King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:19 Mean?

Psalms 145:19 in the King James Version says “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 145:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. God's responsive care for the reverent—rĕtson-yĕre'av ya'aseh (רְצוֹן־יְרֵאָיו יַעֲשֶׂה) "the desire of those who fear Him He will do." Yirah (יִרְאָה) "fear" means reverent awe, not servile terror—loving respect that shapes behavior. God fulfills desires aligned with His will, not sinful cravings (Psalm 37:4, 1 John 5:14-15).

He also will hear their cry, and will save them (ve'et-shav'atam yishma' vĕyoshi'em, וְאֶת־שַׁוְעָתָם יִשְׁמַע וְיוֹשִׁיעֵם)—the sequence hearing→saving demonstrates divine compassion. Yasha (יָשַׁע) "save" encompasses both deliverance from danger and ultimate redemption, anticipating Jesus (Yeshua, "Yahweh saves") who saves His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's hearing the cry of the oppressed distinguished Him from pagan deities supposedly indifferent to human suffering. He heard Israel's cry in Egyptian bondage (Exodus 2:24-25, 3:7-9), establishing the pattern of divine responsiveness to those who fear Him. This promise sustained believers through exile and persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does genuine fear of God shape the desires believers bring to Him in prayer?
  2. What is the relationship between God hearing prayer and God saving those who cry to Him?
  3. How can this promise provide assurance without guaranteeing immunity from trials or suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
רְצוֹן1 of 7

the desire

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

יְרֵאָ֥יו2 of 7

of them that fear

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

יַעֲשֶׂ֑ה3 of 7

He will fulfil

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְֽאֶת4 of 7
H853

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

שַׁוְעָתָ֥ם5 of 7

their cry

H7775

a hallooing

יִ֝שְׁמַ֗ע6 of 7

him he also will hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְיוֹשִׁיעֵֽם׃7 of 7

and will save

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor


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 145:19 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 145:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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