Psalms 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Word-by-Word Analysis

דָּרַ֣שְׁתִּי

H1875

I sought

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְעָנָ֑נִי

H6030

and he heard

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וּמִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְ֝גוּרוֹתַ֗י

H4035

me from all my fears

a fright; also a granary

הִצִּילָֽנִי׃

H5337

me and delivered

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 34 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?