Psalm 33 19

Psalm 33:19 kjv

To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 33:19 nkjv

To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 33:19 niv

to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 33:19 esv

that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 33:19 nlt

He rescues them from death
and keeps them alive in times of famine.

Psalm 33 verses

Psalm 33 19 Meaning

Psalm 33:19 proclaims God's vigilant and active preservation of those who revere Him and trust in His faithful love. He intervenes to safeguard their entire being from the ultimate threat of death and sustains them through even the direst circumstances, like widespread famine, thereby demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over life and all of creation. This verse highlights His protective care, both against fatal dangers and in providing essential sustenance.

Psalm 33 19 Context

Psalm 33 is a communal hymn of praise, extolling God for His mighty attributes and works. It begins by calling the righteous to worship Him with music and song (vv. 1-3). The psalmist then enumerates reasons for this praise: God's righteous word and faithful works (vv. 4-5), His creative power that spoke the universe into existence (vv. 6-9), His sovereignty over human plans and nations (vv. 10-12), and His omniscient gaze over all humanity (vv. 13-15). In stark contrast to the divine might, the psalm asserts the utter inadequacy of human power, military strength, or armies to bring salvation (vv. 16-17). This sets the stage for verse 18, which is the immediate precursor to verse 19, stating that God's watchful eye is on "those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love." Verse 19 then specifies the purpose and effect of that divine oversight: active preservation from death and sustenance during famine. Culturally, the ancient world often faced significant threats from war, disease, and agricultural failures leading to famine. For the original audience, relying on human defenses or hoping in the provision of idols would have been common; this psalm provides a strong theological counterpoint, directing absolute trust to YHWH alone, who has exclusive control over life and livelihood.

Psalm 33 19 Word analysis

• to deliver (לְהַצִּיל - lĕhaṣṣîl): Derived from the Hebrew root naṣal (נצל), which means "to pluck out," "rescue," or "snatch away." This term implies an active, forceful intervention by God, removing His people from a state of peril. It is not a passive escape but a deliberate, powerful act of salvation.

• their soul (נַפְשָׁם - nafshām): From nephesh (נפש), signifying the entire living being, life-force, self, or vitality. In Hebrew thought, the nephesh encompasses the whole person—their conscious life, physical existence, and inner essence. Therefore, "delivering their soul" means preserving their entire existence and life itself.

• from death (מִמָּוֶת - mimāveth): From maveth (מות), referring to the cessation of life. This includes immediate physical dangers that lead to death, and in a broader biblical context, could allude to ultimate destruction or spiritual demise, though the immediate focus here is the preservation of earthly life.

• and to keep them alive (וּלְחַיּוֹתָם - ūlĕḥayyôtām): From ḥāyâ (חיה), meaning "to live," "to preserve life," or "to revive." This signifies God's active, continuous sustainment and vivification. It is the positive side of preservation, emphasizing not just avoiding death but maintaining life and well-being.

• in famine (בָּרָעָב - bārrā‘āv): From ra‘āv (רעב), meaning "hunger" or "famine." In biblical times, famine represented one of the most severe and life-threatening adversities. Here, it stands as a potent symbol for extreme hardship, deprivation, and any circumstance that severely threatens basic survival and prosperity.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "to deliver their soul from death": This phrase underlines God's ultimate mastery over life and death. It speaks to divine intervention that prevents fatal outcomes, encompassing both literal rescue from mortal peril and a broader spiritual protection, reflecting God as the Giver and Preserver of life.
  • "and to keep them alive in famine": This parallel phrase focuses on God's provision and sustaining power in situations of extreme material deprivation. It highlights God's ability to ensure continued existence and well-being even when all natural resources fail, affirming His sovereignty over physical necessities.
  • The pairing of "death" and "famine": These two terms are frequently linked in biblical laments and curses as the direst calamities. Their juxtaposition here emphasizes God's comprehensive power to overcome both the ultimate existential threat (death) and the most severe societal breakdown (famine), thereby covering the spectrum of profound human vulnerabilities.

Psalm 33 19 Bonus section

• The infinitive constructions "to deliver" (lĕhaṣṣîl) and "to keep them alive" (ūlĕḥayyôtām) highlight God's direct intention and specific purpose in His watchful gaze (from verse 18). His observation is active and directed towards the benefit and salvation of His people.
• This verse firmly grounds the concept of divine providence within the Hebrew understanding of YHWH as the sole sovereign. It contrasts deeply with the polytheistic or naturalistic beliefs of surrounding cultures, asserting that life's very breath and every provision come from the one true God, not from a pantheon or random chance.
• The phrase anticipates broader New Testament themes, such as Christ's promise of abundant life (Jn 10:10) and His self-identification as the "Bread of Life" (Jn 6:35), signifying that spiritual and eternal sustenance ultimately stems from Him.
• The conditionality implicit in "those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love" (v. 18) is vital. The promises of preservation are specifically for those who stand in a covenant relationship with God, characterized by reverential submission and active reliance on His faithful character (hesed).

Psalm 33 19 Commentary

Psalm 33:19 encapsulates a profound theological truth regarding God's particular care for those who orient their lives in reverent fear towards Him and ground their hope in His unwavering hesed—His covenantal faithfulness and steadfast love (as introduced in verse 18). This verse reveals two crucial facets of divine providence. Firstly, God acts purposefully "to deliver their soul from death." This speaks to His powerful, intervening hand that snatches His beloved people from both imminent mortal dangers and the ultimate cessation of life. It implies God's sovereignty over life itself, ensuring that death does not have the final word for His own. Secondly, God commits "to keep them alive in famine," indicating His meticulous provision and sustenance even amidst the most widespread and severe material lack. Famine serves as an archetype for extreme adversity, demonstrating that God's care extends beyond avoiding catastrophe to actively providing for basic needs when all natural means are exhausted. This is not a promise of an earthly life devoid of trials, but an assurance of divine preservation through such trials, maintaining life and spirit. The verse thus counters reliance on human strength, armies, or mere earthly provisions, pointing unequivocally to YHWH as the exclusive source of security, life, and true well-being, confirming that true security lies solely in His sovereign hand.

• Practical usage:
  • Times of Scarcity: Remembering God's promise during periods of financial struggle, resource depletion, or widespread economic distress, trusting in His unseen provision.
  • Facing Mortal Threat: Holding onto the promise of divine deliverance when facing severe illness, danger, or moments that feel like the "jaws of death."
  • Spiritual Hunger: Reflecting on God's ability to "keep alive" in "famine" for spiritual nourishment during dry seasons, drawing strength from Him who is the Bread of Life.