King James Version

What Does Psalms 91:6 Mean?

Psalms 91:6 in the King James Version says “Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 91 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”

Psalms 91:6 · KJV

Context

4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Read Psalms 91 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday—The Hebrew דֶּבֶר (deber, pestilence) and קֶטֶב (qeteb, destruction) represent literal plagues and metaphorical spiritual dangers. The pairing of 'darkness' and 'noonday' creates a merism (totality through opposites): believers are protected from threats both hidden (nighttime disease) and exposed (daytime devastation).

The verb הָלַךְ (halak, 'walketh') personifies pestilence as a stalking predator, while שׁוּד (shud, 'wasteth') means to ravage or lay waste violently. Ancient Near Eastern cultures feared demons that struck at night (like Lilith) and noon (like Qeteb Meriri, 'noonday demon'). God's protection encompasses every hour and every threat—natural disasters, epidemic diseases, enemy attacks. This verse anchored pandemic theology during COVID-19 and the Black Death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 91 is attributed to Moses by tradition (LXX superscription), possibly written during Israel's wilderness wandering when plagues struck (Numbers 16, 25). The psalm's military imagery ('shield,' 'buckler,' 'arrow') and plague language fit the Exodus context where God protected Israel from Egyptian plagues and desert dangers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'pestilences that walk in darkness' (hidden threats) do you fear, and how does God's sovereignty address them?
  2. How does the 24-hour protection (darkness to noonday) challenge anxiety about timing or circumstances of danger?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מִ֭דֶּבֶר1 of 6

“Nor for the pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

בָּאֹ֣פֶל2 of 6

“in darkness”

H652

dusk

יַהֲלֹ֑ךְ3 of 6

“that walketh”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מִ֝קֶּ֗טֶב4 of 6

“nor for the destruction”

H6986

ruin

יָשׁ֥וּד5 of 6

“that wasteth”

H7736

properly, to swell up, i.e., figuratively (by implication of insolence) to devastate

צָהֳרָֽיִם׃6 of 6

“at noonday”

H6672

a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon

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 91:6 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 91:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 121:5-6Numbers 16:48Matthew 24:6-7Exodus 12:29-302 Kings 19:351 Corinthians 10:3-10

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