Psalms 34:4
What does Psalms 34:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:4 means
David offers his personal testimony, explaining the foundation of his joyful praise. He recounts a specific instance—likely his escape from Abimelech—where he sought the Lord in distress. God responded to his plea, not just by providing physical safety, but also by delivering him from all of his fears. This verse highlights God’s attentiveness to those who seek Him and His comprehensive deliverance that addresses both external dangers and internal anxieties. It demonstrates that God's answer brings a complete freedom from fear, validating David's reasons for praise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I was searching for the Lord, and he gave ear to my voice, and made me free from all my fears.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I sought Jehovah, and He answered me, And from all my fears did deliver me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and be confounded that devise evil against me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Context
This verse provides the first concrete example of why David is praising the Lord, moving from general declarations of worship to a specific testimony. It illustrates God's immediate response to David's seeking and deliverance from fear. This personal experience serves as the basis for the broader encouragement in the subsequent verses, showing others what God can do for them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.
- Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
- 2 Corinthians 12:8
Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
- Psalms 46:2
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;
- Psalms 31:22
As for me, I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications, When I cried unto thee.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
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