Psalms 34:5
What does Psalms 34:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:5 means
This verse expands on the idea of seeking the Lord, moving beyond David's individual experience to a more general observation. It speaks of those who look to the Lord in faith, indicating a posture of reliance and trust. The result of this trust is becoming "radiant" or illuminated, suggesting a spiritual glow or joy that comes from God's presence and deliverance. Their faces will "never be confounded" or put to shame, implying that those who rely on God will not be disappointed or suffer disgrace. Their hope in God will always prove justified, leading to confidence, not confusion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They looked unto him, and were radiant; And their faces shall never be confounded.
KJV
King James Version · 1611They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They looked unto him, and were radiant; And their faces shall never be confounded.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let your eyes be turned to him and you will have light, and your faces will not be shamed.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They looked expectingly unto Him, And they became bright, And their faces are not ashamed.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let them become as dust before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord straiten them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They looked unto him, and were enlightened, and their faces were not confounded.
Context
Following David's personal testimony of deliverance in verse 4, this verse generalizes the experience, applying it to all who look to the Lord. It transitions from a "me" testimony to an "us" observation, showing the wider impact of God's faithfulness. This broader principle sets the stage for the specific example of the "poor man" in the next verse, providing a relational bridge between David's story and the experience of other believers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness.
- Psalms 25:3
Yea, none that wait for thee shall be put to shame: They shall be put to shame that deal treacherously without cause.
- Esther 8:16
The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.
- 2 Samuel 19:5
And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, who this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
- Psalms 97:11
Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart.
- Psalms 83:16
Fill their faces with confusion, That they may seek thy name, O Jehovah.
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