King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:21 Mean?

Psalms 31:21 in the King James Version says “Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. strong: or, fenced” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. strong: or, fenced”

Psalms 31:21 · KJV

Context

19

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

20

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.

21

Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. strong: or, fenced

22

For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

23

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. David's lament transforms fully into praise as he declares God's covenant love demonstrated through deliverance. This models faith journey from petition through trust to thanksgiving—pattern of many Psalms and much Christian experience.

Blessed be the LORD initiates worship. Hebrew baruk means to bless, praise, adore. When humans bless God, we acknowledge His worthiness, goodness, power. We cannot add to God's blessedness, but honor Him by declaring His excellency. This blessing formula appears throughout Scripture, marking transitions from trial to testimony, petition to praise. David has moved from lament's darkness to worship's light.

For he hath shewed signals cause for blessing. Hebrew pala means to be wonderful, extraordinary, surpassing. God has done something remarkable beyond normal experience or expectation. His intervention was not merely adequate but marvelous—inspiring awe and wonder. This distinguishes God's works from human efforts; His deliverances reveal supernatural power and care.

His marvellous kindness translates chesed pala—extraordinary covenant love. Chesed is God's loyal, steadfast, faithful love rooted in covenant commitment. Not earned or merited but flows from God's character and promise. Modifying chesed with pala emphasizes God's love exceeded expectations—He lavishly exceeded minimum obligations. Grace upon grace, love beyond measure.

In a strong city (Hebrew 'ir matsor—fortified city, place of siege) provides geographical specificity or metaphor. God's kindness manifested powerfully in place of confinement and danger. Reformed theology emphasizes God's love is not abstract sentiment but concrete action—He shows kindness through tangible deliverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David experienced several instances where God delivered from besieged cities. Most notably, God warned him to leave Keilah before Saul arrived (1 Samuel 23:7-13). God's foreknowledge and timely revelation displayed marvellous kindness, preventing capture.

Phrase strong city may echo Psalm 31:21 in Hebrew texts, where similar language appears. Early church fathers interpreted strong city Christologically. Augustine saw it as church—city of God under assault by world but preserved by divine kindness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does David's progression from lament to praise model healthy processing of suffering?
  2. What is significance of God's kindness being described as marvellous rather than merely adequate?
  3. How has God shown you His covenant love in unexpected or surpassing ways?
  4. Why is it important to recognize God's blessing specifically rather than offering vague gratitude?
  5. In what ways does church corporately experience God's marvellous kindness as strong city under siege?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בָּר֥וּךְ1 of 8

“Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָ֑ה2 of 8

“be the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֥י3 of 8
H3588

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

הִפְלִ֘יא4 of 8

“for he hath shewed me his marvellous”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

חַסְדּ֥וֹ5 of 8

“kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

לִ֝֗י6 of 8
H0
בְּעִ֣יר7 of 8

“city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מָצֽוֹר׃8 of 8

“in a strong”

H4692

something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness

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 31:21 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 31:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 23:7-13Psalms 17:7Jeremiah 1:181 Peter 2:9Psalms 118:23Psalms 98:1

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