Psalms 34:6

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 34:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “This poor man cried, and Jehovah heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

This poor man cried, and Jehovah heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalms 34:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6This poor man cried, and Jehovah heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“This poor man cried, etc.] Singling out some one person from among the humble, who was remarkably delivered; it is the common case of the people of God to be poor and afflicted, and in their afflictions they cry unto the Lord to be supported under them, and delivered out of them: or this may be understood of David himself, who was poor, not with respect to outward things, but in spirit; was much afflicted, and especially greatly distressed when in the court of Achish; at which time he cried unto the Lord, as was his usual way, and that internally, as Moses did, (<021415>Exodus 14:15). Some think Jesus Christ is intended by this poor man, who was poor in temporals, though rich, and Lord of…”
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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
“This poor man--literally, "humble," himself as a specimen of such.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This poor man cried - The psalmist here returns to his own particular experience. The emphasis here is on the word “this:” “This poor, afflicted, persecuted man cried.” There is something much more touching in this than if he had merely said “I,” or “I myself” cried. The language brings before us at once his afflicted and miserable condition. The word “poor” here - עני ‛ânı̂y - does not mean “poor” in the sense of a want of wealth, but “poor” in the sense of being afflicted, crushed, forsaken, desolate. The word “miserable” would better express the idea than the word “poor.” And the Lord heard him - That is, heard in the sense of “answered.” He regarded his cry, and saved him. return to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“This man - David. Psalms 34:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“This: Psa 3:4, Psa 10:17, Psa 40:17, Psa 66:16-20 saved: Psa 34:17-19; Gen 48:16; Sa2 22:1; Rev 7:14-17 Psalms 34:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification