Psalms 34:9

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.

O fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068}, ye his saints {H6918}: for there is no want {H4270} to them that fear {H3373} him.

Fear ADONAI, you holy ones of his, for those who fear him lack nothing.

Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.

Oh fear Jehovah, ye his saints; For there is no want to them that fear him.

Context of Psalms 34:9

Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, composed after his dramatic escape from King Achish (whom the Bible also refers to as Abimelech) of Gath, where David feigned madness to preserve his life (1 Samuel 21:13). This psalm is an eloquent expression of praise and thanksgiving for God's deliverance and provision. It serves as a personal testimony that expands into an invitation for others to experience God's goodness. Verse 9 follows a call to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8), emphasizing that experiencing God's faithfulness leads to a deeper reverence for Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reverential Fear of the LORD: The phrase "fear the LORD" does not imply terror, but rather a profound awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's will. It signifies recognizing God's sovereignty, holiness, and power, which naturally leads to a life of devotion and trust. This reverential fear is the foundation for a blessed relationship with God.
  • God's Faithful Provision: The core promise of this verse is that "there is no want to them that fear him." This does not necessarily promise material wealth, but rather that God will meet the true needs of those who honor Him. It speaks to a divine sufficiency, ensuring that those who put God first will lack nothing essential for their spiritual and physical well-being. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
  • The Identity of "Saints": The call is specifically to "ye his saints." In the biblical context, "saints" (Hebrew: chasidim) refers to those who are devoted, pious, and set apart for God. It emphasizes that this promise of provision is for those who actively pursue a relationship with God marked by obedience and reverence.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) carries a broad range of meaning, encompassing awe, reverence, respect, and obedience. It's a foundational concept in Old Testament theology, denoting a proper relationship with God that includes acknowledging His authority and holiness.
  • "No want" translates the Hebrew phrase אֵין מַחְסוֹר (ein machsor), meaning "no lack" or "no deficiency." This signifies a state of contentment and sufficiency, where all necessary provisions are met by God. It’s a promise of divine care for those who live in faithful devotion.

Practical Application

Psalms 34:9 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper reverence for God, trusting that such a posture will lead to His faithful provision in our lives. In a world often driven by anxiety over perceived needs and wants, this verse reminds us that true security and fulfillment come from honoring God above all else. When we prioritize God's kingdom and His righteousness, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33, we can rest assured that He will take care of our needs, both spiritual and material.

This verse encourages a lifestyle of trust and obedience, assuring us that God is a generous provider for those who truly fear Him and walk in His ways. It invites us to experience the peace that comes from knowing that our ultimate well-being rests in the hands of a loving and faithful God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:32

    He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

  • Philippians 4:19

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

  • Psalms 23:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

  • Luke 12:30

    For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

  • Luke 12:32

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • Psalms 31:23

    O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

  • Psalms 89:7

    God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back