Psalm 34 12

Psalm 34:12 kjv

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

Psalm 34:12 nkjv

Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?

Psalm 34:12 niv

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

Psalm 34:12 esv

What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

Psalm 34:12 nlt

Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?

Psalm 34 verses

Psalm 34 12 Meaning

Psalm 34:12 presents a profound rhetorical question, appealing to a universal human desire: "What man is he who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?" This verse posits a fundamental longing within humanity for a qualitative and quantitative fullness of existence. To "desire life" (חָפֵץ חַיִּים, khafetz khayyim) speaks of an active, earnest yearning for true vitality and spiritual vigor, far beyond mere biological survival. Coupled with "loves many days" (אֹהֵב יָמִים רַבִּים, ohev yamim rabbim), it encompasses a wish for a prolonged and fulfilling lifespan. The ultimate aim of this yearning is "that he may see good" (לִרְאוֹת טוֹב, lir'ot tov), which denotes not just the passive observation of pleasant circumstances, but an active, holistic experience and enjoyment of comprehensive well-being, divine favor, peace, and prosperity in all its forms—spiritual, relational, and physical. This verse sets the stage as an invitation, prompting the listener to consider what conditions enable such a blessed existence, leading directly to the wisdom principles outlined in the following verses.

Psalm 34 12 Context

Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm attributed to David "when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away" (1 Sam 21:10-15 – historically referring to Achish, the king of Gath). This period was a dark and dangerous time for David, fleeing from King Saul, and his act of feigning madness before a Philistine king demonstrated a desperate reliance on God. The psalm, therefore, flows from David's personal experience of crying out to the Lord in distress and receiving miraculous deliverance. It begins with David's praise for God's goodness and salvation (Psa 34:1-7) and then transitions into a didactic, or teaching, section (Psa 34:8-22).

Verse 12 acts as a pivot, ushering in this instructional segment. After inviting others to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psa 34:8), David addresses "you children" (Psa 34:11), signifying disciples or those seeking wisdom. The rhetorical question in verse 12 then serves to capture the audience's attention by appealing to a universal human aspiration for a fulfilling, long, and prosperous life. It sets up the core teaching of the psalm: how this desired "good" life can be obtained through fearing the Lord and adhering to specific righteous conduct, which is then elaborated upon in the subsequent verses (Psa 34:13-14), connecting a virtuous life with God's blessings and protection. The cultural context views a long life and "seeing good" as direct manifestations of divine blessing and favor, particularly associated with obedience and wisdom within the covenant.

Psalm 34 12 Word analysis

• "What man" (מִי-הָאִישׁ, mi ha'ish): This is a rhetorical, interrogative expression designed to immediately engage the listener. It is less about identifying a specific individual and more about appealing to a universal sentiment. The use of the definite article ha- ("the") with ish ("man") suggests "the man" in the generic sense—that is, every person. It challenges anyone to deny this inherent human desire, making it highly inclusive.
• "is he who desires" (חָפֵץ, khafetz): Derived from a verb that implies "to delight in," "to take pleasure in," "to be pleased with," or "to strongly wish for." It's more than a casual wish; it suggests a deep-seated inclination, a heartfelt longing, and an active preference for something. This signifies that the desire for life is not superficial but deeply rooted.
• "life" (חַיִּים, khayyim): This Hebrew word is always plural, suggesting "fullness of life," "true life," or "vitality" rather than mere existence. It encapsulates holistic well-being—spiritual, physical, mental, and social flourishing. It refers to a vibrant, robust, and meaningful quality of life, not just biological animation.
• "and loves" (אֹהֵב, ohev): Coming from the root ahav, this word expresses a profound and affectionate attachment, deep care, and strong devotion. It’s an even more intense term than "desires" (khafetz). The pairing of "desires" and "loves" emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the human yearning for this blessed existence.
• "many days" (יָמִים רַבִּים, yamim rabbim): Literally "days many." This refers explicitly to longevity, a long lifespan, and duration. In the ancient Israelite worldview, a prolonged life was highly valued and seen as a clear blessing from God, often associated with wisdom, righteousness, and living in accordance with divine will. It suggests a life lived to its full appointed span, unhindered by premature ending.
• "that he may see good" (לִרְאוֹת טוֹב, lir'ot tov):
  • "to see" (לִרְאוֹת, lir'ot): In biblical Hebrew idiom, "to see" can often mean "to experience," "to perceive," "to enjoy," or "to partake of." It implies a full engagement with the object of seeing, not just visual observation. Thus, "to see good" means to actively live in and benefit from what is good.
  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): A comprehensive and multi-faceted Hebrew term encompassing all that is wholesome, beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, and right. It signifies complete well-being, success, divine favor, happiness, peace, and abundance in every aspect of life. This includes moral goodness, material prosperity, positive relationships, and inner contentment. It represents the comprehensive blessings of God.

• Words-group analysis:
• "What man is he who desires life and loves many days": This combined phrase poses a foundational rhetorical question. It assumes a universal human craving for not just physical survival, but a life marked by vitality and prolonged duration. It establishes a common ground between the speaker and the audience, acknowledging a deep-seated human aspiration that every individual instinctively holds.
• "that he may see good": This concluding phrase states the purpose or goal of the desired life and longevity. It reveals that the ultimate object of this universal desire is not simply more time or mere existence, but the active experience and enjoyment of profound and comprehensive blessing. This "good" refers to God's favor and the holistic flourishing that comes from a life lived in accordance with His will, framing it as the desired culmination of "life" and "many days."

Psalm 34 12 Bonus section

• This verse initiates what is effectively an Old Testament wisdom lecture or sermon within a psalm, addressing the audience as "children" or "sons" in the preceding verse (Psa 34:11), typical of wisdom teachers.
• The link between the desire for life, loving many days, and seeing good, forms a concise theological framework common throughout the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, where physical and temporal blessings are often seen as direct outcomes of godly living.
• The specific focus on "seeing good" anticipates the details provided in Psa 34:13-14 concerning the proper use of the tongue and the pursuit of peace. This indicates that one's words and actions are crucial determinants of whether one "sees good" in life.
• The very concept of "good" (tov) in this context implies not just external circumstances, but an internal, Spirit-led flourishing and enjoyment, regardless of the outer pressures or trials. This deep "good" is consistent with God's character as fundamentally "good."
• Its direct quotation in 1 Pet 3 demonstrates its enduring relevance for New Covenant believers, affirming that the principles connecting righteous conduct to a blessed life are still applicable under Christ.

Psalm 34 12 Commentary

Psalm 34:12 acts as a strategic opening in David's instruction, cleverly harnessing a universally felt desire for a life of quality and length. It poses a rhetorical question, immediately engaging the reader by tapping into the inherent human yearning for true vitality ("life") and an extended, fulfilling existence ("many days"). This longing is ultimately framed by the pursuit of "seeing good," which signifies experiencing comprehensive divine blessing and well-being. This "good" extends beyond material prosperity to include inner peace, relational harmony, moral uprightness, and spiritual satisfaction—a reflection of God's favor on a life lived rightly.

The verse is not just a statement of desire; it is an invitation to understanding. It serves as a lead-in to the practical, ethical guidance provided in the immediately following verses (Psa 34:13-14), which detail the precise conduct required to obtain this longed-for "good." It teaches that while the desire for a blessed life is natural, its fulfillment is contingent upon righteous living, specifically disciplined speech and active pursuit of peace. The verse effectively transitions the listener from acknowledging a common human desire to seeking God's prescribed path for its attainment, grounding an ethereal longing in practical, actionable obedience to divine wisdom, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's offer of abundant and eternal life.