Psalms 34:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 34:9 stands as a profound exhortation and a divine promise, inviting God's devoted people, identified as His "saints," to cultivate a deep, reverential fear of the LORD. This posture of awe, respect, and obedient submission is presented not as a burden, but as the very pathway to complete sufficiency, assuring them that those who truly honor Him will experience no lack in any essential aspect of their lives. It transforms David's personal testimony of miraculous deliverance into a universal principle, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to holistically provide for all who faithfully trust and revere Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 34:9 is strategically placed within a psalm of thanksgiving and wisdom, attributed to David following his feigned madness before King Achish (1 Samuel 21). The psalm begins with David's personal vow to bless the LORD continually, inviting others to join him in magnifying God's name. The preceding verse, [Psalms 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalms 34:8 - Taste and See the LORD's Goodness"), famously calls readers to "taste and see that the LORD is good," establishing an experiential foundation for the call to reverence in verse 9. This verse then transitions from a general invitation to a specific, conditional promise, reinforcing the profound benefits of a life lived in "fear" of the LORD. The subsequent verses further elaborate on the blessings bestowed upon the righteous and the troubles faced by the wicked, solidifying the wisdom principle introduced here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes this psalm to David's harrowing escape from Gath, where he pretended insanity to preserve his life from Achish (likely a royal title, Abimelech). This personal history of extreme vulnerability and divine rescue deeply informs the psalm's themes of trust and deliverance. In ancient Israelite culture, the concept of "fearing the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yirʼat YHVH_) was foundational, signifying not terror, but a profound awe, respect, and obedient devotion to God, recognizing His supreme authority, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. This reverential fear was understood as the "beginning of wisdom" and the proper response to a covenant-keeping God. The term "saints" (חֲסִידִים, _chasidim_) referred to those who were pious, loyal, and devoted to God, often in the face of adversity, highlighting a specific community of believers who embodied this reverential fear.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes of Psalms 34:9 are the nature of **reverential fear** and **divine provision**. The "fear of the LORD" is presented as the cornerstone of a right relationship with God, encompassing deep respect, awe, and obedient submission rather than abject terror. This theme is pervasive throughout wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), which declares it the "beginning of wisdom." Flowing directly from this reverential fear is the theme of **God's faithful provision**. The promise that "there is no want" speaks to a divine sufficiency, assuring believers that God will meet their true, essential needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical—for those who honor Him. This echoes the profound assurance found in [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalms 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," emphasizing God's role as the ultimate sustainer and provider for His flock. The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **identity**, as the promise is specifically addressed to "ye his saints," underscoring that this provision is for those who are set apart and devoted to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From הָיָה (_hâyâh_), meaning "to be," this is the proper name of the God of Israel, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign, and covenant-keeping nature. When the psalmist commands "fear the LORD," it is a call to revere the one true, living God who is eternally present and active in His people's lives.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârê'_):** A primitive root (H3372), this word denotes more than simple dread. In this imperative context, it signifies a profound awe, reverence, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. This reverence naturally leads to a posture of obedient submission and devotion, recognizing God's supreme position and aligning one's life with His will. It is a foundational element of a right relationship with the divine.
* **saints (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** From קָדַשׁ (_qâdaš_), meaning "to be holy" or "set apart," this term (H6918) refers to those who are sacred, ceremonially or morally set apart for God. As a noun, it designates God's holy ones, His consecrated people who are characterized by their piety, loyalty, and devotion to Him. The address to "ye his saints" underscores that this divine promise is specifically for those who have committed themselves to a life of separation unto God and active pursuit of His righteousness.
* **want (Hebrew, _machçôwr'_):** From חָסֵר (_ḥāsēr_), meaning "to lack" or "be deficient," this noun (H4270) denotes deficiency, impoverishment, or need. The phrase "no want" (אֵין מַחְסוֹר, _ʼêyn machçôwr_) therefore signifies a complete absence of lack or deficiency. It is a promise of comprehensive sufficiency, implying that all essential needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical—will be met by God for those who revere Him. It does not promise luxury, but rather a profound contentment and provision that ensures true well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O fear the LORD":** This is a direct, emphatic imperative, an urgent and earnest exhortation. It calls for a deliberate and active posture of profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission toward Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It is an invitation to acknowledge His supreme authority and to align one's entire being with His divine character and will.
* **"ye his saints":** The address is specific and intentional, targeting those who are already identified as God's consecrated, devoted, and loyal people. This reinforces their identity as His chosen ones and serves as an encouragement for them to continue in their faithful commitment, reminding them that the promise is uniquely for those who are set apart for Him.
* **"for there is no want":** This clause introduces the divine promise, providing the compelling reason and assured outcome for the preceding command. It declares that the reverential fear of God is met with a tangible, comprehensive benefit. "No want" signifies a state of complete sufficiency and provision, assuring that all true, essential needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical—will be met by God.
* **"to them that fear him":** This concluding phrase reiterates and powerfully reinforces the condition for the promise, forming an **inclusio** with the opening command. It explicitly links the promise of "no want" directly and undeniably to the cultivation and maintenance of this reverential fear of the LORD, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 34:9 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its profound message. The verse opens with a direct **Imperative** ("O fear the LORD"), which acts as a forceful and immediate call to action, drawing the audience into the psalmist's exhortation. This command is immediately followed by a clear statement of **Cause and Effect**, where the act of "fearing the LORD" is presented as the direct and necessary condition for experiencing "no want." The verse masterfully employs **Inclusio** and **Repetition** by beginning with "fear the LORD" and concluding with "to them that fear him," thereby framing the entire promise within the context of this essential reverential posture and emphasizing its paramount importance. Furthermore, the phrase "no want" functions as a powerful form of **Litotes**, expressing an affirmative (God's abundant and holistic provision) by negating its opposite (lack or deficiency), subtly underscoring the completeness and certainty of God's care. The term "saints" can also be understood as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a specific group (those who are pious and set apart) stands for the broader community of the righteous who are called to this lifestyle of profound reverence and trust in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 34:9 encapsulates a foundational theological principle woven throughout the fabric of Scripture: the intimate and unbreakable connection between a deep, reverential devotion to God and His faithful, comprehensive provision. This "fear of the LORD" is not a cowering dread, but a profound awe that leads to unwavering trust, humble obedience, and absolute dependence on the Almighty. It signifies a proper recognition of God's infinite majesty, holiness, and sovereignty, which then reorients one's entire life to seek His will and His kingdom above all else. When humanity aligns itself with God's purposes through this humble reverence, God, in His boundless goodness, faithfulness, and covenant love, pledges to meet all essential needs. This promise extends far beyond mere material provision to encompass spiritual flourishing, emotional well-being, and relational harmony, ensuring a holistic sufficiency for those who truly honor Him. It underscores a dynamic covenantal relationship where human faithfulness is met with divine, unfailing care.

