Psalms 34:19

KJV

Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Many {H7227} are the afflictions {H7451} of the righteous {H6662}: but the LORD {H3068} delivereth {H5337} him out of them all.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous person suffers many evils, but ADONAI rescues him out of them all.

Berean Standard Bible

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

American Standard Version

Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 34:19 is a profound and paradox-laden declaration that anchors the believer's hope in God's unwavering faithfulness amidst life's inevitable hardships. It starkly acknowledges that those who walk in righteousness are not exempt from numerous and severe trials, but it immediately counters this reality with the triumphant assurance that the sovereign Lord Himself actively intervenes to deliver His faithful people from every single one of their afflictions, whether through endurance, transformation, or ultimate rescue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm (though imperfectly so in English translations), structured to teach wisdom and encourage the "fear of the Lord" (v. 11). It is a psalm of thanksgiving and instruction, following David's personal experience of deliverance. Verses 15-18 immediately precede verse 19, emphasizing God's attentiveness to the righteous ("The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry," [Psalm 34:15](/psalms/34-15 "Psalm 34:15 - God Hears the Righteous")) and His opposition to the wicked. This sets up the contrast in verse 19: while the righteous face many troubles, their ultimate outcome is distinct from the wicked, who face destruction ([Psalm 34:21](/psalms/34-21 "Psalm 34:21 - The Wicked Shall Be Desolate")). The psalm's overall flow moves from David's personal testimony of deliverance to universal truths about God's character and care for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes this psalm to David, written "when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed." This refers to the incident recorded in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Feigns Madness Before Achish"). Fleeing from King Saul, David sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath (referred to as Abimelech, a generic title for Philistine kings). In a desperate act to escape capture and potential death, David feigned madness. His successful escape, though humiliating, was perceived by him as a miraculous deliverance by God, prompting this psalm of praise and instruction. This historical backdrop grounds the psalm's message in the raw reality of severe personal distress and God's tangible rescue, making David's testimony of "many afflictions" and divine deliverance deeply personal and authentic.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Psalm 34 and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **The Reality of Righteous Suffering**, confronting the naive notion that a life of faith guarantees ease. Instead, it acknowledges that those who strive to live righteously often face numerous troubles, opposition, and hardship, a truth echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Tribulation in the World"), [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")). Secondly, it proclaims **God's Unfailing Deliverance**, introducing a powerful contrast with the conjunction "but." Despite the quantity or severity of afflictions, God's promise is to rescue His faithful ones from every single one, demonstrating His active involvement and power. This isn't necessarily instant removal from the trial, but ultimate and complete deliverance, whether in this life or through His grace to endure and overcome. Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, portraying God not as a distant observer but as a proactive deliverer who demonstrates His power and unwavering commitment to those who trust in Him, aligning with the psalm's overarching theme of the blessedness of those who fear the Lord ([Psalm 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See That the Lord Is Good")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Many (Hebrew, _rabbîm'_):** This word signifies a great number, abundance, or multitude. In this context, it emphasizes not just the presence of afflictions but their sheer quantity and frequency. It paints a picture of a life where troubles are not isolated incidents but a recurring, perhaps even overwhelming, reality for the righteous.
* **Afflictions (Hebrew, _ra'ot'_):** Derived from the root `ra'a` (רָעָה), meaning "evil," "calamity," "distress," or "misfortune." This word is strong, denoting not mere inconveniences but genuine evils, hardships, and calamities that bring suffering. It captures the malevolent or severe nature of the troubles faced by the righteous, whether from external sources (persecution, injustice) or internal ones (distress, grief).
* **Delivereth (Hebrew, _natsal'_):** This verb means "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to draw out," or "to preserve." It conveys a sense of urgent, powerful, and decisive intervention. It implies that the one being delivered is in a perilous situation from which they cannot escape on their own, requiring a strong hand to pull them out. The active participle form used here ("the LORD _is delivering_") suggests an ongoing, continuous action, reflecting God's constant readiness to rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous:"** This opening clause establishes a stark reality. It challenges any simplistic theology that equates righteousness with an absence of suffering. Instead, it affirms that those who are `tsaddiq` (righteous, just, upright in their covenant relationship with God) will indeed encounter a multitude of `ra'ot` (calamities, evils). The emphasis on "many" highlights the pervasive and often overwhelming nature of these trials, normalizing suffering as a common experience for God's people, rather than a sign of His displeasure or absence.
* **"but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."** The conjunction "but" introduces a powerful, divinely-wrought contrast. Despite the "many" and severe nature of the afflictions, the focus shifts entirely to the ultimate agent of rescue: `YHWH`, the covenant-keeping God. The verb "delivereth" (`natsal`) signifies a forceful, active, and complete rescue. The emphatic phrase "out of them all" is crucial; it does not promise exemption from suffering, nor necessarily immediate removal from every single trial, but rather a comprehensive and ultimate deliverance from the totality of their effects. This can mean strength to endure, spiritual triumph over the trial's power, or ultimate physical rescue, culminating in eternal salvation where all tears are wiped away. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to His righteous ones.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 34:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Paradox**, presenting the seemingly contradictory reality that while the righteous face "many afflictions," they are simultaneously delivered "out of them all." This tension highlights the supernatural nature of God's intervention. **Contrast** is also central, sharply juxtaposing the overwhelming quantity of human suffering ("many afflictions") with the absolute completeness of divine rescue ("out of them all"). The use of "many" and "all" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vastness of both the trials and God's comprehensive deliverance, making the promise even more impactful. The verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement** or a **Theological Aphorism**, succinctly stating a timeless truth about the righteous life and God's character that is meant to be remembered and applied. Finally, the direct, declarative nature of the statement lends it an air of **Assurance** and **Authority**, reinforcing the certainty of God's promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 34:19 serves as a cornerstone for a robust theology of suffering, affirming that affliction is not antithetical to righteousness but often a crucible through which faith is refined and God's power is displayed. It counters the simplistic notion that piety guarantees prosperity, instead aligning with the biblical narrative where God's most faithful servants often endure profound hardships. Yet, it simultaneously champions God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness, assuring believers that their trials are never outside His purview or beyond His power to redeem and ultimately overcome. This verse points to a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, not merely observing their struggles but actively intervening to bring about their ultimate good and deliverance, whether in this life or the life to come. It fosters a hope that is grounded not in the absence of pain, but in the certainty of God's presence and ultimate victory over all forms of evil and suffering.

