Psalms 145:18

KJV

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is nigh {H7138} unto all them that call {H7121} upon him, to all that call {H7121} upon him in truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is close to all who call on him, to all who sincerely call on him.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:18 beautifully articulates the profound accessibility of God, declaring that "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." This verse serves as a powerful assurance of divine immanence, emphasizing that the Creator of the universe is not distant or indifferent, but intimately present and responsive to those who seek Him with genuine sincerity and integrity of heart. It underscores the universal invitation to commune with God, conditioned by the authenticity of one's approach, highlighting the vital role of truth in true worship and prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 is a majestic psalm of praise, uniquely attributed to David and structured as an acrostic, with each verse (or pair of verses in some traditions) beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary device underscores the comprehensive and ordered nature of God's attributes being celebrated. The psalm systematically extols God's greatness, power, goodness, and eternal kingdom, moving from His majestic works to His compassionate care for all creation. Psalms 145:18 falls within a section (verses 14-20) that specifically highlights God's active involvement in the world, His faithfulness to His promises, and His readiness to hear and help those who seek Him. This verse serves as a climactic statement of God's responsiveness, building upon the preceding declarations of His sustaining power and righteous acts, such as His upholding of the fallen and raising up those who are bowed down, as noted in [Psalms 145:14](/psalms/145-14 "Psalms 145:14 - God Upholds the Fallen").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, a king deeply committed to the worship of Yahweh, Psalm 145 reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. In ancient Israelite culture, calling upon the name of the LORD was a fundamental act of worship, prayer, and seeking divine intervention, often performed in times of distress, thanksgiving, or communal assembly. The concept of God being "nigh" (qârôwb) would have resonated deeply with a people who understood God's presence to be intrinsically linked to His covenant faithfulness and His dwelling among them, particularly in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The emphasis on "truth" (ʼemeth) was crucial in a society where external religious rituals could sometimes overshadow genuine internal devotion, a theme frequently addressed by prophets who called for heartfelt repentance and sincere worship, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. Heartfelt Worship"). This verse, therefore, reinforces the ancient understanding that God values the sincerity of the heart over mere outward performance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 145:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's Immanence and Accessibility**, portraying Him not as a distant, aloof deity, but as one who is intimately present and readily available to His people. This contrasts with pagan deities often perceived as capricious or unreachable. Secondly, it underscores the **Universal Invitation to God's Presence**, extending His nearness to "all them that call upon him," signifying that divine access is not exclusive to a privileged few but open to anyone who genuinely seeks Him. This resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for all people to come to Him, as expressed in [Isaiah 55:6](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found"). Thirdly, the critical qualifier "in truth" introduces the theme of **Sincerity and Integrity in Worship**. It emphasizes that the efficacy of calling upon God is predicated on the authenticity of the heart, aligning with the prophetic call for true righteousness and inward devotion over mere ritualistic observance, a principle also echoed in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Divine Responsiveness**, suggesting that God's nearness is not passive but active, leading to His hearing and answering the prayers of those who approach Him rightly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Jehovah or Yahweh. Derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to become," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. When the text states "The LORD is nigh," it is not just any deity, but the personal, living God who revealed Himself to Israel, the One who is eternally present and actively involved in the lives of His people. His nearness is rooted in His very being as the faithful covenant-keeping God.
* **nigh (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_):** This word conveys proximity, closeness, or being at hand. It can refer to physical nearness, but in this context, it speaks of relational and spiritual intimacy. It implies not just spatial closeness but also readiness to assist, listen, and respond. God is not distant or unreachable; He is accessible, attentive, and prepared to engage with those who call upon Him. This proximity is a profound comfort and a testament to His immanence.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Contracted from a root meaning "to be firm" or "to be stable," this word signifies stability, certainty, trustworthiness, faithfulness, and reality. When one calls upon God "in truth," it means with sincerity, integrity, faithfulness, and a genuine heart. It stands in contrast to hypocrisy, superficiality, or a mere outward show of piety. God's nearness is conditional upon the authenticity of the seeker's heart and intentions, demanding a genuine, unfeigned relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him":** This clause declares God's inherent accessibility. The "LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God, is not remote or indifferent but "nigh" – close, accessible, and ready to engage. This nearness extends universally to "all them that call upon him," indicating that God's presence and responsiveness are available to anyone, regardless of background, who genuinely seeks Him. It is a profound statement of divine immanence and universal invitation.
* **"to all that call upon him in truth."**: This second clause is a crucial qualifier, refining the scope of God's nearness. While God is nigh to "all that call upon him," His special, responsive nearness is specifically for those who call "in truth." This emphasizes the indispensable requirement of sincerity, integrity, and authenticity of heart in one's approach to God. It differentiates between mere vocalization and genuine, heartfelt seeking, underscoring that God values the condition of the heart over outward ritual or superficial prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "to all them that call upon him," which is repeated, first generally and then with the crucial qualifier "in truth." This repetition serves to create **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the conditions of genuine prayer and highlighting the distinction between a superficial call and a sincere one. The structure itself creates a sense of **Climax**, building from the general availability of God to the specific, qualified availability based on truth. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Theological Affirmation**, succinctly stating a core truth about God's character (His nearness) and the nature of true worship (sincerity). The use of **Contrast** is implicit between those who might call upon God superficially and those who do so "in truth," underscoring the qualitative difference in their approach and, by extension, in God's responsive nearness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:18 profoundly illuminates the character of God as both transcendent and immanent, powerful yet intimately accessible. It underscores that while God is sovereign over all creation, He is also deeply personal and desires genuine communion with humanity. The verse establishes a critical theological principle: divine responsiveness is predicated not merely on vocal prayer but on the heart's sincerity and integrity. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that God is not swayed by outward show but by inward reality, fostering a relationship built on authenticity rather than pretense. It challenges believers to cultivate a walk of truth and integrity, ensuring that their prayers and worship are not empty rituals but heartfelt expressions of devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 4:7](/deuteronomy/4-7 "Deuteronomy 4:7 - God's Nearness to Israel")
* [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:18 offers immense comfort and a profound challenge for contemporary believers. The assurance that "The LORD is nigh" reminds us that in every circumstance—joy or sorrow, triumph or trial—God is not a distant observer but an ever-present help. This truth should embolden us to approach Him with confidence and vulnerability, knowing He is attentive to our cries. However, the crucial qualifier "in truth" compels us to introspection. It calls us to examine the sincerity of our hearts, the integrity of our motives, and the authenticity of our faith when we engage with God. Are our prayers mere recitations, or are they genuine expressions of dependence, repentance, and worship? Is our walk consistent with our talk? This verse invites us to cultivate a deep, honest relationship with God, where our inner life aligns with our outward expressions, ensuring that our calling upon Him is truly "in truth," thereby unlocking the full blessing of His responsive nearness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I experience God's "nearness" in my daily life, and how might I cultivate a greater awareness of His presence?**
* **What does it mean for me to "call upon" the Lord "in truth," and how can I ensure my prayers and worship reflect genuine sincerity?**
* **Are there areas in my life where my outward religious practice might not align with the true condition of my heart, and how can I address this disparity?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be "nigh"?**

