Old Testament
Psalms 91:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Compare translations
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
What Psalms 91:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking a close relationship with God, referred to as the 'Most High.' The 'secret place' symbolizes a personal and intimate space where one can connect with God away from the distractions of the world. By dwelling in this sacred space, individuals find safety and protection, represented by the 'shadow of the Almighty.' This shadow signifies God's presence and care, suggesting that those who trust in Him will experience His guidance and shelter in times of trouble. The verse reassures believers that they are not alone; they can rely on God's strength and refuge. It encourages a lifestyle of faith and dependence on God, highlighting the benefits of spiritual intimacy and trust in divine protection.
How to apply Psalms 91:1 to your life
To apply this verse, set aside time for prayer and reflection, creating a 'secret place' in your daily routine. Seek to deepen your relationship with God through scripture and meditation, trusting in His protection and guidance in your life. Remember that you are safe under His care.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary · Psalms 91:1 Meaning
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 91:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
The verse says that a person who stays close to God — in the "secret place of the most High" — lives under God's protection, pictured as resting in the shadow of someone mighty. The rest of the psalm fills out what that protection looks like: safety from danger, disease, and fear. The opening verse states the main promise the whole psalm builds on.
Read It in Context
This is the opening verse of the psalm. Everything that follows — the feathers and wings in verse 4, the angels in verse 11, God's own words in verses 14-16 — is an expansion of what this first verse announces.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Psalms 91:1 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 91:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 'secret place' mean in Psalms 91:1?
The 'secret place' refers to a personal and intimate relationship with God. It symbolizes a space where individuals can connect with Him away from worldly distractions. This place is characterized by prayer, meditation, and reflection, allowing believers to experience God's presence and guidance.
How can I dwell in the secret place of the Most High?
To dwell in the secret place, set aside regular time for prayer and Bible study. Create a quiet space in your home or find a peaceful location where you can focus on God. Engage in meditation on His Word and seek to deepen your relationship with Him through worship and reflection.
How does Psalms 91:1 relate to faith and trust in God?
Psalms 91:1 emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God by encouraging believers to seek a close relationship with Him. By dwelling in the secret place, individuals demonstrate their reliance on God's protection and guidance, reinforcing the idea that true safety comes from trusting in His divine presence.
What are practical ways to find safety in God's presence?
Practical ways to find safety in God's presence include establishing a daily routine of prayer, reading scripture, and meditating on God's promises. Surround yourself with a supportive community of faith, engage in worship, and practice gratitude. These actions help cultivate a deeper sense of security and trust in God's protection.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.