* [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Warns of Tribulation")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Afflicted, but Not Crushed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 34:19 offers immense comfort and profound challenge to the modern believer. It normalizes suffering, reminding us that trials are not necessarily a sign of divine displeasure or a lack of faith, but rather a common, even expected, experience for those who align themselves with God's righteousness. This perspective frees us from the burden of self-blame or questioning God's goodness when hardships arise. More importantly, it anchors our hope in God's unwavering commitment to deliver. When facing difficulties, this verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in the Lord's ability and willingness to bring us through every trial, knowing that His deliverance is comprehensive and certain, even if it doesn't always manifest in the way we expect or on our preferred timeline. It calls us to embrace the reality of a challenging journey while clinging to the promise of a faithful God who is always at work to rescue, sustain, and ultimately bring us to a place of complete freedom from all affliction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalm 34:19 challenge your assumptions about the Christian life and the nature of suffering?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's deliverance "out of them all," even if the trials themselves were not immediately removed?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's promised deliverance affect your emotional and spiritual response to current or future afflictions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in the Lord's ability to deliver you from your "many afflictions"?**

### FAQ
**Does "out of them all" mean God will remove every single trial from my life immediately?**

Answer: No, the phrase "out of them all" does not necessarily promise immediate or complete removal from every single trial in this earthly life. Instead, it speaks to the comprehensive and ultimate nature of God's deliverance. This deliverance can manifest in various ways: providing strength and grace to endure the trial, transforming our character through the trial, bringing about a spiritual victory even if the physical circumstance remains, or ultimately, providing complete and final rescue in eternity. The Bible is clear that believers will face tribulation ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Tribulation in the World")), but it also promises that God works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")) and that He will never abandon His people ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You")). The ultimate deliverance is found in Christ, who has overcome the world and promises eternal rest where there will be no more sorrow or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

**If the righteous suffer "many afflictions," does this imply that God is not good or powerful enough to protect them?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Psalm 34:19, far from diminishing God's goodness or power, actually magnifies it. The verse acknowledges the reality of suffering for the righteous, which is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, from Job to the New Testament epistles. God's goodness is demonstrated not by preventing all suffering, but by being present *in* the suffering, sustaining His people *through* it, and ultimately delivering them *from* it. His power is revealed in His ability to preserve, strengthen, and ultimately save His people even amidst the most severe trials. The suffering of the righteous often serves a divine purpose: to refine faith ([1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Faith Refined by Fire")), to teach dependence on God ([2 Corinthians 1:8-9](/2_corinthians/1-8 "2 Corinthians 1:8-9 - Trust in God Who Raises the Dead")), and to display God's glory through His deliverance. This verse highlights that God's power is not merely protective, but redemptive and transformative, working even the "many afflictions" for His ultimate purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 34:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Righteous One" ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ the Righteous")), yet He experienced "many afflictions" beyond measure. From the temptations in the wilderness to the relentless opposition of religious leaders, the betrayal of a disciple, the abandonment by His closest followers, and ultimately, the agony of Gethsemane and the horrific suffering of the cross, Jesus endured the full weight of human evil and divine judgment for sin ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). He truly knew what it meant to be "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." Yet, just as the psalm declares, "the LORD delivereth him out of them all." God the Father delivered Jesus from the grave through the resurrection, exalting Him to His right hand ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). For believers, this means that our own "many afflictions" are now experienced in union with the One who has already conquered suffering and death. We are called to share in His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), knowing that because He was delivered, we too will be delivered, whether through His strength to endure, His grace to overcome, or ultimately, through our own resurrection and eternal life with Him where every tear will be wiped away ([Revelation 22:3-5](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3-5 - No More Curse")). Christ's suffering and deliverance are the guarantee and the means of our own.

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 34:17

[The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalms 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.