Psalms 146:8

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

The LORD {H3068} openeth {H6491} the eyes of the blind {H5787}: the LORD {H3068} raiseth {H2210} them that are bowed down {H3721}: the LORD {H3068} loveth {H157} the righteous {H6662}:

ADONAI opens the eyes of the blind, ADONAI lifts up those who are bent over. ADONAI loves the righteous.

the LORD opens the eyes of the blind, the LORD lifts those who are weighed down, the LORD loves the righteous.

Jehovah openeth the eyes of the blind; Jehovah raiseth up them that are bowed down; Jehovah loveth the righteous;

Commentary

Psalms 146:8 (KJV) powerfully describes God's compassionate and active nature, highlighting His divine intervention on behalf of the vulnerable and His unwavering love for those who walk uprightly. This verse is part of a larger psalm of praise that calls believers to trust in the LORD alone, rather than in unreliable human strength.

Context

Psalm 146 is the first of the final five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), which begin and end with "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah). The psalm's overarching theme is a joyful affirmation of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and benevolent care for creation. It contrasts the fleeting power and inability of human rulers to save with the eternal, just, and compassionate reign of the LORD. Verses 5-9 specifically detail God's merciful deeds, setting the stage for the declaration in verse 8 about His specific acts of kindness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion and Healing: The first two clauses emphasize God's active role in alleviating suffering. He is not a distant deity but one who personally grants sight to the blind (both physically and spiritually) and lifts up those who are bowed down or oppressed. This speaks to His character as a healer and restorer.
  • God's Unwavering Love for the Righteous: The final clause reveals God's special affection for those who live according to His will. This love is not passive but implies His protection, provision, and presence in their lives. It underscores the biblical principle that God's justice and love are intrinsically linked.
  • Dependability of God: Unlike human leaders who may fail or die (Psalm 146:3-4), the LORD is eternally capable and willing to act on behalf of His people, providing true hope and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "openeth" (ืคึนึผืงึตื—ึท, poqeaแธฅ) carries the sense of opening, unstopping, or setting free, implying not just physical sight but also enlightenment and liberation.
  • "Raiseth" (ื–ึนืงึตืฃ, zoqef) means to straighten up, lift up, or restore. It vividly portrays God's action in elevating those who are bent over by affliction, grief, or despair.
  • "Loveth" (ืึนื”ึตื‘, ohev) signifies a deep and active affection. It's not merely a feeling but a commitment to the well-being of the beloved.
  • "Righteous" (ืฆึทื“ึดึผื™ืงึดื™ื, tzaddiqim) refers to those who are just, upright, and in right standing with God, often characterized by integrity and adherence to divine law. Psalm 11:7 further emphasizes that "the righteous LORD loveth righteousness."

Practical Application

Psalms 146:8 offers immense encouragement and a call to trust. For those feeling overwhelmed or afflicted, it serves as a reminder that God sees their plight and is powerful enough to bring relief and restoration. It also challenges believers to pursue righteousness, knowing that such a life is met with God's special favor and love. This verse inspires compassion in us for the vulnerable, mirroring God's own heart, and reinforces the truth that our ultimate help comes from the Creator of heaven and earth.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 11:7

    For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

  • Psalms 145:14

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

  • Matthew 9:30

    And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].

  • Acts 26:18

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  • Isaiah 35:5

    ยถ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Matthew 11:5

    The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
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