Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

PSALMS 91:6KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 91:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 91:6 mean?

Psalms 91:6 says that those who trust in God do not need to fear deadly diseases that strike unseen or sudden destruction that comes in broad daylight. The verse reassures the reader that God’s protection covers dangers both hidden and obvious, at any time of day.

The psalm is written as a song of trust, likely by someone speaking to fellow believers about God’s care. The verse uses poetic language to describe threats that are hard to predict or defend against—like pestilence (deadly disease) moving secretly in darkness, and destruction that wastes lives even when it is bright and clear outside. The focus is on God’s ability to shield from every kind of harm, visible or invisible.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 91:6

  • "pestilence" (דֶּבֶר, dever): This word means a plague or deadly disease. In the verse, it highlights dangers that are hard to see or control.
  • "walketh" (הָלַךְ, halakh): This verb means "to go" or "to walk." Here, it paints a picture of pestilence moving about, almost as if it is alive and active, especially in darkness.
  • "darkness" (אֹפֶל, ophel): This word means deep darkness or gloom. It emphasizes that some dangers are hidden or strike when people are least aware.
  • "destruction" (קֶטֶב, qeteb): This word refers to ruin or devastation, often sudden and overwhelming.
  • "wasteth" (שׁוּד, shud): This verb means "to lay waste" or "to devastate." It describes the destructive force that can strike openly, in "noonday."
  • "noonday" (צָהֳרָיִם, tsohorayim): This means midday, the brightest part of the day. The contrast with "darkness" shows that threats can come at any time.

Why Psalms 91:6 matters

  • Psalms 91:6 clarifies that God’s protection is not just for dangers we can see coming, but also for those that are hidden or unexpected.
  • The verse balances images of darkness and noonday to show that threats can appear at any time, but God’s care is constant.
  • In the context of Psalm 91, this verse deepens the sense of security for the believer, reinforcing the theme that God’s shelter is comprehensive and trustworthy.

Where else these words appear

“destruction” Hebrew H6986 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:24 They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
  • Isaiah 28:2 Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

“darkness” Hebrew H652 · used in 8 verses

  • Job 3:6 As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
  • Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
  • Job 30:26 When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

“noonday” Hebrew H6672 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • 1 Kings 18:29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
  • Isaiah 16:3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

“pestilence” Hebrew H1698 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 5:3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
  • Psalms 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
  • Jeremiah 42:22 Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn.