Psalm 34 6

Psalm 34:6 kjv

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:6 nkjv

This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:6 niv

This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:6 esv

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalm 34:6 nlt

In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.

Psalm 34 verses

Psalm 34 6 Meaning

This verse serves as a powerful testament to the LORD's faithful response to the cries of those in affliction. It states that an individual, referred to as "this poor man" (or the "humble" or "afflicted"), cried out to God in his distress. In response, the LORD Himself listened intently and actively intervened, delivering and saving him completely from every single one of his troubles and distresses. It highlights divine attentiveness and total rescue for the one who turns to Him in humility and desperation.

Psalm 34 6 Context

Psalm 34 is an acrostic psalm (each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, though not perfectly in all translations) that teaches the blessings of fearing the LORD and seeking His guidance. The superscription attributes it to David "when he pretended madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he departed" (referring to the event in 1 Sam 21:10-15 where David feigned insanity before King Achish of Gath to escape harm, as Gath was a Philistine city, and "Abimelech" might have been a generic royal title).

Verse 6 follows David's personal testimony in Psalm 34:4-5, where he recounts seeking the LORD and being delivered from his fears, and those who looked to the LORD being radiant. Psalm 34:6 transitions from David's individual experience to a universal truth: what God did for him, He will do for any "poor man" who cries out. This verse, therefore, acts as a general application and encouragement derived from a specific, humbling moment in David's life. It sets the stage for the broader instruction and invitation to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psa 34:8), emphasizing that God is a deliverer for the humble and desperate.

Psalm 34 6 Word analysis

• This poor man (Zeh ani):

  • Zeh (זֶה) means "this," highlighting a specific instance, making the testimony vivid and relatable. It suggests an identifiable, concrete example, often interpreted as the psalmist himself.
  • ani (עָנִי): This significant Hebrew term describes one who is "poor," "afflicted," "humble," "lowly," or "oppressed." It denotes a state of weakness, need, and dependence, often resulting from material poverty, social marginalization, or physical/emotional suffering. Biblically, it frequently carries a spiritual connotation, referring to one who is humbled before God, recognizing their utter reliance on Him. It contrasts with self-sufficiency or pride. This is not necessarily material poverty but a state of spiritual brokenness and receptiveness to God's aid.

• cried out (qara'):

  • qara' (קָרָא): Means "to call, cry out, proclaim, appeal, read." In this context, it signifies a fervent, earnest, and often desperate vocal plea for help. It indicates a prayer of necessity, a passionate and unreserved appeal to God arising from dire circumstances. It's more than a simple request; it's a cry of distress.

• and the Lord (waYHWH):

  • wa (וָ): "And," linking the cry directly to God's response.
  • YHWH (יְהוָה): The divine covenant name of God, frequently translated as "the LORD." It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that it is the personal, relational God of Israel who is hearing and acting, not a generic deity. His actions are consistent with His character revealed to His people.

• heard him (shama'):

  • shama' (שָׁמַע): Means "to hear, listen, pay attention, understand, obey." Here, it denotes more than just perceiving sound; it implies an attentive, compassionate hearing that leads to a favorable response. God's hearing is active and implies a readiness to intervene and act on behalf of the one crying out. It reflects His deep engagement with human suffering.

• and saved him (waHOSHI'O):

  • wa (וָ): "And," continuing the sequence of divine action.
  • Yasha' (יָשַׁע): The root word meaning "to save, deliver, rescue, help, give victory." It often implies liberation from danger, oppression, or distress. This is the direct, powerful, and complete intervention by God in response to the "poor man's" cry, resulting in freedom or relief from the troubling situation. It suggests comprehensive and effective deliverance.

• out of all his troubles (miKol-tsarotav):

  • mi (מִ): "From" or "out of."
  • Kol (כֹּל): "All, every, whole, complete." This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance.
  • tsarot (צָרוֹת): Plural of tsarah (צָרָה), meaning "distress, anguish, adversity, trouble, affliction." It refers to constricted or narrow circumstances that bring difficulty or suffering. The "all" indicates that God's deliverance was not partial but encompassed every aspect of the individual's distress, leaving no trouble unaddressed.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "This poor man cried out": Establishes the agent of prayer (the humble/afflicted) and the manner (fervent, desperate cry). It signifies a recognition of utter dependence and helplessness before God. The emphasis is on spiritual need over material lack, though the latter can also be included. This is the human initiative.
  • "the LORD heard him and saved him": Highlights God's sequential, powerful, and personal response. It portrays the LORD as not just attentive but actively responsive and capable of intervening definitively. God's hearing leads directly to His saving action. This is the divine response.
  • "out of all his troubles": Specifies the scope and completeness of God's deliverance. It reassures that no distress, no matter how comprehensive, is beyond God's power to fully resolve. It's a complete, not partial, rescue, affirming God's omnipotence and faithfulness.

Psalm 34 6 Bonus section

• Pattern of Deliverance: The verse illustrates a foundational biblical pattern: human cry (Plea) -> God hears (Presence/Perception) -> God saves (Power/Provision). This sequence is woven throughout the narrative of Israel and the testimonies of believers.
• David's Humiliation: The superscription contextualizes David's experience. He, the anointed king, was reduced to feigning madness—a deeply humiliating and fearful situation—before his enemies. This shows that God's salvation is for those at their absolute lowest point, stripped of self-reliance or dignity, aligning perfectly with the concept of the "poor man."
• A Call to Others: This verse, while personal, acts as an invitation. Because "this poor man" (like David) was saved, others can be encouraged to similarly cry out. This transforms personal experience into a universal promise and an exhortation to trust.

Psalm 34 6 Commentary

Psalm 34:6 is a condensed gospel message for the distressed. It functions as both a testimony and an assurance, offering comfort to all who find themselves in a place of vulnerability and despair. The "poor man" isn't merely one lacking material wealth, but profoundly, one who is humbled, spiritually destitute, or completely dependent upon God, acknowledging their incapacity to help themselves. Such a cry is one of profound faith, albeit perhaps laced with desperation. God's immediate response ("heard him") signifies not just audibility but His attentive compassion and readiness to intervene. His act of "saving him" from "all his troubles" showcases His complete sovereignty and commitment to deliver His devoted ones, providing a holistic rescue that encompasses every aspect of the difficulty. This verse powerfully illustrates that true deliverance originates not from human strength or ingenuity, but solely from calling upon the covenant God who is both able and willing to hear and save totally.