Psalms 145:14

KJV

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} upholdeth {H5564} all that fall {H5307}, and raiseth up {H2210} all those that be bowed down {H3721}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI supports all who fall and lifts up all who are bent over.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

American Standard Version

Jehovah upholdeth all that fall, And raiseth up all those that are bowed down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:14 presents a profound declaration of God's compassionate and active engagement with humanity, portraying Him as the divine Upholder and Restorer. This verse encapsulates the Lord's unwavering character, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to supporting those who stumble and uplifting those who are burdened or oppressed. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's tender care, revealing His readiness to intervene in the lives of individuals, providing both stability and restoration in moments of weakness, failure, or despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 is a magnificent acrostic psalm, meaning each successive verse (or pair of verses in some traditions) begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structured praise, attributed to David, systematically extols the myriad attributes of God, including His greatness, power, goodness, faithfulness, and compassion. The psalm begins with a personal vow of praise (verses 1-3), transitions to universal declarations of God's mighty acts and eternal kingdom (verses 4-13), and then focuses on His specific, compassionate care for creation and humanity (verses 14-21). Verse 14, specifically, marks a shift from the grandeur of God's cosmic reign to His intimate, personal intervention in the lives of the vulnerable, highlighting His accessibility and tender mercy, a theme beautifully articulated in [Psalm 145:9, where His goodness extends to all](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - God's Goodness to All").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during the era of the Israelite monarchy, likely by King David, Psalm 145 reflects a society deeply acquainted with hardship, injustice, and the fragility of human existence. In a world often marked by oppression, poverty, and physical ailments, the concept of a divine being who actively "upholds" and "raises up" would have resonated profoundly with the common experience of struggle. The imagery of "falling" and being "bowed down" speaks to both literal physical distress and the metaphorical burdens of societal marginalization, spiritual despair, or moral failure. The psalm's emphasis on God's justice and compassion would have offered immense comfort and hope to those who felt abandoned or crushed by their circumstances, contrasting sharply with the often arbitrary or indifferent power structures of the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 145 and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Benevolence**, showcasing God's absolute power coupled with His inherent goodness and active care for His creation. It underscores the **Compassion of God**, portraying Him not as a distant deity but as one intimately involved in the lives of His people, particularly those in distress. This theme is echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 103:6, where the Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed](/psalms/103-6 "Psalm 103:6 - God's Justice for the Oppressed"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **God's Sustaining Power**, emphasizing His ability to prevent utter ruin and to restore hope and dignity to the disheartened. It reinforces the idea that even in moments of profound weakness or failure, God's hand is present to uphold and uplift, providing a foundation of unwavering support that transcends human frailty, as also seen in [Psalm 37:24, which promises that though one may fall, they will not be utterly cast down](/psalms/37-24 "Psalm 37:24 - The Lord Upholds the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, H3068, denoting "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the actions of upholding and raising up are not merely attributes of a powerful deity, but intrinsic to the very nature of the one true God, who is eternally present, faithful, and committed to His people. It signifies His unchanging character as the ultimate source of all being and sustenance.
* **upholdeth (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** H5564, a primitive root meaning "to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense); bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain." This word conveys a strong, active, and continuous support. It's not a passive observation but an intentional, firm intervention to prevent collapse or to provide stability. It suggests God is the reliable foundation upon which one can lean, ensuring they do not utterly fall.
* **raiseth up (Hebrew, _zâqaph'_):** H2210, a primitive root meaning "to lift, i.e. (figuratively) comfort; raise (up)." This term describes the act of straightening what is bent or lifting what is low. It implies restoration from a state of oppression, grief, or humility. While "upholdeth" prevents a complete fall, "raiseth up" actively elevates those already in a state of being "bowed down," signifying a powerful act of deliverance, encouragement, and restoration of dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD upholdeth all that fall":** This clause declares God's active intervention to prevent utter ruin for those who stumble. The "fall" (H5307, _nâphal'_) can encompass physical stumbles, moral failures, spiritual backsliding, or even the collapse of circumstances. It speaks to human frailty and the inevitability of encountering difficulties. The Lord's action of "upholding" (H5564, _çâmak'_) signifies His steadfast support, His firm hand that prevents complete descent, ensuring that even in moments of weakness or failure, His people are not utterly abandoned or destroyed. It speaks to His preserving grace and protective care.
* **"and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down.":** This second clause expands on God's restorative power, focusing on those already in a state of distress or oppression. To be "bowed down" (H3721, _kâphaph'_) implies a posture of grief, humility, physical affliction, or spiritual despair, often due to heavy burdens or external pressures. The Lord's action of "raising up" (H2210, _zâqaph'_) is an act of liberation and elevation, bringing comfort, hope, and renewed strength. It signifies His tender compassion for the afflicted, His desire and power to alleviate suffering, and to restore dignity and joy to those who feel crushed.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 145:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure of the two clauses: "The LORD upholdeth all that fall" and "and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the core message of divine support and restoration, presenting two aspects of the same compassionate action. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God is described with human-like actions of "upholding" and "raising up," making His intervention relatable and tangible. This imagery creates a vivid picture of God's direct and personal involvement in the lives of the vulnerable. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metaphor** to describe human suffering: "fall" and "bowed down" are not just literal states but represent broader conditions of moral failure, spiritual despair, or physical affliction. These metaphors effectively communicate the depth of human need and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's active and compassionate engagement with human suffering and frailty. It underscores the theological truth that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who intimately knows the struggles of His creation and is ready to intervene. The Lord's actions of upholding and raising up reveal His character as both sovereign and merciful, demonstrating that His power is always exercised in conjunction with His love and care for the vulnerable. This divine posture provides immense comfort and assurance, establishing a foundation of trust for those who navigate the inevitable challenges of life, knowing that their ultimate support comes from an unfailing, compassionate God.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "Deuteronomy 33:27 - The Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD... Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down.")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:14 offers a wellspring of hope and practical encouragement for every believer. It reminds us that our God is intimately acquainted with our weaknesses, our stumbles, and our burdens. In a world that often demands perfection and offers little grace for failure, this verse assures us that the Lord's hand is always extended, not to condemn, but to support and restore. Whether we are grappling with moral failings, overwhelmed by life's pressures, or bowed down by grief and despair, we are invited to lean into His unfailing strength. This truth empowers us to approach God with humility and honesty about our struggles, knowing that He is eager to lift us up and set us back on our feet. Furthermore, as recipients of such profound divine compassion, we are called to embody this same spirit in our interactions with others, extending grace, support, and encouragement to those in our communities who are falling or bowed down, thereby reflecting the very character of God to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like you are "falling" or "bowed down" right now?**
* **How does the promise of God's active "upholding" and "raising up" bring you comfort and hope in your current circumstances?**
* **How might you be an instrument of God's upholding and raising up for someone else in your life today?**

