Psalms 34:1
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Original Language Analysis
אֲבָרֲכָ֣ה
I will bless
H1288
אֲבָרֲכָ֣ה
I will bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֵ֑ת
at all times
H6256
עֵ֑ת
at all times
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
5 of 8
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
תָּ֝מִ֗יד
shall continually
H8548
תָּ֝מִ֗יד
shall continually
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;Psalms 71:8Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.2 Thessalonians 2:13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:Acts 16:25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.Psalms 71:6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.Proverbs 29:25The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;Acts 5:41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Historical Context
The superscription references David's feigned madness before Achish (Abimelech is an alternate name or title). Despite the humiliating circumstances, David committed to praise, demonstrating that worship transcends favorable conditions. This psalm was likely used in Israel's thanksgiving rituals.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances tempt you to withhold praise from God, and how might you cultivate 'at all times' worship?
- How does your public expression of praise match your private devotion?
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Analysis & Commentary
This acrostic psalm opens with a vow of continual praise rooted in God's deliverance (context: 1 Samuel 21:10-15). The phrase 'at all times' (Hebrew 'be-kol-eth') emphasizes unwavering praise regardless of circumstances, not just in prosperity. 'Continually' (tamid) conveys perpetual, uninterrupted worship. David's commitment to vocal praise ('in my mouth') demonstrates that worship is both an internal disposition and external expression. This verse embodies Paul's later command to 'rejoice always' (1 Thessalonians 5:16) and the pattern of heavenly worship (Revelation 4:8).