Psalms 34:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 34:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalms 34:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will bless the Lord at all times, etc.] That is, ascribe blessing, give honour, praise, and glory to him, both as the God of nature and providence, for every temporal mercy; and that every day, and at all times in the day; since these are renewed every morning, and continue all the day long: and as the God of grace, for all spiritual blessings; and that continually, because these last always; they are irreversible, unchangeable, and without repentance; yea, saints have reason to bless God in times of adversity as well as prosperity, since it might have been worse with them than it is; they have a mixture of mercy in all, and all things work together for their good; his praise [shall]…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“On the title compare Sa1 21:13. Abimelech was the general name of the sovereign (Gen 20:2). After celebrating God's gracious dealings with him, the Psalmist exhorts others to make trial of His providential care, instructing them how to secure it. He then contrasts God's care of His people and His punitive providence towards the wicked. (Psa. 34:1-22) Even in distress, which excites supplication, there is always matter for praising and thanking God (compare Eph 5:20; Phi 4:6).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will bless the Lord - I will praise him; I will be thankful for his mercies, and will always express my sense of his goodness. At all times - In every situation of life; in every event that occurs. The idea is, that he would do it publicly and privately; in prosperity and in adversity; in safety and in danger; in joy and in sorrow. It would be a great principle of his life, expressive of the deep feeling of his soul, that God was always to be regarded as an object of adoration and praise. His praise shall continually be in my mouth - I will be constantly uttering his praises; or, my thanks shall be unceasing. This expresses the “purpose” of the psalmist; and this is an indication of the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Ps 34 This wisdom psalm includes a thanksgiving hymn (34:1-7) that celebrates the Lord’s care for and protection of godly sufferers. It also includes an invitation to wisdom (34:8-14) and an exposition of wisdom concerning the Lord’s care for the needy and the suffering of the wicked (34:15-22). 34:title Abimelech is another name for Achish (see 1 Sam 21:10-15). The body of the psalm makes no explicit connection to this event. 34:1-3 The psalmist exhorts the helpless to join him in praise.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 71:8, Psa 71:14, Psa 71:15, Psa 145:1, Psa 145:2; Isa 24:15, Isa 24:16; Act 5:41, Act 16:25; Eph 5:20; Col 3:17; Th1 5:18; Th2 1:3, Th2 2:13 Psalms 34:2”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Heb.: 34:2-4) The poet begins with the praise of Jahve, and calls upon all the pious to unite with him in praising Him. The substantival clause Psa 34:2, is intended to have just as much the force of a cohortative as the verbal clause Psa 34:2. אברכה, like ויגרשׁהו, is to be written with Chateph-Pathach in the middle syllable. In distinction from עניּים, afflicti, ענוים signifies submissi, those who have learnt endurance or patience in the school of affliction. The praise of the psalmist will greatly help to strengthen and encourage such; for it applies to the Deliverer of the oppressed. But in order that this praise may sound forth with strength and fulness of tone, he courts the…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification