Psalms 33:19

KJV

To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

KJV (with Strong's)

To deliver {H5337} their soul {H5315} from death {H4194}, and to keep them alive {H2421} in famine {H7458}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to rescue them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Berean Standard Bible

to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

American Standard Version

To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 33:19 is a profound declaration of God's vigilant care and powerful preservation for those who revere Him and place their hope in His unfailing love. It articulates the divine commitment to protect the lives of His faithful people, ensuring their deliverance from the most dire existential threats, including the ultimate danger of death and the extreme hardship of famine, thereby affirming His sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 33:19 is nestled within a grand hymn of praise that extols God's sovereignty, creative power, and providential governance over all creation and human history. The preceding verse, [Psalms 33:18](/psalms/33-18 "Psalms 33:18 - The Lord's Eye on the Righteous"), explicitly states, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy." Verse 19 then elaborates on the practical, life-sustaining implications of this divine gaze. It serves as a concrete manifestation of the Lord's watchful care, moving from the general principle of divine oversight to specific examples of deliverance and sustenance, reinforcing the psalm's overarching theme of trusting in God's mighty power rather than human strength or military might, as highlighted in [Psalms 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalms 33:16-17 - Trust in God, Not Human Might"). The psalm concludes by reiterating the call to hope in the Lord, underscoring the reciprocal relationship between divine faithfulness and human trust.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, life was precarious, and communities were constantly vulnerable to natural disasters, warfare, and widespread famine. Famine, often caused by drought or locust plagues, was a recurrent and terrifying threat, leading to widespread death and societal collapse. The concept of a deity providing sustenance and protection from such calamities was central to the religious understanding of the time. For Israel, God's deliverance from Egypt and His miraculous provision in the wilderness (e.g., manna and quails in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")) served as foundational historical precedents for His ongoing commitment to sustain His people. Thus, the promise "to keep them alive in famine" was not merely a poetic flourish but a deeply significant assurance in a world where food scarcity was a constant existential fear. Similarly, "deliver their soul from death" spoke to protection from disease, war, and other life-threatening dangers prevalent in their historical context.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalms 33 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, asserting God's active, personal involvement in the lives of His people, not merely as a distant creator but as an immanent sustainer. Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Mercy**, demonstrating that His watchful eye is inextricably linked to His covenantal commitment to those who fear and hope in Him. This echoes the consistent biblical portrayal of God as a faithful provider, as seen in the narratives of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Trust and Dependence on God**, contrasting reliance on human strength (as mentioned earlier in the psalm) with the superior security found in God's power. The "fear" of the Lord here is not terror but reverent awe and obedience, leading to a confident "hope in His mercy," which is the proper posture for receiving His preservation. Finally, it speaks to the **Value of Human Life** in God's eyes, demonstrating His desire to preserve and sustain His chosen ones even amidst the most severe trials, reflecting the sanctity of life woven throughout scripture, from [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam") to the New Testament's emphasis on abundant life in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (_nephesh_) is a rich and multifaceted term. While often translated as "soul," it encompasses far more than just the spiritual component of a person. It refers to the entire living being, the life force, the breath, the person themselves, or even the appetite. Thus, "to deliver their _nephesh_ from death" means to save their very lives, their entire existence, from perishing. It speaks to a holistic preservation of the individual.
* **Death (Hebrew, _mavet'_):** The Hebrew term מָוֶת (_mavet_) signifies not merely the cessation of biological functions but also grave danger, destruction, ruin, or impending doom. In this context, it refers to any ultimate threat to life, whether from disease, violence, or other catastrophic circumstances. God's deliverance from _mavet_ implies His ultimate power over all forces that seek to destroy life.
* **Famine (Hebrew, _ra'av'_):** The Hebrew word רָעָב (_ra'av_) denotes severe hunger, scarcity of food, or a period of widespread starvation. It represents one of the most acute forms of physical distress and lack, symbolizing extreme adversity and the breakdown of normal sustenance. God's promise "to keep them alive in famine" highlights His miraculous ability to provide and sustain life even when all natural means of survival have failed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To deliver their soul from death":** This clause emphasizes God's ultimate power over life and mortality. It speaks to a comprehensive rescue from all life-threatening dangers, whether physical, spiritual, or existential. The "soul" (nephesh) here signifies the entire person, meaning God preserves the whole being from perishing. This is a promise of protection from ultimate destruction, highlighting God's role as the sovereign giver and sustainer of life.
* **"and to keep them alive in famine":** This second clause provides a specific and potent example of God's preservation, focusing on His provision in the face of extreme scarcity. Famine represents a situation where human resources and natural provisions are completely depleted, making survival seemingly impossible. God's promise to "keep them alive" in such circumstances underscores His miraculous ability to sustain His people when all other means fail, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness as a provider even in the direst of times. This clause complements the first, moving from the general threat of "death" to the specific, terrifying reality of "famine."

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 33:19 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "To deliver their soul from death" is a general statement of preservation, which is then made more concrete and vivid by "and to keep them alive in famine," providing a specific, extreme example of life-threatening adversity. This structure amplifies the scope of God's protective power. Additionally, the phrase "their soul" is an example of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (the soul/nephesh) stands for the whole person, emphasizing the totality of God's care. The use of "death" and "famine" can also be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two opposing or extreme elements are used to represent the whole spectrum of dangers or hardships, implying God's protection from *any* and *every* form of adversity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 33:19 profoundly articulates God's active and intimate involvement in the lives of His faithful. It reassures believers that divine providence extends beyond mere creation to diligent preservation, especially in times of extreme vulnerability. This verse is a testament to God's character as both a mighty deliverer and a faithful provider, demonstrating that His watchful eye (as mentioned in the preceding verse) translates into tangible, life-saving intervention. It underscores the biblical truth that true security is found not in human strength or material abundance, but in a trusting, reverent relationship with the Lord, who alone has the power to rescue from ultimate destruction and sustain through impossible circumstances. This promise of preservation is a foundational aspect of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people throughout salvation history.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Protect You from All Harm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 33:19 offers immense comfort and a powerful call to trust for believers navigating the uncertainties and trials of life. In a world often marked by fear, scarcity, and the ever-present reality of mortality, this verse anchors our hope in a God who is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved in the preservation of His own. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate security lies: in our financial portfolios, our physical health, our social standing, or in the sovereign hand of the Almighty. When faced with situations that feel like "death" (whether literal danger, spiritual despair, or the death of a dream) or "famine" (lack, scarcity, emotional barrenness), this verse reminds us that God's power transcends all human limitations and natural laws. It encourages a posture of confident hope, knowing that His eye is upon us, and His commitment is to deliver and sustain. Our response, therefore, should be one of reverent awe and unwavering trust, allowing this truth to cultivate peace in our hearts and courage in our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deaths" or "famines" (literal or metaphorical) are you currently facing, and how does this verse speak to your situation?**
* **How does the promise of God's deliverance and provision impact your sense of security and hope in challenging times?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper "fear" (reverence) and "hope in His mercy" (trust) in your daily life?**
* **How might remembering God's past acts of deliverance and provision strengthen your faith for present and future trials?**

### FAQ
**Does "deliver their soul from death" only refer to physical death, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While the immediate context in Psalms 33:19 certainly includes protection from physical death and mortal dangers, the Hebrew word _nephesh_ (soul/life) and the broader theological scope of the Psalms suggest a more comprehensive meaning. "Death" (_mavet_) can also encompass spiritual death, the destruction of one's well-being, or existential despair. Therefore, God's deliverance is holistic: He preserves the physical life, but also provides spiritual vitality and rescues from circumstances that threaten to extinguish hope or purpose. Ultimately, for the believer, this promise points to God's power over all forms of death, including the ultimate victory over spiritual death through Christ, leading to eternal life (as seen in [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 33:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the supreme embodiment of God's promise to "deliver their soul from death" and "keep them alive in famine." Christ's entire mission was one of deliverance: He came to deliver humanity from the spiritual death caused by sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), offering new and eternal life through His sacrifice and resurrection ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He conquered death itself, disarming its power and opening the way to everlasting life for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate provider, the "bread of life" who sustains not just physically but spiritually, ensuring that those who come to Him "shall never hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). In Him, God's promise to preserve and nourish His people, even in the deepest spiritual or existential "famine," is perfectly realized. Through Christ, believers are not only delivered from the power of death but are also sustained by His indwelling Spirit, receiving all they need for life and godliness ([2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - God's Divine Power Has Given Us Everything")).

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 37:19

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

Proverbs 10:3

The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

Job 5:19

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Job 5:22

At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

Matthew 6:31

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.