Psalms 91:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whether fear comes in the dark or in broad daylight, the one who shelters in God need not be afraid.
What Does Psalms 91:5 Mean?
The verse divides our fears into two halves of the day. There is the terror by night, the dread that grows in the dark when we cannot see what is out there, the worry that keeps us staring at the ceiling. And there is the arrow that flieth by day, sudden danger that strikes in plain sight, swift and out of nowhere. Between night and day the psalm covers the whole circle of the clock. To all of it the word is the same, gentle and firm: thou shalt not be afraid.
What the verse promises is that fear need not have the last word over us, even though frightening things will still come. Jesus spoke that same calm into a boat full of terrified friends, asking why they were afraid (Mark 4:40), and He speaks it still. Because He is with us through the night and the day alike, the things that fly at us lose their power to master us. We can rest under the shadow of the One who never sleeps.
Psalms 91:5 in the Original Language
pachad (פַּחַד), 'terror' -- a sudden dread, the cold fear that grips us in the dark.
How to Apply Psalms 91:5 Today
Our fears keep no schedule; some arrive in the small hours and some in the middle of an ordinary afternoon. This verse meets them in both, giving us a God near enough to quiet the dread rather than promising an easy road. When fear rises, we can name it to Him and let His presence steady us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 91:5
What does Psalms 91:5 mean?
Whether fear comes in the dark or in broad daylight, the one who shelters in God need not be afraid.
How can I apply Psalms 91:5 today?
Our fears keep no schedule; some arrive in the small hours and some in the middle of an ordinary afternoon. This verse meets them in both, giving us a God near enough to quiet the dread rather than promising an easy road. When fear rises, we can name it to Him and let His presence steady us.