Psalms 34:9
What does Psalms 34:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 34:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 34:9 means
Building on the invitation to experience God's goodness, David now addresses "ye his saints"—those who already belong to God—urging them to "fear Jehovah." This fear is not terror, but a reverential awe and respect that leads to obedience and reliance. The profound reason given for this fear is that "there is no want to them that fear him." This assures believers that a life lived in humble submission to God is one of complete provision, where all genuine needs are met. It contrasts with worldly striving, promising divine sufficiency for those dedicated to Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Oh fear Jehovah, ye his saints; For there is no want to them that fear him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Oh fear Jehovah, ye his saints; For there is no want to them that fear him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep yourselves in the fear of the Lord, all you his saints; for those who do so will have no need of anything.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Fear Jehovah, ye His holy ones, For there is no lack to those fearing Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; and shall be delighted in his salvation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Fear Jehovah, ye his saints; for there is no want to them that fear him.
Context
Following the open invitation to "taste and see" God's goodness in verse 8, David now specifically addresses God's saints, urging them to fear the Lord. This verse provides a powerful motivation for reverent awe: complete provision. It sets the stage for the vivid contrast presented in the next verse, highlighting the security of those who fear God versus the lack experienced by the self-reliant.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 22:23
Ye that fear Jehovah, praise him; All ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; And stand in awe of him, all ye the seed of Israel.
- Isaiah 8:13
Jehovah of hosts, him shall ye sanctify; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
- Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?
- Psalms 23:1
Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.
- Psalms 31:23
Oh love Jehovah, all ye his saints: Jehovah preserveth the faithful, And plentifully rewardeth him that dealeth proudly.
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