Psalm 91 (KJV): Full Text, Meaning & Prayer
Psalm 91 in the King James Version, with a plain explanation of its meaning, a short prayer based on it, and answers to common questions about this psalm.
Psalm 91 (King James Version)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91:1-16, King James Version
A Prayer Based on Psalm 91
Lord, you are my refuge and my fortress. Today I choose to rest in the shelter of your presence rather than in my own plans.
When fear comes at night, remind me that you are awake. When trouble moves through the day, remind me that your truth is my shield. Keep watch over my home and over everyone I love, and walk with me in all my ways.
I do not ask for a life without hardship. I ask that you be with me in it, as you promised. Hear me when I call, answer me, and bring me safely through to the end. I trust in your name. Amen.
Short Version
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
What Psalm 91 Means
Psalm 91 is a psalm of trust. It has no heading naming an author in the Hebrew text, so we cannot say for certain who wrote it. Jewish and Christian traditions have connected it with Moses and with David, but this is tradition, not certainty. What is clear is its message: the person who makes God their home is kept safe in Him.
Verses 1-2: the shelter. The psalm opens with a picture of living in God's shadow. The speaker declares in a single sentence that the LORD is my refuge and my fortress. It is a personal choice to trust.
Verses 3-8: protection from danger. Here the psalm lists the things people fear most: traps, disease, terror in the night, arrows by day, and sudden disaster at noon. God covers the believer like a bird covering its young, and His truth is a shield and buckler. The images show closeness and care more than a promise that nothing hard will ever happen.
Verses 9-13: angels and safe steps. Because the believer has made the Most High their dwelling, God gives His angels charge to keep them in all their ways. Verses 11 and 12 are the same lines the devil quotes to Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11). Jesus answered that we must not put God to the test, which reminds us that trust is not the same as recklessness.
Verses 14-16: God speaks. The last section changes voice, and God Himself promises to answer, to be with the believer in trouble, to deliver and honour them, and to show them His salvation.
When to pray it: people turn to Psalm 91 in times of fear, illness, travel, uncertainty, or before sleep. Many pray it aloud slowly, one verse at a time, and then add the short prayer above in their own words.
Scripture to Pray With
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Psalm 91?
The Hebrew text names no author. Some traditions link it to Moses, because it follows Psalm 90, and others to David, but nobody can say for certain.
What is Psalm 91 about?
It is about trusting God as a shelter. It describes His protection in danger, His angels watching over us, and His promise to answer and be with us in trouble.
Is Psalm 91 a prayer for protection?
Yes. Many Christians pray it for protection for themselves and their families, especially in times of fear, illness, or travel.
Why is Psalm 91 quoted in the Gospels?
Verses 11 and 12 are quoted by the devil when he tempts Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:6). Jesus replies that we must not test the Lord our God.
Which Bible version is used here?
The King James Version, which is in the public domain. You can pray it from any translation you prefer.
Last updated 2026-10-08