Psalms 34:8
What does Psalms 34:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:8 means
This verse issues an invitation to experience God's goodness directly. The call to "taste and see" is an appeal to personal experience, urging people to discover for themselves the truth of God's character, rather than merely hearing about it. It promises that the Lord is indeed good, implying that a personal encounter with Him will confirm this truth. The verse concludes with a declaration of blessedness for the one who takes refuge in Him, emphasizing that true happiness and security are found in trusting God and seeking His protection. This is an invitation to active faith and confident reliance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By experience you will see that the Lord is good; happy is the man who has faith in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Taste ye and see that Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> good, O the happiness of the man who trusteth in Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let the snare which he knoweth not come upon him: and let the net which he hath hidden catch him: and into that very snare let them fall.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Taste and see that Jehovah is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him!
Context
After illustrating God's deliverance through personal testimony and revealing His angelic protection, this verse transitions into a direct invitation to experience God for oneself. It serves as a call to action, urging readers to personally verify the truths presented thus far. This invitation to "taste and see" then grounds the subsequent call to fear the Lord among His saints, making the theological practical.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:2
as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;
- Psalms 36:7
How precious is thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings.
- Psalms 52:1
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endureth continually.
- Song of Solomon 5:1
I am come into my garden, my sister, my bride: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends; Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
- Hebrews 6:4
For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
- Psalms 36:10
Oh continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee, And thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
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