Psalms 34:12
What does Psalms 34:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:12 means
This verse poses a rhetorical question, inviting the listener to consider the ultimate desire for a good and long life. It frames the subsequent instruction as a pathway to genuine blessedness and sustained well-being. By asking who desires "life" and "many days" in which to "see good," David appeals to a universal human longing for a fulfilling existence. This question serves as a hook, motivating the audience to pay close attention to the practical advice that follows, as it promises to deliver on these fundamental human desires.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What man is he that desireth life, And loveth many days, that he may see good?
KJV
King James Version · 1611What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What man is he that desireth life, And loveth many days, that he may see good?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What man has a love of life, and a desire that his days may be increased so that he may see good?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who <FI>is<Fi> the man that is desiring life? Loving days to see good?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They repaid me evil for good: to the depriving me of my soul.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What man is he that desireth life, [and] loveth days, that he may see good?
Context
This verse transitions from the general call to learn the fear of the Lord to a specific, practical question. It sets the stage for the moral instruction that follows by establishing a desirable outcome—a long and good life—as a motivation for obedient living. This direct appeal positions the subsequent teachings as the answer to a deep human longing, making them immediately relevant to the reader.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 7:7
Oh remember that my life is a breath: Mine eye shall no more see good.
- Psalms 21:4
He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him, Even length of days for ever and ever.
- Psalms 4:6
Many there are that say, Who will show us any good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
- Ecclesiastes 2:3
I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.
- Psalms 91:16
With long life will I satisfy him, And show him my salvation.
- Deuteronomy 30:20
to love Jehovah thy God, to obey his voice, and to cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which Jehovah sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
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