Psalm 34 7

Psalm 34:7 kjv

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 34:7 nkjv

The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

Psalm 34:7 niv

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 34:7 esv

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Psalm 34:7 nlt

For the angel of the LORD is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Psalm 34 verses

Psalm 34 7 Meaning

Psalm 34:7 conveys a profound truth about divine protection: the special envoy of God, or God Himself acting through an agent, takes up a watchful station around those who revere and honor Him, providing them complete safety and rescuing them from harm. It promises God's active presence and intervention for the obedient believer.

Psalm 34 7 Context

Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David, written after he escaped King Achish (referred to as Abimelech in the superscription) by feigning madness (1 Sam 21:10-15). It transitions from David's personal experience of miraculous deliverance (vv. 1-6) to a general declaration of God's goodness and protection for all who seek and revere Him (vv. 7-10). The psalm then becomes instructional, inviting others to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (v. 8) and teaching them the benefits of fearing the Lord (vv. 11-22), which include guidance, deliverance, and preservation of life. Verse 7 serves as a key pivot, taking David's specific experience and translating it into a universal theological truth applicable to all who stand in awe of God.

Psalm 34 7 Word analysis

• The angel: (Hebrew: מַלְאַךְ - malʾakh) This word generally means "messenger" or "envoy." In biblical context, it frequently refers to an angel. However, when paired with "of the LORD" (YHWH), "the Angel of the LORD" often signifies a special divine manifestation, even a pre-incarnate appearance of God Himself (a theophany or Christophany), acting with divine authority and carrying God's very presence and power (e.g., Gen 16; Exod 3; Judg 6; 13). It is not merely an ordinary messenger, but a potent agent or direct presence of God.
• of the LORD: (Hebrew: יְהוָה - YHWH) This is the sacred, covenant name of God, indicating His eternal, self-existent, and relational nature. Its inclusion emphasizes that the protection described is inherently divine and personally executed by God.
• encamps: (Hebrew: חֹנֶה - choneh) This verb means "to encamp," "to pitch a tent," or "to settle down." It carries military connotations, suggesting a surrounding guard or a protective barrier like an army establishing its position around something precious. It implies a settled, watchful, and prepared presence, offering a strong sense of security and continuous vigilance.
• around: (Hebrew: סָבִיב - saviv) This adverb means "round about" or "surrounding." It emphasizes complete, all-encompassing protection, ensuring that no angle is left unguarded. It conveys the idea of a comprehensive shield or a fortress-like encirclement.
• those who fear Him: (Hebrew: יְרֵאָיו - yireʾayv) This refers to individuals who hold God in reverential awe and worship. This "fear" is not terror or dread but a profound respect, obedience, and recognition of God's sovereignty, holiness, and power. It encompasses trusting Him, living according to His commands, and departing from evil. It's an active posture of faith and submission, the beginning of wisdom.
• and He delivers them: (Hebrew: וַיְחַלְּצֵם - vaychalletzem) The conjunction "and" connects the encampment to the result. "Delivers" (chalats) means to pull out, rescue, snatch away, or set free from bonds, danger, or distress. This signifies active intervention, where God directly brings salvation and liberation from trouble. The subject "He" clearly refers to the Lord, indicating God Himself is the ultimate Deliverer, manifesting His power through the Angel of the LORD.

• "The angel of the LORD encamps": This phrase portrays an active, personalized, and formidable divine presence guarding. The verb "encamps" highlights an ongoing, steady watch, not just a fleeting visit, conveying unwavering commitment to protection.
• "around those who fear Him": This defines the specific beneficiaries of this divine encampment. It establishes the condition for receiving this profound protection, emphasizing that divine care is extended to those who live in a posture of respectful awe, obedience, and trust towards God.
• "and He delivers them": This final clause presents the ultimate outcome and purpose of the angelic encampment. It demonstrates that the divine watchfulness is not passive but leads directly to tangible rescue and liberation from danger, linking God's protective presence to His saving action.

Psalm 34 7 Bonus section

The "fear of the Lord" mentioned in this verse is a foundational biblical concept, repeatedly presented as the core of wisdom, true piety, and the pathway to blessing. It implies a recognition of God's majesty and holiness that results in moral reverence, heartfelt obedience, and profound trust, leading one to depart from evil and seek righteousness. It is not a dread that incapacitates but an awe that inspires devoted service. David, in his own experience (Ps 34:4, 6), found that when he sought the Lord in his fear, he was delivered from all his fears and troubles, transforming his personal testimony into this universal truth for all who walk in this reverent posture.

Psalm 34 7 Commentary

Psalm 34:7 articulates a powerful truth about God's intimate and active protection for His faithful ones. The "Angel of the LORD," often a divine manifestation of God Himself or a very special emissary endowed with divine authority, actively "encamps" – a military image suggesting a defensive encirclement – around those who maintain a reverent awe and obedience towards God. This encampment is not a mere symbolic presence but a dynamic, protective watch, leading directly to God's powerful intervention. He personally "delivers" them, actively rescuing them from their troubles and dangers. This verse assures believers that their obedient reverence draws God's immediate and comprehensive safeguard, promising rescue as a direct outcome of their faith.