Psalms 34:7
What does Psalms 34:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:7 means
This verse reveals the unseen spiritual reality behind God's deliverance, declaring that the angel of the Lord actively protects those who fear Him. The image of the angel "encamping round about" conveys a sense of strong, active, and comprehensive protection, like a military guard. For those who fear the Lord—meaning they reverence and submit to Him—this divine protector surrounds them, safeguarding them from harm and ultimately delivering them. This promise assures believers that God's care is not a passive watch but an active, supernatural defense.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The angel of the Lord is ever watching over those who have fear of him, to keep them safe.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A messenger of Jehovah is encamping, Round about those who fear Him, And He armeth them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: without cause they have upbraided my soul.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Context
Building upon the testimony of God's deliverance from fear and trouble in verses 4 and 6, this verse reveals the mechanism of divine protection. It introduces the concept of the "angel of Jehovah" as an active guardian, shifting from observable deliverance to the unseen spiritual forces at work. This profound truth then serves as a powerful encouragement for the invitation in the following verse to "taste and see" God's goodness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 32:1
And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
- Matthew 18:10
See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
- Zechariah 9:8
And I will encamp about my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
- 2 Kings 19:35
And it came to pass that night, that the angel of Jehovah went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
- 2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
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