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.

Where else these words appear

“pavilion” Hebrew H5521 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 33:17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
  • 1 Kings 20:12 And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.
  • Job 36:29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?

“secretly” Hebrew H6845 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
  • Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
  • Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

“secret” Hebrew H5643 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
  • Job 24:15 The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.
  • Proverbs 9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

“strife” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.