CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 34:2 My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/34-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_034_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 34:2 - Taste and See that the LORD is Good" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/34-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/34-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/34.htm">Chapter 34</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm" title="Psalm 34:1">◄</a> Psalm 34:2 <a href="/psalms/34-3.htm" title="Psalm 34:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/34.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/34.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/34.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/34.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear <i>thereof</i>, and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear <i>of it</i> and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My soul will make its boast in Yahweh; The humble will hear it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My soul makes its boast in the LORD; The humble <i>and</i> downtrodden will hear it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul shall make her boast in Jehovah: The meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />With all my heart, I will praise the LORD. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the meek shall hear thereof, and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My soul will boast about the LORD. Those who are oppressed will hear it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul will glorify the LORD; the humble will hear about it and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I will boast in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My soul shall boast in the LORD. The humble shall hear of it, and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear of it and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My soul shall boast in Yahweh. The humble shall hear of it and be glad. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In YHWH my soul boasts herself, "" The humble hear and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In Jehovah doth my soul boast herself, Hear do the humble and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In Jehovah my soul shall glory, the humble shall hear and rejoice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 33:3>In the Lord, my soul will be praised. May the meek listen and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My soul will glory in the LORD; let the poor hear and be glad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My soul will boast in LORD JEHOVAH; the poor will hear and they will rejoice.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My soul shall glory in the LORD; The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />My soul shall boast herself in the Lord: let the meek hear, and rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/34-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=3640" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Taste and See that the LORD is Good</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">My soul</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: tiṯ·hal·lêl (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3fs) -- To shine.">boasts</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">in the LORD;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6035.htm" title="6035: ‘ă·nā·wîm (Adj-mp) -- Poor, afflicted, humble, meek. Or Aanayv; from anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">let the oppressed</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·mə·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/8055.htm" title="8055: wə·yiś·mā·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- Rejoice, be glad. A primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e. be blithe or gleesome.">and rejoice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Jeremiah 9:24</a></span><br />But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm">1 Corinthians 1:31</a></span><br />Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-17.htm">2 Corinthians 10:17</a></span><br />Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-25.htm">Isaiah 45:25</a></span><br />In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-17.htm">Romans 15:17</a></span><br />Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Galatians 6:14</a></span><br />But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">1 Samuel 2:1</a></span><br />At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-16.htm">Isaiah 41:16</a></span><br />You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3</a></span><br />For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Psalm 44:8</a></span><br />In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-3.htm">Psalm 105:3</a></span><br />Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/149-4.htm">Psalm 149:4</a></span><br />For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-10.htm">1 Chronicles 16:10</a></span><br />Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></span><br />I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-46.htm">Luke 1:46-47</a></span><br />Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, / and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.</p><p class="hdg">make</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Psalm 44:8</a></b></br> In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/105-3.htm">Psalm 105:3</a></b></br> Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/45-25.htm">Isaiah 45:25</a></b></br> In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.</p><p class="hdg">the humble</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-22.htm">Psalm 22:22-24</a></b></br> I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/32-5.htm">Psalm 32:5,6</a></b></br> I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-74.htm">Psalm 119:74</a></b></br> They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/25-16.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/psalms/33-21.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/30-12.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/33-17.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/31-22.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/39-18.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/psalms/33-15.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Meek</a> <a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/33-21.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/psalms/33-20.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/32-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/24-1.htm">Thereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/38-16.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/psalms/35-9.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/34-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/38-13.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/68-31.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/psalms/37-11.htm">Humble</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/37-11.htm">Meek</a> <a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/35-9.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/psalms/34-22.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/46-3.htm">Thereof</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">David praises God, and exhorts others thereto by his experience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-8.htm">They are blessed who trust in God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-11.htm">He exhorts to the fear of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">The privileges of the righteous</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/34.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/34.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My soul boasts in the LORD;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes a deep, personal relationship with God, where the psalmist's innermost being finds its pride and confidence in the LORD. The Hebrew word for "boasts" can also mean to shine or to glory, indicating that the psalmist's identity and worth are found in God alone. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms, where reliance on God is paramount (<a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Psalm 44:8</a>). The idea of boasting in the LORD is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul writes in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm">1 Corinthians 1:31</a>, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord," highlighting a continuity in the biblical narrative that true glory and confidence come from God, not human achievement.<p><b>let the oppressed hear and rejoice.</b><br>The term "oppressed" refers to those who are afflicted, humble, or in distress. In the historical context of ancient Israel, the oppressed often included the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners, who were vulnerable in society. The psalmist invites these individuals to hear of God's goodness and find joy. This reflects the biblical theme of God's concern for the marginalized, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, which speaks of bringing good news to the poor and binding up the brokenhearted. The call to rejoice suggests a transformation from sorrow to joy, a theme that resonates with the messianic prophecy of Jesus Christ, who in <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a>, identifies Himself with the mission of bringing liberation and joy to the oppressed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Psalm 34</a>, David wrote this psalm during a time of personal distress, specifically when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away (<a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-15</a>). This context highlights David's reliance on God during times of trouble.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central figure in whom David boasts. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_oppressed.htm">The Oppressed</a></b><br>Those who are suffering or in distress. David's message is directed towards these individuals, encouraging them to find joy in the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/b/boasting_in_the_lord.htm">Boasting in the LORD</a></b><br>True boasting is not in personal achievements or status but in the LORD's character and deeds. This shifts focus from self to God, fostering humility and gratitude.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_oppressed.htm">Encouragement for the Oppressed</a></b><br>The oppressed are invited to hear and rejoice, suggesting that joy is accessible even in hardship through a relationship with God. This offers hope and a call to trust in God's deliverance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a></b><br>Sharing personal experiences of God's faithfulness can encourage others, especially those in distress, to find strength and joy in the LORD.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility.htm">The Role of Humility</a></b><br>Recognizing our limitations and God's sovereignty leads to a deeper reliance on Him, aligning with the biblical principle that God exalts the humble.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 34</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_belief_in_the_son_of_god.htm">What does fearing God mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_records_support_humility_over_wealth_in_israel.htm">Proverbs 12:9 implies it’s better to be humble with modest means than to pretend wealth, yet do historical or archaeological records support such an ethos in ancient Israelite society? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_verify_psalm_116_3-4's_rescue.htm">Psalm 116:3-4 describes rescue from death--how can we historically or scientifically verify such an event?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_'long_and_faint'_for_non-physical_courts.htm">In Psalm 84:2, how can one physically 'long and faint' for God's courts if they are non-physical spaces?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Humble.</span>--See Note on <a href="/psalms/9-12.htm" title="When he makes inquisition for blood, he remembers them: he forgets not the cry of the humble.">Psalm 9:12</a>. The LXX.<p>and Vulg., "the meek." It means here those who have learnt patience in the school of suffering.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/34.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My soul shall make her boast in the Lord</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Psalm 44:8</a>; and for the meaning of "boasting in the Lord," see <a href="/jeremiah/9-24.htm">Jeremiah 9:24</a>, "Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which executeth loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth" ). <span class="cmt_word">The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad</span>. They will anticipate joy for themselves when they hear of my rejoicing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/34-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">My soul</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">will boast</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתְהַלֵּ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(tiṯ·hal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the LORD;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֭יהוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let the oppressed</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲנָוִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·nā·wîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6035.htm">Strong's 6035: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble, meek</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hear</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמְע֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and rejoice.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיִשְׂמָֽחוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yiś·mā·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8055.htm">Strong's 8055: </a> </span><span class="str2">To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/34-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 34:2 My soul shall boast in Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 34:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/34-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 34:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>