Psalms 146:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 146:8 profoundly articulates the LORD's active and compassionate character, showcasing His divine intervention on behalf of the vulnerable and His steadfast affection for those who live righteously. This verse, embedded within a psalm of praise, serves as a powerful declaration of God's unique ability to bring liberation, restoration, and enduring love, contrasting sharply with the transient and unreliable nature of human power. It underscores the foundational truth that true hope and help are found solely in the Creator of heaven and earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 146 initiates the final collection of five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), each commencing and concluding with the exultant call, "Praise ye the LORD" (Hallelujah). This psalm functions as a vibrant call to worship, urging the soul to praise God perpetually (verse 1-2). It immediately establishes a stark contrast between the futility of trusting in human princes and mortal men, who are incapable of saving and whose plans perish with them (verses 3-4), and the blessedness of those whose hope is in the LORD, the God of Jacob (verse 5). Verses 6-9 then elaborate on God's mighty and merciful deeds, detailing His character as the faithful Creator who executes justice for the oppressed, provides food for the hungry, and releases prisoners. Verse 8 specifically continues this litany of divine benevolence, highlighting God's direct and personal involvement in alleviating suffering and demonstrating His love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm likely originates from a period where the people of Israel experienced various forms of oppression, injustice, and vulnerability, common themes throughout the Old Testament. The emphasis on God's care for the "blind," "bowed down," "strangers," "fatherless," and "widow" (verses 8-9) reflects a societal context where these groups were often marginalized and susceptible to exploitation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were often expected to be champions of justice and protectors of the weak. However, human rulers frequently fell short, leading to disillusionment. The psalmist's declaration serves as a theological corrective, redirecting trust from fallible human authorities to the unfailing, sovereign God. The imagery of opening eyes and raising those bowed down would resonate deeply with a people familiar with physical ailments, social burdens, and spiritual blindness.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 146, and specifically verse 8, powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it champions **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, asserting that the LORD alone is the reliable source of help and salvation, unlike human rulers who are ultimately powerless (see [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Trust Not in Princes")). Secondly, it underscores **God's Active Compassion and Justice** for the vulnerable. The actions described—opening eyes, raising the bowed, loving the righteous—are not passive attributes but dynamic interventions that demonstrate God's profound care for the marginalized and oppressed (compare with [Psalm 10:14](/psalms/10-14 "Psalm 10:14 - God Sees the Trouble and Grief")). Thirdly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Love for the Righteous**, affirming God's special relationship with those who walk in integrity and uprightness, ensuring His protection and favor are upon them (as seen in [Psalm 11:7](/psalms/11-7 "Psalm 11:7 - The LORD Loves Righteousness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **openeth (Hebrew, _pâqach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant." In this context, it signifies God's active power to restore sight, implying not only physical healing but also spiritual enlightenment and understanding, unstopping what was closed or obscured.
* **raiseth (Hebrew, _zâqaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift, i.e. (figuratively) comfort; raise (up)." This word vividly portrays God's action of straightening up, elevating, or restoring those who are bent over by affliction, grief, despair, or oppression, bringing them out of a state of lowliness or subjugation.
* **loveth (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend." This term denotes a deep, active, and committed affection. When applied to God, it signifies His profound, covenantal love that is expressed through His actions of protection, provision, and favor toward the object of His love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind:"** This clause declares God's sovereign power over physical and spiritual sight. "The blind" (Hebrew: `ʻivvêr`) can refer to those physically sightless, but biblically, it also encompasses spiritual ignorance, moral darkness, or a lack of discernment. God's act of "opening" implies a miraculous intervention that brings clarity, understanding, and liberation from a state of incapacitation. This is an act of divine mercy and restoration.
* **"the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down:"** Here, the psalmist emphasizes God's compassion for the oppressed and afflicted. "Bowed down" (Hebrew: `kâphaph`) refers to those bent over by hardship, sorrow, illness, or social injustice. It speaks to a state of being downtrodden, humiliated, or burdened. The LORD's action of "raising" them signifies His power to lift them out of their distress, to restore their dignity, strength, and hope, providing comfort and liberation from their burdens.
* **"the LORD loveth the righteous:"** This final clause reveals a specific aspect of God's character: His particular affection and favor for "the righteous" (Hebrew: `tsaddîyq`). This refers to those who are just, upright, and in right standing with God, often characterized by integrity, adherence to divine law, and a life lived in accordance with His will. God's "love" for them is not merely a sentiment but an active commitment to their well-being, implying His protection, provision, and intimate presence in their lives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of "The LORD" at the beginning of each clause. This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the singular agency and unwavering character of God as the sole source of these benevolent actions, reinforcing the psalm's central theme of trusting only in Him. This creates a strong rhythmic and declarative effect, building a cumulative picture of God's active goodness. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second and third clauses echo the compassionate and restorative nature of the first, albeit with different imagery. The acts of "opening the eyes of the blind," "raising them that are bowed down," and "loving the righteous" all speak to God's benevolent intervention on behalf of the needy, illustrating His multifaceted care. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God is described as "loving," attributing a human emotion to the divine to convey His profound affection and commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 146:8 is a profound theological statement on the character of God, revealing Him as an active, compassionate, and just sovereign who is deeply involved in the affairs of humanity. It underscores His unique ability to bring about true liberation and healing, contrasting sharply with the limitations of human power. The verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice for the oppressed and His special favor for those who walk in righteousness, demonstrating that His love is not passive but expressed through tangible acts of restoration and protection. This passage invites believers to place their ultimate trust and hope in the LORD alone, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all help and genuine well-being.