* [Deuteronomy 10:12-13](/deuteronomy/10-12-13 "Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - What the LORD Requires")
* [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 34:9 offers both profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers navigating the complexities of contemporary life. In a world often characterized by pervasive anxiety over perceived needs, insatiable material desires, and the relentless pursuit of more, this verse powerfully redirects our focus to the ultimate and only true source of security and fulfillment: God Himself. It calls us to cultivate a deeper, more profound reverence for the LORD, urging us to recognize His sovereignty, His unblemished holiness, and His loving, meticulous care in every facet of our existence. When we truly "fear" Him in this biblical sense—when we consciously prioritize His will, His kingdom, and His righteousness above all earthly concerns—we are given the unwavering assurance that He will faithfully and comprehensively meet our needs. This promise does not guarantee a life devoid of hardship or an abundance of every material desire, but rather a divine sufficiency that ensures we will lack nothing essential for our spiritual flourishing, emotional peace, and physical well-being. It invites us to embrace a lifestyle of radical trust and profound contentment, liberating us from the endless cycle of striving and enabling us to rest securely in the peace that emanates from knowing our loving God is our ultimate and unfailing provider.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current understanding of "fearing the LORD" practically influence my daily decisions, financial choices, and relational priorities?**
* **In which specific areas of my life do I most frequently experience a sense of "want" or perceived lack, and how might cultivating a deeper, more active reverence for God transform those areas?**
* **What tangible, practical steps can I commit to taking this week to more intentionally prioritize God's will and kingdom in my life, thereby demonstrating my trust in His promise of provision?**
* **How does the profound assurance of "no want" for those who fear God reshape my perspective on material possessions, worldly ambitions, and the pursuit of earthly security?**

### FAQ

**What does "fear the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 34:9, "fear the LORD" does not imply a cowering terror or dread of God, but rather a profound and reverential awe, respect, and honor for Him. It encompasses recognizing His absolute sovereignty, His infinite holiness, and His immense power, which naturally leads to a posture of obedient submission, deep devotion, and humble worship. It is a foundational concept for a proper, healthy relationship with God, inspiring trust, adoration, and a fervent desire to live in accordance with His divine will and purposes. This reverential fear is consistently described in Scripture as the "beginning of wisdom," as eloquently stated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"), because it rightly positions humanity before the Creator.

**Does "there is no want" promise material wealth or freedom from all difficulties?**

Answer: No, the promise "there is no want" in Psalms 34:9 does not guarantee material wealth, an abundance of every desire, or a life completely devoid of challenges and difficulties. Instead, it signifies that God, in His faithfulness, will meet the true, essential needs of those who fear Him. This comprehensive provision extends to spiritual, emotional, and physical necessities, ensuring a state of divine sufficiency and profound contentment. It speaks to God's faithful and sustaining care for His people, providing not necessarily every *want*, but always what is truly *needed* for their well-being and for them to fulfill His purposes in their lives. This aligns perfectly with the New Testament teaching to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first, with the comforting assurance that "all these things will be added to you" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")). It is a promise of God's unfailing sustenance, echoing the sentiment found in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"), "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 34:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fear of the LORD" that the psalmist calls for is perfectly and flawlessly embodied in Christ, who lived a life of absolute obedience, profound reverence, and complete submission to the Father's will, even to the agonizing point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the quintessential "Saint," the Holy One of God, who perfectly demonstrated what it means to truly fear the LORD, not out of terror, but out of perfect love and devotion. Furthermore, the promise of "no want" is fully and eternally realized in Christ, who is the ultimate source of all true provision for humanity. He declares Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger; the [Living Water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water"), quenching our most profound thirst; and the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who ensures His sheep lack nothing essential for abundant life. Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, believers are reconciled to God, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to genuinely "fear" (revere) God, and are made heirs to all spiritual blessings in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). In Christ, our assurance of God's provision is not based on our imperfect fear or fluctuating faithfulness, but on His perfect love and Christ's finished, all-sufficient work, guaranteeing that God will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

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

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.