King James Version

What Does Psalms 34:11 Mean?

Psalms 34:11 in the King James Version says “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

Psalms 34:11 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

9

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

11

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12

What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

13

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Read Psalms 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. David shifts to didactic mode, assuming teacher's role to instruct next generation. This establishes intergenerational discipleship—experienced believers teaching younger ones how to fear God.

Come, ye children issues invitation. Children (banim) means sons, descendants, younger ones. Can refer to literal children or disciples/students. Come calls them to attention, nearness, receptive posture. Hearken unto me (shama') means listen attentively, obey, respond. Not casual hearing but active listening that leads to action. David positions himself as instructor, assuming authority to teach based on experience recounted in previous verses.

I will teach you provides educational commitment. Teach (lamad) means instruct, train, cause to learn. This is intentional pedagogy, not casual advice. The fear of the LORD identifies curriculum. Fear (yir'ah from yare) means reverent awe, worshipful obedience. David promises to teach how to fear God—implying fear is learned, not automatic; cultivated, not instinctive. Proper response to God requires instruction, modeling, training.

This establishes biblical pattern for discipleship. Older generation must intentionally teach younger how to know and worship God. Faith isn't genetically transmitted but discipleship-mediated. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 commands: These words shall be in your heart, and you shall teach them diligently to your children. Psalm 78:4-7 declares: We will not hide from their children, telling to generation coming the praises of LORD, that they should set their hope in God.

Reformed catechetical tradition builds on this. Westminster Shorter Catechism begins: What is man's chief end? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Q2: What rule has God given to direct us? Scripture. Systematic instruction shapes hearts, minds, lives. Modern church's catechesis neglect explains generational faith loss. We must recover David's commitment: Come, children, I will teach you fear of LORD.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Teaching children God's ways was central to Israel's covenant identity. Passover included explicit pedagogical element: when children ask What does this mean?, parents explain redemption (Exodus 12:26-27, 13:8,14). Deuteronomy repeatedly commands teaching children God's laws, mighty acts, covenant requirements (Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 6:7,20-25, 11:19, 31:12-13).

Wisdom literature was often cast as father teaching son (Proverbs 1:8,10, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1). This pedagogical framework shaped Israelite education. Faith transmission occurred in family and community contexts through intentional instruction. Jesus continued pattern, teaching disciples, who taught others, who taught faithful men able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipleship is inherently intergenerational.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does David's invitation Come, ye children model appropriate posture for intergenerational discipleship?
  2. What is difference between casual exposure to faith and intentional teaching of fear of LORD?
  3. Who are children you can teach (literal children, younger believers, new converts), and how will you teach them?
  4. Why is fear of LORD something requiring teaching rather than being instinctively understood?
  5. How can modern church recover robust catechetical tradition David exemplifies here?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לְֽכוּ1 of 7
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָ֭נִים2 of 7

“ye children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שִׁמְעוּ3 of 7

“hearken”

H8085

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

לִ֑י4 of 7
H0
יִֽרְאַ֥ת5 of 7

“you the fear”

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְ֝הוָ֗ה6 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲלַמֶּדְכֶֽם׃7 of 7

“unto me I will teach”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

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 34:11 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 34:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 2:1-9Psalms 111:10Psalms 32:8Isaiah 28:9Proverbs 8:17

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 34 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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