Psalm 34 15

Psalm 34:15 kjv

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Psalm 34:15 nkjv

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:15 niv

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Psalm 34:15 esv

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.

Psalm 34:15 nlt

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.

Psalm 34 verses

Psalm 34 15 Meaning

Psalm 34:15 declares God's unwavering and active attention to those who are righteous. It assures that His watchful eyes are always upon them, not merely observing, but actively protecting and caring for them. Furthermore, it affirms that His ears are readily open and receptive to their desperate cries for help, signifying His compassionate willingness to intervene and respond to their needs.

Psalm 34 15 Context

Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David, written after he feigned madness before Abimelech (Achish) and was consequently driven away (1 Sam 21:10-15). It recounts David's personal experience of crying out to the Lord in distress and being delivered, transforming his fear into praise and instruction for others. The psalm is an acrostic poem (though some letters are missing in the Hebrew Masoretic Text for waw in verse 5, and kaph for lamed in verse 12, it is usually found as a perfect acrostic in Septuagint and other traditions), sequentially starting each verse with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, serving as a teaching tool.

Verse 15 marks a transition in the psalm. Having recounted his personal deliverance (vv. 4-6), David shifts to broad, universal principles about God's character and His consistent responsiveness to those who "fear Him" (v. 7), "trust in Him" (v. 8), and generally seek Him. The verses preceding highlight God's care for those in fear and distress, making this verse a summary statement about divine attention, particularly to those who uphold His covenant. It provides encouragement to anyone who tastes God's goodness and walks in His ways. Historically, this psalm stands as a testament to the living and relational God of Israel, sharply contrasting with the silent and passive idols worshipped in surrounding cultures.

Psalm 34 15 Word analysis

• The eyes of the Lord: (עיני יהוה, einoei YHWH). Refers to God's all-encompassing sight, but specifically His purposeful and favorable observation. It denotes His constant watchfulness, active vigilance, and providential care over His people. This personification underscores God's personal involvement, contrasting with inert pagan idols that have eyes but cannot see.
• are on: (אל, el). This preposition denotes direction, signifying a focused, deliberate placement or intention "towards" or "upon." It indicates a positive and favorable disposition, not merely general awareness, but a specific, caring gaze that implies intervention and protection.
• the righteous: (צדיקים, tzaddikim). Plural of tzaddiq. In the Old Testament, a tzaddiq is someone who is ethically upright, just, and in right standing with God according to His covenant. They are characterized by obedience, integrity, and trust in the Lord, consistently striving to align their lives with God's commands. While not implying perfection, it signifies a genuine disposition towards God and His ways, a characteristic of those who "fear the Lord" as mentioned elsewhere in this psalm. The New Testament explains that true righteousness for believers is received by faith in Christ.
• and His ears: (ואזניו, v'oznav). (ואו, vav - "and"), (אזניו, oznav - "His ears"). Similar to "eyes," this personification emphasizes God's perfect and active hearing. It's not just a general capacity to hear, but a specific readiness and willingness to attend.
• are open: While no single Hebrew word directly translates "are open" here, the phrase אל (el) is again used, conveying openness, receptiveness, and access towards something. It indicates that God's hearing is readily available and unhindered, showing a willing and unconstrained disposition to receive and process what is spoken.
• to their cry: (שועתם, shavat'am). From the root שוע (shava), meaning "to cry out for help, to implore." This refers to a distressed, urgent appeal, often in times of affliction, persecution, or deep need. It suggests a plea born out of desperation and vulnerability, highlighting God's compassion for the distressed and His promptness in responding to urgent petitions.

Psalm 34 15 Bonus section

• Polemics against Idolatry: This verse is implicitly polemical against the polytheistic beliefs of ancient cultures. While pagan deities were often depicted with sensory organs, biblical authors frequently emphasized their inertness and inability to truly see or hear (Ps 115:5-6, 135:16-17). Psalm 34:15 boldly asserts that YHWH, the God of Israel, is living, personal, and actively responsive, profoundly distinguishing Him from the mute and deaf idols.
• Holiness and Relationship: The attributes ascribed to God in this verse—seeing, hearing, responding—are direct extensions of His character as a covenant-keeping God who delights in intimate relationship with His people. His divine attention is linked to "the righteous," underscoring the reciprocal nature of the covenant: as humans strive for faithfulness and integrity, God extends His protective care and answers their prayers.
• Christological Significance: In the New Covenant, believers are declared "righteous" through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:22, 2 Cor 5:21). This imputed righteousness grants them a new standing before God, making the promise of Psalm 34:15 eternally relevant and profoundly personal for every Christian. Through Christ, believers gain secure and perpetual access to God's attentive eyes and open ears.

Psalm 34 15 Commentary

Psalm 34:15 is a foundational statement of divine care and responsiveness to those who align themselves with God's will. It provides immense comfort and encouragement by assuring that God's providence is not passive but intensely personal and active. "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous" conveys God's unwavering vigilance and protective gaze. This is not a superficial observation but an engaged, favorable oversight, signifying His constant awareness of their needs and circumstances, prepared to intervene on their behalf. This stands in stark contrast to the powerless idols of other nations who, though having eyes, could not see.

Furthermore, "and His ears are open to their cry" confirms God's deep empathy and accessibility. When the righteous, those whose lives reflect their faith and trust in God, pour out their hearts in fervent distress, their prayers are not only heard but actively attended to. This "cry" (shava) is often one of desperate appeal, signaling a profound need for divine deliverance. The assurance that God's ears are "open" implies immediate access and a compassionate readiness to respond. This verse therefore encourages believers to trust in God's ever-present watchfulness and to confidently approach Him with their every need, knowing He both sees and hears.