King James Version

What Does Psalms 27:5 Mean?

Psalms 27:5 in the King James Version says “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall ... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalms 27:5 · KJV


Context

3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. the beauty: or, the delight

5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. joy: Heb. shouting

7

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The confidence 'For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me' uses imagery of royal protection and sacred refuge. God's 'pavilion' (sukkah) was a temporary shelter; His 'tabernacle' (ohel) was His dwelling. Both symbolize divine protection. 'He shall set me up upon a rock' depicts elevation to safety. Reformed theology sees God as ultimate refuge—our security rests in His sovereign protection, not human defenses. Hiding in God means trusting His providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David literally hid in caves and wilderness from Saul (1 Sam. 23-24). Physical hiding places were temporary; God was the ultimate refuge. The tabernacle represented God's presence among Israel—the safest place to be.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'hide in God' when trouble comes?
  2. What does being 'set upon a rock' teach about spiritual stability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִצְפְּנֵ֨נִי׀2 of 10

he shall hide

H6845

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

בְּסֻכֹּה֮3 of 10

me in his pavilion

H5520

a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair

בְּי֪וֹם4 of 10

For in the time

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רָ֫עָ֥ה5 of 10

of trouble

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

יַ֭סְתִּרֵנִי6 of 10

shall he hide

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

בְּסֵ֣תֶר7 of 10

in the secret

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

אָהֳל֑וֹ8 of 10

of his tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

בְּ֝צ֗וּר9 of 10

upon a rock

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

יְרוֹמְמֵֽנִי׃10 of 10

me he shall set me up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 27:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 27:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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