Psalms 31:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תַּסְתִּירֵ֤ם׀

H5641

Thou shalt hide

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

בְּסֵ֥תֶר

H5643

them in the secret

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

פָּנֶיךָ֮

H6440

of thy presence

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֵֽרֻכְסֵ֫י

H7407

from the pride

a snare (as of tied meshes)

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

of man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

תִּצְפְּנֵ֥ם

H6845

thou shalt keep them secretly

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

בְּסֻכָּ֗ה

H5521

in a pavilion

a hut or lair

מֵרִ֥יב

H7379

from the strife

a contest (personal or legal)

לְשֹׁנֽוֹת׃

H3956

of tongues

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?