King James Version

What Does Psalms 34:15 Mean?

Psalms 34:15 in the King James Version says “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”

Psalms 34:15 · KJV

Context

13

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

14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

15

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

16

The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Read Psalms 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. This beautiful verse reveals God's intimate, personal attention to those who belong to Him. The Hebrew word for "eyes" (einayim, עֵינַיִם) combined with "upon" (el, אֶל) conveys continuous, focused watchfulness—not distant observation but caring oversight. The LORD (YHWH, יהוה) uses His covenant name, emphasizing His faithful relationship with His people.

"The righteous" (tsaddiqim, צַדִּיקִים) refers not to those perfect in themselves, but to those declared righteous through faith and covenant relationship with God. This righteousness is both positional (imputed) and practical (lived out in obedience). The parallelism continues with "his ears are open" (aznav, אָזְנָיו), depicting God's readiness to hear. Unlike pagan idols with ears that cannot hear (Psalm 115:6), the living God actively listens.

"Their cry" (shavʿatam, שַׁוְעָתָם) denotes urgent, desperate appeal—not casual prayer but heartfelt petition in distress. This verse assures believers that God is neither distant nor indifferent. He watches, He listens, and He responds. This truth provides comfort in trials and encouragement in prayer, pointing forward to Christ, our righteousness, through whom we have bold access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 34 is a Davidic psalm written after he feigned madness before Abimelech (actually Achish, king of Gath—"Abimelech" being a royal title) and escaped (1 Samuel 21:10-15). This was one of David's lowest moments: fleeing from Saul, seeking refuge among Israel's enemies, reduced to acting insane to save his life. Yet from this desperate experience, David composed a psalm celebrating God's faithfulness and deliverance.

The historical context enriches verse 15's meaning. David had experienced God's watchful care when all human help failed. His testimony wasn't theoretical theology but lived reality. When he cried out in genuine need, God heard and delivered. This psalm became part of Israel's worship, teaching generations that God cares for His covenant people.

Peter quotes this verse in 1 Peter 3:12, applying it to believers suffering persecution. The early church, facing imperial hostility, found comfort in knowing God's eyes remained upon them and His ears open to their cries—the same assurance that sustained David centuries earlier.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God's eyes are constantly upon you affect your daily decisions and behavior?
  2. What does it mean to be "righteous" in God's sight, and how does this relate to Christ's imputed righteousness?
  3. In what specific situations should this promise encourage you to cry out to God rather than relying on human solutions?
  4. How can you cultivate deeper confidence in prayer knowing God's ears are truly open to your cry?
  5. What does this verse teach about God's character that contrasts with deistic views of a distant, uninvolved Creator?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עֵינֵ֣י1 of 7

“The eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְ֭הוָה2 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צַדִּיקִ֑ים4 of 7

“are upon the righteous”

H6662

just

וְ֝אָזְנָ֗יו5 of 7

“and his ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

אֶל6 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שַׁוְעָתָֽם׃7 of 7

“are open unto their cry”

H7775

a hallooing

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 34:15 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 34:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:12Psalms 34:17Psalms 33:18Job 36:7Psalms 130:2Psalms 34:6

Test Your Knowledge

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