Fear the LORD,The concept of fearing the LORD is central to biblical teaching, emphasizing reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness and authority. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's power and majesty. In the Old Testament, the fear of the LORD is often associated with wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10) and obedience (
Deuteronomy 10:12). It is a foundational principle for a righteous life, guiding believers to live in a way that honors God.
you His saints,
The term "saints" refers to those set apart for God, His holy people. In the Old Testament, this often referred to the Israelites, God's chosen people. In the New Testament, it extends to all believers in Christ, who are sanctified through faith. The call to fear the LORD is directed specifically to these individuals, highlighting their special relationship with God and their responsibility to live according to His will.
for those who fear Him lack nothing.
This phrase promises provision and sufficiency for those who fear the LORD. It echoes other scriptures, such asPsalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," andMatthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches that seeking God's kingdom first ensures that all necessary things will be provided. This assurance is rooted in God's faithfulness and His covenant relationship with His people, demonstrating that He cares for and sustains those who honor Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe author of
Psalm 34, who wrote this psalm as a song of praise and instruction after being delivered from his enemies.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.
3.
SaintsRefers to the faithful followers of God, those set apart for His purposes.
4.
Fear of the LORDA reverential awe and respect for God, recognizing His power, holiness, and authority.
5.
ProvisionThe promise that those who fear the LORD will lack nothing, highlighting God's provision and care for His people.
Teaching Points
Reverence and RelationshipThe fear of the LORD is not about terror but about a deep respect and awe that comes from knowing His character and His love for us.
Holiness and ObedienceFearing the LORD leads to a life of holiness and obedience, as we align our actions with His will and purposes.
Trust and ProvisionTrusting in God's provision means believing that He will meet our needs as we prioritize our relationship with Him.
Community of SaintsAs part of the community of saints, we are encouraged to support one another in our walk with God, sharing testimonies of His faithfulness.
Contentment and GratitudeRecognizing God's provision should lead to contentment and gratitude, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 34:9?
2.How can we "fear the LORD" as instructed in Psalm 34:9 today?
3.What does "lack nothing" mean in the context of Psalm 34:9?
4.How does Psalm 34:9 connect with Matthew 6:33 about seeking God's kingdom?
5.What practical steps ensure we live in reverence to God daily?
6.How can Psalm 34:9 encourage trust in God's provision during difficult times?
7.What does "fear the LORD" mean in Psalm 34:9 from a theological perspective?
8.How does Psalm 34:9 relate to the concept of divine provision?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 34:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 34?
11.When should you search and when should you give up?
12.What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?
13.Psalm 116:15 states 'precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints'--does this diminish the tragedy of death or contradict God's benevolence?
14.What is the Bible's view on poverty?What Does Psalm 34:9 Mean
Fear the LORD“Fear the LORD…” (Psalm 34:9) sets the tone with a command, not a suggestion. This fear is:
• Reverence that recognizes God’s majesty (Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge”)
• Awe that leads to obedience (Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man”)
• A healthy awareness that He is Judge and Redeemer (Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God…?”)
When we live in this posture, our priorities, choices, and words align with His will.
you His saints“…you His saints…” (Psalm 34:9) identifies the audience: people already set apart by God.
• Saints are those declared holy by the Lord (Psalm 30:4, “Sing to the LORD, O you His saints”)
• This designation covers Old and New Covenant believers (Ephesians 1:1), reminding us that holiness is both status and calling
• Because we belong to Him, He has every right to command our reverence
for those who fear Him“…for those who fear Him…” (Psalm 34:9) repeats the key concept, stressing that God’s benefits are tied to this attitude.
• Intimacy: “The LORD confides in those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14)
• Protection: “How great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You” (Psalm 31:19)
• Mercy spanning generations: “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50)
Fearing Him is not a fringe option; it is the pathway to experiencing His covenant blessings.
lack nothing“…lack nothing.” (Psalm 34:9) states a sweeping promise of sufficiency.
• David echoes this inPsalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
• Jesus reaffirms it: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
• Paul celebrates it: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
God obligates Himself to meet every genuine need—spiritual, emotional, and physical—of those who live in reverent submission. This is not a blank check for indulgence, but a guarantee that nothing necessary for God’s purposes will be withheld (Romans 8:32).
summaryPsalm 34:9 invites God’s people to a life of reverent awe. To fear the LORD is to recognize His holiness, submit to His authority, and trust His heart. Saints who live this way receive an unshakable assurance: God Himself will see to it that they lack nothing essential for life and godliness.
Verse 9. -
O fear the Lord, ye his saints. Fear of God, a reverent and godly fear, will always accompany trust in God, such as God approves. The saints of God both love and fear him (comp.
Psalm 31:23). There is no want to them that fear 'him since God supplies all their wants.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Fearיְר֣אוּ(yə·r·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frightenthe LORD,יְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyou His saints,קְדֹשָׁ֑יו(qə·ḏō·šāw)Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryforכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthose who fearלִירֵאָֽיו׃(lî·rê·’āw)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3373:Fearing, reverentHim lackמַ֝חְס֗וֹר(maḥ·sō·wr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4270:A need, thing needed, povertynothing.אֵ֥ין(’ên)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particle
Links
Psalm 34:9 NIVPsalm 34:9 NLTPsalm 34:9 ESVPsalm 34:9 NASBPsalm 34:9 KJV
Psalm 34:9 BibleApps.comPsalm 34:9 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 34:9 Chinese BiblePsalm 34:9 French BiblePsalm 34:9 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 34:9 Oh fear Yahweh you his saints (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
