Psalms 31:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God protects the faithful from human arrogance and slanderous speech by sheltering them in His presence.
The Context of Psalms 31:20
God shelters the faithful from human pride and the harm of slanderous speech.
What Does Psalms 31:20 Mean?
To be hidden in the 'secret of thy presence' is to be protected by God's intimate companionship. The protection is not merely external but relational; to be in God's presence is itself a sanctuary. From this hidden shelter, the faithful are safe from 'the pride of man'—the arrogant boasting and posturing of the wicked. Pride is a force that seeks to intimidate and overcome the faithful, but God's presence renders it powerless.
The image of a pavilion protected from 'the strife of tongues' returns to the theme of slander and false speech that has plagued the psalmist. A pavilion is an enclosed, covered place where one is protected from the elements. Here it shelters from the worst elements of human speech—quarreling, accusation, mockery. God provides this shelter not by stopping the strife (the wicked will continue speaking) but by removing the faithful from the place where they are vulnerable to it. This is spiritual refuge that transcends physical protection.
Psalms 31:20 in the Original Language
sukka (סֻכָּה), 'pavilion' — a booth, tent, or shelter; the same word used for the harvest booths in the feast of Tabernacles, suggesting temporary shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 31:20
What does Psalms 31:20 mean?
God protects the faithful from human arrogance and slanderous speech by sheltering them in His presence.
What is the context of Psalms 31:20?
God shelters the faithful from human pride and the harm of slanderous speech.