### FAQ
**Does "all that fall" mean God prevents everyone from falling, or that He helps them after they fall?**

Answer: The phrase "all that fall" (H5307, _nâphal'_) encompasses a broad range of experiences, from stumbling to outright collapse, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. The Hebrew word for "upholdeth" (H5564, _çâmak'_) implies both preventing a complete fall and providing support to those who are already in the process of falling or have fallen. It suggests God's continuous, active intervention to prevent utter ruin and to sustain. Similarly, "raiseth up" (H2210, _zâqaph'_) specifically addresses those who are already "bowed down" (H3721, _kâphaph'_), indicating an act of restoration after a period of distress. Therefore, the verse speaks to God's comprehensive care: He both sustains us to prevent collapse and lifts us when we are already down, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people's well-being. This divine care is not a guarantee against experiencing hardship or failure, but a promise of His presence and power through it, ensuring we are not utterly abandoned or destroyed, as affirmed in [Psalm 37:24, "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."](/psalms/37-24 "Psalm 37:24 - God's Sustaining Hand").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the Lord who upholds and raises up. In His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated this divine compassion, reaching out to those who were "falling" under the weight of sin, sickness, and societal condemnation. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and offered forgiveness to sinners, literally "raising up" those bowed down by physical ailments and spiritual burdens. His invitation in [Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,"](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary") perfectly encapsulates the promise of Psalms 145:14. More profoundly, through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate Upholder and Lifter. He "fell" under the weight of humanity's sin, experiencing the ultimate "bowing down" in death, only to be "raised up" by the power of God, conquering sin and death. Now, through faith in Him, all who stumble in sin or are bowed down by its consequences can find forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life. As [Colossians 1:17 declares, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together,"](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Upholder of All Things") revealing Him as the cosmic Upholder. Furthermore, His ascension and intercession at the right hand of God mean that He continues to "uphold" believers through the Holy Spirit, empowering them to stand firm and "raise up" those who are weak, just as [Hebrews 4:15-16 encourages us to approach His throne of grace to find help in time of need](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Access to Grace Through Christ"). Thus, Christ is the living manifestation of the Lord's unwavering commitment to uphold and raise up His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 146:8

The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

Psalms 94:18

When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

Luke 22:31

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Luke 13:11

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up [herself].

Luke 13:13

And he laid [his] hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.