Psalms 34:12
Psalms 34:12 in Multiple Translations
Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days?
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
What man is he that desireth life, And loveth many days, that he may see good?
What man has a love of life, and a desire that his days may be increased so that he may see good?
Who of you wants to live a long and happy life?
What man is he, that desireth life, and loueth long dayes for to see good?
Who [is] the man that is desiring life? Loving days to see good?
Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
They repaid me evil for good: to the depriving me of my soul.
If [RHQ] any of you wants to enjoy life and have a good long life,
Do you want to live well? Do you want a long and happy life?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 34:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 34:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְֽכוּ
בָ֭נִים
שִׁמְעוּ
לִ֑/י
יִֽרְאַ֥ת
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
אֲלַמֶּדְ/כֶֽם
לְֽכוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
בָ֭נִים
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
יִֽרְאַ֥ת
yirʼâh
H3374
fear
N-fs
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֲלַמֶּדְ/כֶֽם
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 34:12
לְֽכוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בָ֭נִים
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
יִֽרְאַ֥ת
yirʼâh
H3374
"fear"
N-fs
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲלַמֶּדְ/כֶֽם
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
Study Notes — Psalms 34:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 34:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
- Sermons on Psalms 34:12
Context — Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
10Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days?
13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. 14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:10–12 | For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 30:20 | and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 6:2 | so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged. |
| 4 | Psalms 4:6 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 3:13 | and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. |
| 6 | Psalms 91:16 | With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” |
| 7 | Job 7:7 | Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 12:13 | When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. |
| 9 | Psalms 21:4 | He asked You for life, and You granted it— length of days, forever and ever. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 2:3 | I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—until I could see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. |
Psalms 34:12 Summary
Psalms 34:12 asks a question about who delights in life and desires to see good days. This verse is an invitation to reflect on what it means to truly live a life that is pleasing to God and to find joy in His presence. To delight in life means to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 16:11, and to desire good days involves seeking a life of obedience and trust in Him, as taught in Psalms 37:3-4. By seeking to honor God and living a life that is pleasing to Him, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing and loving Him, as mentioned in Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to delight in life as mentioned in Psalms 34:12?
Delighting in life, as stated in Psalms 34:12, means to take pleasure and find joy in the life that God has given us, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 16:11, where it says, 'You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.'
How can we desire to see good days as mentioned in this verse?
Desiring to see good days involves seeking a life of obedience and trust in God, as taught in Psalms 37:3-4, where it says, 'Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.'
What is the connection between this verse and the surrounding verses?
Psalms 34:12 is connected to the surrounding verses as it asks a question that is answered in the following verses, such as keeping our tongue from evil and seeking peace, as mentioned in Psalms 34:13-14, which are essential for seeing good days and delighting in life, as also emphasized in Proverbs 10:32.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse relates to our daily lives by encouraging us to seek a life that honors God and finds joy in His presence, as seen in Psalms 100:2, where it says, 'Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I can delight in today, and how can I express my gratitude to God for them?
- In what ways can I seek to see good days, and what are some practical steps I can take to live a life that honors God?
- How can I balance my desire for good days with the reality of difficulties and challenges in life, and what does Scripture teach about persevering through hard times?
- What are some ways that I can 'taste and see that the LORD is good' as mentioned in Psalms 34:8, and how can I share this experience with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:12
What man [is he that] desireth life?.... Every man desires life, even a natural life; it is more desirable than all things in it; especially an healthful life, without which the blessings and mercies
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:12
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? What man ... desireth life ... see good? Who is there that does not desire "life" in its fullest enjoyment?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
Desireth, to wit, seriously and in good earnest, so as to be willing to use any endeavours which shall be prescribed to him: for otherwise the question were needless; for there is no man but desires it, at least coldly and faintly. Life; a long and happy life, begun in this world, and continued for ever in the next. And thus life is oft used, as 30:5. Loveth many days, that he may see good, Heb. loveth days to see (i.e. in which he may see, i.e. enjoy) good, to wit, prosperity or happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
Psalms 34:12 What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good?Ver. 12. What man is he that desireth life?] This is David’ s doctrine; and to draw company about him, he proclaimeth and promiseth that which he well knew every man coveteth, happy life, many days, and a comfortable enjoyment of all. Now, who is it that would have these? saith he. Austin bringeth in all sorts, saying, Ego et ego, I would, and I would. But as all men desire health, but few take a right course to get it, and keep it; so all would be happy, but few hearken to this wholesome counsel, for the compassing of true happiness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
(12) Desireth life.—Better, the man delighting in life. These gnomic sayings are echoes from the book of Proverbs. (See especially Proverbs 4:23.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
Verse 12. What man is he that desireth life] He who wishes to live long and to live happily, let him act according to the following directions. For a comment upon this and the four ensuing verses, see the notes on 1 Peter 3:10-12.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:12
12. The challenge with its answer in Psalms 34:13-14 is a vivid and forcible equivalent for Whosoever desires … let him &c. Cp. Psalms 25:12. life] Not mere existence, but life worthy of the name (Psalms 16:11; Psalms 30:5); again a word characteristic of Proverbs, and connected there too with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 19:23; Proverbs 22:4). and loveth] Lit., loving days for seeing good, explaining and emphasising the preceding line. Cp. Psalms 34:10; Psalms 4:6. Days = length of days (Proverbs 3:2; Proverbs 10:27).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:12
What man is he that desireth life? - That desires to live long. All people naturally love life; and all naturally desire to live long; and this desire, being founded in our nature, is not wrong.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:12
12-14. Contain instructions for useful and happy living: first in the government of the tongue, and an honest and sincere habit of speech; secondly in the avoidance of evil, and the diligent pursuit of peace.
Sermons on Psalms 34:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and |
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A Baptism of Tears for Israel by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the state of the American body, particularly those who consider themselves charismatic or spirit-filled believers. He criticizes the tendency |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Peter 3-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by believers in the world. He emphasizes that those who have chosen to follow God may be seen as strange or boring by ot |
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Walking in Lowliness by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of speaking both blessings and curses from the same mouth. He emphasizes that this should not be the case, as a spring cannot produ |
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The Good Life by Chuck Smith | This sermon from 1 Peter chapter 3 focuses on the concept of living the 'good life' as outlined in Psalms 34 and Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the importance of refraining from evil sp |
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1 Peter 3:10 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of loving life through righteous living as outlined in 1 Peter 3:10. He explains that true love for life involves avoiding evil, doing good, and |
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Letter, 1 Timothy 4:8 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of godliness as a pathway to happiness and blessing in life, drawing from 1 Timothy 4:8 and its connection to Psalm 34. He explains th |