Answer: For God to be "nigh" (Hebrew: *qârôwb*) means He is close, accessible, and at hand. It signifies His intimate presence and active involvement in the lives of His people, rather than being a distant or unconcerned deity. This nearness is not merely spatial but relational, implying His readiness to listen, respond, and assist those who seek Him. It underscores God's immanence and His desire for a personal relationship with humanity, as also seen in [Isaiah 55:6](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found").

**Why is it important to call upon God "in truth"?**

Answer: Calling upon God "in truth" (Hebrew: *ʼemeth*) emphasizes the necessity of sincerity, integrity, and genuine heart in prayer and worship. It means approaching God with honesty, without hypocrisy or pretense, and with a desire for genuine communion rather than merely performing a ritual. God looks at the heart, and true worship flows from an authentic relationship and a spirit of faithfulness, as Jesus taught in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), stating that God must be worshipped "in spirit and in truth." This ensures that our communication with Him is meaningful and effective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament declared God's nearness, it was often mediated through the Temple, priests, and sacrifices. In Christ, God's "nighness" becomes fully embodied and universally accessible. Jesus is Emmanuel, "God with us," literally bringing God's presence into human experience, as foretold in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"). Through His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, Christ became the perfect High Priest, the ultimate sacrifice, and the living way by which all can now "draw near to God" with confidence, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), making it clear that to call upon God "in truth" is to approach Him through Christ, who perfectly embodies all truth and sincerity. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, enables believers to truly call upon God as Father ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), empowering genuine, heart-felt prayer that aligns with God's will. Thus, in Christ, the promise of God being "nigh unto all them that call upon him in truth" is not only realized but amplified, offering an unprecedented intimacy and access to the Father for all who believe.

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

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Psalms 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Deuteronomy 4:7

For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

John 4:24

God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.

Isaiah 58:9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I [am]. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.