Psalms 34:2
What does Psalms 34:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:2 means
David continues his personal declaration, proclaiming that his very soul will find its boast and joy in the Lord. This isn't a boast of self but an exaltation of God's character and power, experienced through David's deliverance from Abimelech. He anticipates that "the meek" or humble ones will hear his testimony and, upon hearing it, will be filled with gladness. His individual experience serves as an encouragement to others, particularly those who are similarly dependent on God and lowly in spirit, showing them that God delivers and can be trusted.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.
KJV
King James Version · 1611My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My soul will say great things of the Lord: the poor in spirit will have knowledge of it and be glad.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In Jehovah doth my soul boast herself, Hear do the humble and rejoice.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take hold of arms and shield: and rise up to help me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890My soul shall make its boast in Jehovah: the meek shall hear, and rejoice.
Context
Following his resolve to continually bless God in verse 1, David now focuses on a personal boast in the Lord, which will also bring joy to the humble. This verse bridges his individual commitment to a communal impact, revealing that his praise is not merely private. It sets the stage for the wider invitation to worship that immediately follows, demonstrating how personal testimony can edify others.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:74
They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word.
- Psalms 142:7
Bring my soul out of prison, That I may give thanks unto thy name: The righteous shall compass me about; For thou wilt deal bountifully with me.
- 1 Timothy 1:15
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:
- Psalms 32:5
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. [Selah
- Psalms 105:3
Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.
- 2 Corinthians 10:17
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
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