King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:34 Mean?

Psalms 69:34 in the King James Version says “Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. moveth: Heb. creepeth” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. moveth: Heb. creepeth”

Psalms 69:34 · KJV

Context

32

The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. humble: or, meek

33

For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

34

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. moveth: Heb. creepeth

35

For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

36

The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. This verse provides theological foundation for the encouragement just offered (verse 33). "The LORD heareth the poor" (כִּי־שֹׁמֵעַ אֶל־אֶבְיוֹנִים יְהוָה/ki-shomea el-evyonim YHWH) declares God's attentiveness to the needy, afflicted, and vulnerable. Evyonim (poor/needy) emphasizes material and social poverty. God isn't deaf to their cries but actively listens and responds.

"Despiseth not his prisoners" (וְאֶת־אֲסִירָיו לֹא בָזָה/ve'et-assirav lo vazah) declares God doesn't scorn, reject, or treat with contempt those imprisoned—whether literal captives or metaphorically those bound by suffering, oppression, or sin. "His prisoners" (אֲסִירָיו/assirav) indicates covenant relationship—they belong to God even in bondage. God doesn't abandon His people to their captivity but remains committed to their deliverance.

This theme pervades Scripture. God heard Israel's cry from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 2:24, 3:7). He brings prisoners out of darkness (Psalm 107:10-14). Christ came "to preach deliverance to the captives" (Luke 4:18, quoting Isaiah 61:1). The gospel is fundamentally message of liberation—God hears the enslaved and delivers them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's foundational narrative was liberation from bondage. The exodus demonstrated that Yahweh hears enslaved people's cries and intervenes powerfully to deliver (Exodus 2:23-25, 3:7-10). This shaped Israel's identity: they were the people God heard and rescued. Every subsequent deliverance referenced this original liberation.

"Prisoners" could be literal (those in dungeons, exile, or foreign captivity) or metaphorical (those bound by sin, oppression, or affliction). Throughout biblical history, God's people experienced both. David himself knew literal imprisonment and pursued status (1 Samuel 23-24). Israel faced exile in Babylon. Yet God repeatedly demonstrated He neither forgets nor despises His imprisoned people.

Jesus applied Isaiah 61:1-2 to His ministry: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... to preach deliverance to the captives... to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18). His death and resurrection accomplished ultimate liberation from sin's bondage (Romans 6:6-7, 17-18, 8:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attentiveness to the poor challenge societal tendencies to ignore or blame the vulnerable?
  2. In what ways are you 'imprisoned'—whether by circumstances, sin patterns, or spiritual bondage—and how do you cry to God from that place?
  3. How does Israel's exodus narrative shape Christian understanding of salvation as liberation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יְֽ֭הַלְלוּהוּ1 of 7

“praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

שָׁמַ֣יִם2 of 7

“Let the heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וָאָ֑רֶץ3 of 7

“and earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יַ֝מִּ֗ים4 of 7

“him the seas”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְֽכָל5 of 7
H3605

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

רֹמֵ֥שׂ6 of 7

“and every thing that moveth”

H7430

properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm

בָּֽם׃7 of 7
H0

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 69:34 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 69:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:13Psalms 150:6Psalms 96:11Isaiah 55:12Psalms 148:1-14Psalms 98:7-8

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