannot see or reach.
  • "presence" (פָּנִים, panim): Literally meaning "face," this word often points to being in someone’s company. In this context, it stresses that safety comes from being close to God Himself, not just from a physical hiding place.
  • "pavilion" (סֻכָּה, sukkah): This word means a shelter or booth, often used for temporary protection. It adds the sense that God’s care is like a protective covering, shielding from outside threats.

Why Psalms 31:20 matters

  • Psalms 31:20 clarifies that God’s protection is not always outwardly obvious; it can be a hidden, inner security that others may not notice or understand.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care extends beyond physical danger to include protection from prideful attacks and damaging words, which can be just as harmful.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of Psalms 31, where David repeatedly turns to God as his refuge in times of trouble, showing a deep trust in God’s personal involvement in his life.