* [Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened")
* [Psalm 145:14](/psalms/145-14 "Psalm 145:14 - The LORD Upholds All Who Fall")
* [Proverbs 15:9](/proverbs/15-9 "Proverbs 15:9 - The Way of the Wicked Is an Abomination to the LORD, But He Loves Him Who Follows Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 146:8 offers immense encouragement and a clear call to faith and action. For those who feel spiritually blind, burdened by life's pressures, or oppressed by circumstances, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees their plight and possesses the power to bring profound relief and restoration. It challenges us to look beyond human solutions and place our ultimate hope in the unfailing character of the LORD. Moreover, it inspires us to cultivate a life of righteousness, knowing that such a life attracts God's special favor and love. As we reflect on God's compassion for the vulnerable, we are also called to mirror His heart by actively seeking justice, showing compassion, and advocating for those who are marginalized in our own communities, becoming instruments of His liberating love in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "blind" or "bowed down," and how does this verse encourage you to trust in God's ability to open your eyes or raise you up?**
* **How does understanding God's active love for the righteous motivate you to pursue a life of integrity and obedience?**
* **Considering God's compassion for the vulnerable, how can you better reflect His heart in your interactions and actions towards others in your community?**

### FAQ
**What does "openeth the eyes of the blind" mean beyond physical sight?**

Answer: While the phrase certainly includes physical healing (as seen in Jesus' ministry, for example, in [Matthew 9:27-31](/matthew/9-27 "Matthew 9:27-31 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men")), in a broader biblical context, "blindness" often refers to spiritual ignorance, a lack of understanding of God's truth, or an inability to perceive His ways. Therefore, "openeth the eyes of the blind" also signifies God's power to grant spiritual enlightenment, discernment, and revelation, leading individuals out of spiritual darkness into the light of His truth (see [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightenment of the Heart")).

**How does this verse relate to trusting in God versus trusting in humans?**

Answer: Psalms 146:8 is part of a larger psalm that explicitly contrasts the futility of trusting in human princes and mortal men with the blessedness of trusting in the LORD (see [Psalms 146:3-5](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-5 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes")). While human leaders may promise much, their power is fleeting, and their plans can fail. This verse demonstrates that God, unlike humans, possesses the eternal power and unwavering will to truly deliver, heal, and love. It redirects our ultimate hope and reliance from fallible human systems to the unfailing, sovereign Creator.

**Who are "the righteous" that the LORD loves?**

Answer: In the biblical sense, "the righteous" (Hebrew: `tsaddîyq`) are not necessarily those who are perfect, but rather those who are in right relationship with God, striving to live according to His will and commands. This includes those who are just, upright, and have integrity in their dealings, seeking to honor God in their lives. God's love for the righteous signifies His covenantal faithfulness, protection, and favor upon those who walk in His ways, as exemplified throughout the Psalms and Proverbs (e.g., [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - The LORD Loves Justice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 146:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the LORD who came in the flesh, embodying the very attributes described in this psalm. Jesus literally "opened the eyes of the blind," performing numerous miracles of physical sight restoration, such as the healing of the man born blind in [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1 "John 9:1-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). More significantly, He opened the eyes of those spiritually blind, revealing the truth of God's kingdom and leading people out of darkness into His marvelous light, fulfilling prophecies like that found in [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes"). Furthermore, Jesus consistently "raised them that were bowed down," not only through physical healing but also by ministering to the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the marginalized, offering them hope, dignity, and liberation from their spiritual and social burdens (see [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His entire ministry was dedicated to lifting up the downtrodden and bringing good news to the afflicted. Finally, Jesus perfectly demonstrated that "the LORD loveth the righteous." He Himself was perfectly righteous, and His life exemplified divine love. Through His atoning sacrifice, He makes it possible for sinners to be declared righteous in God's sight, enabling them to become the objects of God's steadfast love (as explained in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love For Us") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin For Us")). Thus, Jesus is the living embodiment of the compassionate, liberating, and loving LORD proclaimed in Psalms 146:8.

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 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

¶ 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.