King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:18 Mean?

Psalms 145:18 in the King James Version says “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”

Psalms 145:18 · KJV

Truth

Context

16

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17

The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. holy: or, merciful, or, bountiful

18

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20

The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse emphasizes God's availability in response to prayer: 'The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.' The word 'nigh' (Hebrew 'karov') means near, close, or accessible. This is not describing God's geographical proximity (God is omnipresent) but His relational availability - He listens and responds when called upon. The phrase 'that call upon him' (qoreah), meaning to invoke, cry out, or summon, suggests desperate earnestness rather than casual reference. The qualifier 'in truth' (be'emet) is crucial: God is near to those who call upon Him genuinely, with sincerity and authenticity. This excludes magical thinking or manipulative prayer; God responds to genuine invocation. The verse establishes that the relationship between human calling and divine response is not transactional but relational. God does not reward correct prayers or formulas but responds to authentic seeking. This provides immense pastoral comfort: prayer does not depend on eloquence, education, or social status but on truthfulness of heart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse appears in Israel's long tradition of prayer and petition, exemplified in stories like Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11) and Hezekiah's prayer (Isaiah 37:14-20), where sincere, desperate prayer received divine response. In post-exilic Judaism, when temple sacrifice was limited, prayer became the primary means of accessing God, making this verse central to religious practice. The phrase 'call upon him in truth' relates to biblical warnings against idolatry and false worship (Isaiah 29:13, Jeremiah 29:13). In the Psalms themselves, verses 3, 4, 6, and 9 of this same chapter emphasize calling upon God. Jewish prayer practice (before and after the temple's destruction in 70 AD) emphasized the availability of God to those who pray sincerely. The verse provided hope that, despite political dispersion and loss of centralized worship, every individual maintained direct access to God through prayer.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for God to be 'nigh' to those who call upon Him, and how does this comfort those facing isolation or abandonment?
  2. Why is calling upon God 'in truth' essential to experiencing His nearness?
  3. How does this promise of God's nearness to all who call upon Him challenge privilege-based approaches to accessing God?
  4. In what ways does the assurance of God's availability transform our approach to suffering and difficulty?
  5. How should understanding God's nearness in prayer affect our confidence in presenting needs and struggles to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
קָר֣וֹב1 of 8

“is nigh”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

יְ֭הוָה2 of 8

“The LORD”

H3068

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

לְכָל3 of 8
H3605

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

יִקְרָאֻ֣הוּ4 of 8

“unto all them that call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לְכֹ֤ל5 of 8
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר6 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִקְרָאֻ֣הוּ7 of 8

“unto all them that call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בֶאֱמֶֽת׃8 of 8

“upon him in truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 145:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 145:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 29:12-13Psalms 34:18Deuteronomy 4:7John 4:24Isaiah 58:91 John 3:20-22

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