Psalm 91:10 is a continuation of the promise-filled assurances given to the believer who trusts in and abides in the presence of God.
It reads in the King James Version (KJV): “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”
This verse builds directly on the declaration of trust found in Psalm 91:9, reinforcing the outcome of making the Lord one’s refuge. It is a profound expression of divine protection, emphasizing total coverage from harm, whether physical, spiritual, or environmental.
Psalm 91:10 – The Original Hebrew Text and Syntax
In the original Hebrew, the verse is: לֹא־תְאֻנֶּה אֵלֶיךָ רָעָה וְנֶגַע לֹא־יִקְרַב בְּאָהֳלֶךָ (lo-te’unneh ’êleḵā rā‘āh, wənega‘ lo-yiqrav bə’ahŏleḵā). The verse opens with לֹא תְאֻנֶּה (lo-te’unneh), which translates as “no evil shall befall [you].”
The verb תְאֻנֶּה (te’unneh) is derived from the root ’ānāh (אנה), meaning “to encounter,” “to happen to,” or “to befall.” The negative particle לֹא (lo) makes this an emphatic negation. The phrase אֵלֶיךָ רָעָה (’êleḵā rā‘āh) means “evil unto you,” with רָעָה (rā‘āh) often understood as “evil, harm, or calamity.”
In the Hebrew Bible, rā‘āh can denote both moral evil and physical misfortune, depending on the context. Here, it likely refers to disaster or harmful events, whether natural, spiritual, or human-made.
The second clause continues the protective promise with וְנֶגַע לֹא יִקְרַב בְּאָהֳלֶךָ (wənega‘ lo-yiqrav bə’ahŏleḵā), which translates to “nor shall any plague come near your tent.” The word נֶגַע (nega‘) means “plague, affliction, or stroke,” and appears frequently in Leviticus to describe serious skin diseases or divinely sent diseases (e.g., Leviticus 13). It is not limited to health issues but can represent any striking judgment or affliction.
The verb יִקְרַב (yiqrav) comes from the root qārav, meaning “to draw near or approach,” and here is clearly negated with לֹא (lo) to mean “shall not come near.” The final word בְּאָהֳלֶךָ (bə’ahŏleḵā) is translated as “your dwelling” or “your tent.” The noun אֹהֶל (’ōhel) refers literally to a tent, the typical housing structure of nomadic Israelites, but by extension represents one’s home, household, or dwelling space.
From a syntactical perspective, this verse contains two parallel clauses, each promising divine exemption from different types of harm. The first clause (“no evil shall befall you”) addresses general calamity, while the second (“no plague shall come near your dwelling”) focuses on specific affliction, particularly disease or divine punishment.
Both use negative constructions for emphasis, beginning with לֹא (lo), and both verbs are in the imperfect tense, which in Hebrew often indicates a future or continuous action. The poetic structure reinforces the comprehensive nature of God’s protection.
Psalm 91:1: Commentary and Meaning
Commentators across Jewish and Christian traditions have understood Psalm 91:10 as a reaffirmation of God’s active role in preserving the lives of the faithful. In Jewish interpretation, this verse is closely associated with the protection that God promised to Israel in the wilderness, where plagues and dangers were kept away from those who obeyed His commandments (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:15). The imagery of the “tent” is particularly meaningful, evoking the tabernacle—the dwelling of God among His people. Thus, the protection extends not just to physical structures but to the spiritual center of the believer’s life.
Psalm 91:1: Theological Interpretation
In Christian theology, this verse has been understood both literally and spiritually. Literally, it is often quoted during times of personal or national crisis—especially in the face of disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or war. Spiritually, it represents the believer’s secure position in Christ, where no weapon formed against them can prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The “dwelling” becomes symbolic of one’s life in God, a heart and home surrendered to His lordship. Just as Israel was spared in Egypt during the plague of death (Exodus 12:23), believers trust that God’s covering shields them from both external and internal destruction.
Psalm 91:10 – Alternative Views and Scholarly Debate
Alternative views of Psalm 91:10 caution against interpreting it as a guarantee that no harm will ever come to faithful people. Critics of a hyper-literal interpretation point out that many godly individuals throughout Scripture and history have suffered illness, persecution, and even martyrdom. The key to understanding this verse lies in the context of covenant relationship.
The verse expresses a general truth: those who dwell in God’s presence experience a supernatural level of protection that transcends circumstances. The ultimate “evil” and “plague”—separation from God—will not touch those who abide in Him. Therefore, the promise may not mean immunity from suffering but spiritual security and divine intervention according to God’s sovereign will.
Psalm 91:10 – Application for Today
In practical terms, Psalm 91:10 serves as a profound source of hope, comfort, and faith in times of uncertainty. For believers today, this verse is often personalized in prayer during moments of crisis. Whether facing health challenges, fear of disaster, or concern for one’s family, Psalm 91:10 reassures that God’s covering extends to every aspect of life—physical, emotional, and spiritual. It invites a life of trust and dependence, urging the believer not just to claim protection, but to abide continuously in the shelter of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:10 Conclusion
Psalm 91:10 is a concise yet powerful affirmation of God’s protective power over the faithful. Through poetic structure, rich Hebrew vocabulary, and theological depth, it conveys that no evil or affliction can breach the divine shield that surrounds those who make the Most High their dwelling. While interpretations may vary in scope, the core message remains consistent across traditions: those who live in God’s presence are ultimately safe, for His protection reaches beyond the surface into the very soul of the one who trusts in Him.