Psalm 34 1

Psalm 34:1 kjv

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 34:1 nkjv

A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 34:1 niv

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left. I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 34:1 esv

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 34:1 nlt

I will praise the LORD at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.

Psalm 34 verses

Psalm 34 1 Meaning

Psalm 34:1 expresses a profound and steadfast commitment by the psalmist, David, to continuously praise and acknowledge the LORD (Yahweh) without interruption, regardless of circumstance. It is a resolute declaration that glorification of God will always be present on his lips, flowing from a heart of gratitude and trust. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, which goes on to describe the benefits and blessings of seeking and trusting God.

Psalm 34 1 Context

Psalm 34 is identified as "A Psalm of David, when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed." This superscription directly links the psalm to the narrative in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. In that historical account, David was fleeing from King Saul, sought refuge among the Philistines in Gath (ruled by King Achish, whom the superscription refers to as "Abimelech," possibly a generic title for Philistine kings). To save his life from the Philistine officials, who recognized him as a formidable enemy, David feigned insanity. Despite being in an extremely vulnerable and desperate situation, David experienced God's deliverance. Therefore, the resolve to praise God "at all times" comes from a place of profound personal experience—having found refuge and rescue in God amidst intense fear, distress, and even humiliation. The entire chapter unfolds David's subsequent praise and teaching, based on his learned experience that the LORD indeed hears and delivers the righteous.

Psalm 34 1 Word analysis

• I will bless: The Hebrew is 'a-vâ-răḵ (אֲבָרֵךְ), derived from the root בָּרַךְ (barak). It implies bowing or kneeling in adoration and respect. Here, in a declarative verbal form, it signifies a determined and active expression of gratitude, honor, and adoration toward God, usually expressed vocally. It is a proactive choice of worship, not a passive feeling.

• the LORD: The Hebrew term is יְהוָה (YHWH), the Tetragrammaton, representing God's personal, covenantal name. This distinguishes the God of Israel from all pagan deities and emphasizes His unchangeable, self-existent nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Praising YHWH means acknowledging His unique sovereignty, His faithfulness, and His personal relationship with His people.

• at all times: The Hebrew phrase is בְּכָל־עֵת (bekol-et). Be- is "in" or "at," kol is "all" or "every," and et is "time" or "season." This denotes an unbroken continuity—every moment, every circumstance, whether favorable or challenging, prosperous or distressing. It signifies a radical commitment, independent of external conditions, and a deliberate decision of the will.

• His praise: The Hebrew word is תְּהִלָּה (tehillah), meaning a song of praise, glorification, or laudation. This word is the root of "Hallelujah" (Praise Yah!). It refers to the specific content or act of praising God—the exaltation of His character, attributes, and mighty deeds.

• shall continually be: The Hebrew term is תָּמִיד (tamid). This adverb means "continually," "regularly," "perpetually," or "always." It emphasizes a constant and uninterrupted practice, reminiscent of the perpetual sacrifices or the continuously burning lamp in the Tabernacle. It powerfully reinforces the concept introduced by "at all times," underlining the consistent nature of the praise.

• in my mouth: The Hebrew is בְּפִי (be-pi). Be- is "in," and pi is the construct form of פֶּה (peh), meaning "mouth" or "utterance." This specifies the instrument of praise, emphasizing its outward and audible expression. It signifies that the praise is not merely an internal thought or feeling but a declared, vocalized acknowledgment that is both a personal and potentially public testimony.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I will bless the LORD at all times": This phrase embodies a deep, personal resolve and covenantal commitment. It communicates that blessing the LORD is not conditional upon circumstances or emotions, but a deliberate act of will. David commits to consistently recognizing and honoring God's goodness, power, and sovereignty, regardless of his current situation.
  • "His praise shall continually be in my mouth": This complements the initial declaration by specifying the nature and continuous outward manifestation of this commitment. The emphasis on "mouth" and "continually" highlights that this praise is to be a vocal, pervasive aspect of his daily life, a constant testimony. It signifies that God's glorification is not a sporadic event but an overflow from the very being, forming his habitual conversation and public expression.

Psalm 34 1 Bonus section

The superscription for Psalm 34 directly links it to David's personal, harrowing experience detailed in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. This transforms Psalm 34:1 from a generic statement of piety into a profound testament to chosen faith and trust. David literally humbled himself to the point of feigning insanity (drooling, scrabbling on a gate) to escape certain death. In such a deeply humiliating and perilous moment, his resolve to "bless the LORD at all times" highlights a radical dependency and confidence in God above all human reasoning or efforts. This psalm forms part of David's foundational experience, which in turn served as a "school of praise" for those who later joined him in the cave of Adullam, instructing them to "taste and see that the LORD is good." The physical act of speaking praise engages the whole being in worship, solidifying the commitment beyond mere thought or feeling, affirming it in the face of fear and external pressure.

Psalm 34 1 Commentary

Psalm 34:1 captures the essence of a worshiper's unwavering devotion: a deliberate decision to praise God irrespective of life's fluctuating conditions. David, fresh from a terrifying and humiliating escape from danger, does not react with despair but with a renewed commitment to glorifying God. This isn't spontaneous emotional overflow but a profound choice and discipline that acknowledges God's unchanging nature even when personal circumstances are tumultuous. The dual emphasis on "at all times" and "continually" highlights the deep, sustained, and unwavering nature of this praise, transcending momentary relief to become an abiding posture of gratitude. By verbalizing praise ("in my mouth"), the psalmist ensures that his confession aligns with his convictions, serving both as an affirmation for himself and a powerful testimony to others, reminding them of God's faithful presence and ultimate sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that praise is not just for seasons of joy but a potent spiritual act that transcends hardship, transforming a situation of fear or humiliation into an occasion for worship and revelation. For example, a believer in financial distress might choose to recount God's past provisions rather than dwelling on lack, thereby activating faith and a thankful heart. Or, facing an illness, choosing to declare God's healing power and faithfulness, even amidst pain, redirects focus and invites divine perspective.