Psalms 34:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

Complete Jewish Bible:

When I boast, it will be about ADONAI; the humble will hear of it and be glad.

Berean Standard Bible:

My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.

American Standard Version:

My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

My soul^{H5315} shall make her boast^{H1984} in the LORD^{H3068}: the humble^{H6035} shall hear^{H8085} thereof, and be glad^{H8055}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 34:2

Psalm 34:2, which reads, "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad," is a declaration of praise and an expression of trust in God. This verse is part of a larger psalm traditionally attributed to David, who wrote it during a time of great distress when he feigned madness to escape the Philistine king, Abimelech (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The historical context suggests that David's affirmation of faith in God's deliverance and provision is born out of personal experience with divine rescue and protection.

The themes present in this verse include the exaltation of the soul, which finds its pride and joy not in worldly achievements or possessions but in the Lord. The psalmist's boast in God underscores a deep-seated confidence in God's character and faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse suggests that the message of God's goodness and salvation is intended for the "humble," or those who are meek and lowly in spirit. It implies that the humble are particularly receptive to hearing about the Lord's works and are thus encouraged to take heart and rejoice in the hope and assurance that God offers.

In essence, Psalm 34:2 invites believers to glory in their relationship with God and to proclaim His greatness. It reassures the faithful that God's actions on behalf of the humble will lead to joy and contentment, fostering a community of believers who find their ultimate satisfaction in the Lord's providence and care. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's gratitude and serves as a call to worship and to share the good news of God's grace with others, particularly those who approach God with humility.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5315
   There are 683 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֶפֶשׁ
   Transliteration: nephesh
   Pronunciation: neh'-fesh
   Description: from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1984
   There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָלַל
   Transliteration: hâlal
   Pronunciation: haw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify; (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6035
   There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָנָו
   Transliteration: ʻânâv
   Pronunciation: aw-nawv'
   Description: or (by intermixture with עָנִי) עָנָיו; from עָנָה; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly); humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare עָנִי.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8085
   There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַע
   Transliteration: shâmaʻ
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
   Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8055
   There are 145 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂמַח
   Transliteration: sâmach
   Pronunciation: saw-makh'
   Description: a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome; cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very.