Psalms 34:17 - The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Generated Verse: Psalms 34:17

What does "Psalms 34:17" mean?


Psalm 34:17, "The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles," is a powerful statement about the relationship between the righteous and God. Let's break down its meaning:

"The righteous cry...": This implies that even those who are considered righteous (living in accordance with God's will or striving to do what is right) will face difficulties and times of distress. The "cry" suggests a heartfelt plea for help, acknowledging their dependence on God. It's not just a casual request, but a desperate call from a place of vulnerability.

"...and Yahweh hears...": "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, signifying His intimate and covenantal relationship with His people. The act of "hearing" emphasizes God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the prayers of the righteous. It's not that God is unaware of their suffering, but He actively listens to their specific cries for help.

"...and delivers them out of all their troubles.": This is the core promise of the verse. "Delivers" suggests active intervention and rescue from a difficult situation. "All their troubles" is a sweeping statement indicating that God's power and willingness to help are not limited to certain types of problems. He is able to deliver from any and all hardships.

In summary, the verse means:

1. Righteousness does not guarantee a trouble-free life: Even those who strive to live righteously will face trials and tribulations.
2. God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous: He hears their cries for help and is moved by their suffering.
3. God is able and willing to deliver them from all their troubles: He has the power and the desire to rescue the righteous from any difficulty they may face.

Important Considerations:

"Righteousness" is not perfection: The Bible teaches that all people are sinners. "Righteousness" in this context typically refers to those who have faith in God, who seek to live according to His commands, and who have been declared righteous by God's grace.
"Deliverance" may not always be immediate or in the way we expect: Sometimes God delivers us through our troubles rather than from them. He may provide strength, wisdom, or comfort to endure, or He may use the trials to refine our character. Deliverance might come in a form that isn't immediately apparent.
The verse is a general principle, not an absolute guarantee: While God desires to deliver the righteous, there are times when His purposes and timing may not align with our immediate desires. Our faith remains, even if the delivery isn't exactly how and when we envision it.

In conclusion, Psalm 34:17 is a reassuring promise that God is aware of the suffering of the righteous and that He is committed to helping them in their time of need. It encourages believers to cry out to Him in faith, trusting in His power and love to deliver them.