Psalms 34:7 — Word Study
WLCחֹנֶ֤ה מַלְאַךְ־ יְהוָ֓ה סָ֘בִ֤יב לִֽירֵאָ֗יו וַֽיְחַלְּצֵֽם׃
BSAof the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| חֹנֶ֤ה | [is] encamping | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| מַלְאַךְ־ | [the] angel of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| יְהוָ֓ה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
| סָ֘בִ֤יב | around | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| לִֽירֵאָ֗יו | [those] fearing him | Preposition, suffix |
| וַֽיְחַלְּצֵֽם׃ | and he rescued them | Verb piel sequential imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them. |
| KJV | The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. |
| ASV | The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. |
| YLT | A messenger of Jehovah is encamping, Round about those who fear Him, And He armeth them. |
| WEB | Yahweh’s angel encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. |
| BBE | The angel of the Lord is ever watching over those who have fear of him, to keep them safe. |
Translations agree on the essence of the verse, emphasizing God's protective presence.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with a prepositional phrase and a conjunction leading to the action of delivering, highlighting the relationship between fear and protection.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbזֶה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 34:7
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Deliverance and Caregenerated
Psalm 34:7 is situated within a psalm that emphasizes God's protection and deliverance for those who fear Him. The psalmist recounts how the LORD hears the cries of the poor and saves them from their troubles, inviting believers to trust in God's goodness and refuge.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 91:11 | For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 6:17 | Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:35 | And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 4 | Daniel 6:22 | My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” |
| 5 | Matthew 18:10 | See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חֹנֶ֤ה, cho.Nehgenerated
The Hebrew verb חָנָה (chanah) means to camp or encamp, conveying the idea of setting up a temporary dwelling or laying siege. In this verse, it indicates the protective presence of the angel of the LORD, who encamps around those who fear Him.
This participle in the active voice emphasizes the ongoing action of the angel surrounding the faithful, suggesting a continuous state of protection and watchfulness.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads that the angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, a rendering shared by the KJV and ASV as well.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb חֹנֶ֤ה (encamps) governs the structure of the verse, with a noun phrase as the subject and two clauses detailing the actions surrounding those who fear the LORD.
The verse's order emphasizes the protective action first, followed by the reassurance of deliverance, highlighting the relationship between reverence for God and His protective response.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint uses οὗτος to translate the Hebrew חֹנֶ֤ה, which suggests a direct correspondence in meaning but does not carry the same nuance of encamping as the Hebrew does.
This choice reflects a more general sense of presence rather than the specific imagery of encampment found in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 34:7 tells us that the angel of the LORD surrounds those who fear Him and rescues them. This verse reassures believers of God's protection and deliverance from troubles.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To fear the LORD means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing His power and authority.
The angel of the LORD acts as a divine guardian, encamping around those who revere God and ensuring their safety.
God delivers from troubles, which can include physical, spiritual, and emotional challenges.
It signifies constant protection and vigilance, illustrating God's commitment to care for those who honor Him.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's protection in my life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear and reverence for the LORD?
- What troubles do I need to bring before God, trusting in His deliverance?
- How can I encourage others to recognize the protective presence of God in their lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, often discussing the protective nature of Christ over His followers.
Christ is more capable of protecting his servants than the devil is capable of stirring up our enemies. For although the same devil gathers for himself hoards and arms them with cruel rage, they are still easily destroyed,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 34 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 34:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him,.... By whom may be meant, either the uncreated Angel, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Angel of God's presence, and of the covenant, the
Read John Gill on Psalms 34 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. The angel of the Lord - THE DIVINE WORD, "the angel of God's presence" (Isaiah 63:9).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 34 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe angel, i.e. the angels; the singular number being put for the plural, as it Isaiah 105:33,40; for it is both improper and unusual to ascribe encamping, and that round about all good men, to one created angel. And we find many angels employed in this work, ,2 . Encampeth round about them; guardeth them from dangers on every side; to which work they are appointed by God, .
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 34 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Ver. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about, &c.] Not one guardian angel only, as some have hence conceited, nor Michael the archangel only, that angel of the covenant, Jesus Christ, as Augustine expoundeth this text, but a host of created angels, those ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation, Hebrews 1:14. For although Christ, the Captain of our salvation, needeth not their help for the safeguard of his people; yet for our comfort he maketh use of the holy angels, who meet us still, as they did Jacob at Mahanaim (where they made a lane for…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 34 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(7) The angel of the Lord is an expression which has given rise to much discussion. From comparison with other passages it may be (1) any commissioned agent of God, as a prophet (Haggai 1:13). (2) One of the celestial court (Genesis 22:11). (3) Any manifestation of the Divine presence, as the flame in the bush (Exodus 3:2), the winds (Psalms 35:5-6; Psalms 104:4). (4) Jehovah Himself, as in the phrase “the angel of his presence” (Isaiah 63:9). It may very well be, therefore, that the psalmist uses it here in a general sense for the Divine manifestation of protection. We thus avoid the difficulty in the image of one angel encamping round the sufferer, which other commentators try to avoid by…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 34 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round] I should rather consider this angel in the light of a watchman going round his circuit, and having for the objects of his especial care such as fear the Lord.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 34 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges7. The angel of the Lord] That mysterious Being who appears as Jehovah’s representative in His intercourse with man, called also the angel of His presence (Isaiah 63:9). See especially Exodus 23:20 ff. Only here and in Psalms 35:5-6 is he mentioned in the Psalter. He protects those who fear Jehovah like an army encamping round a city to defend it (Zechariah 9:8); or perhaps, since he is ‘the captain of Jehovah’s host’ (Joshua 5:14), he is to be thought of as surrounding them with the angelic legions at his command. See for illustration Genesis 32:2 (God’s camp); 2 Kings 6:16 f. For an examination of the doctrine of the angel of the Lord see Oehler’s O.T. Theology, §§ 59, 60.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 34 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe angel of the Lord - The angel whom the Lord sends, or who comes, at his command, for the purpose of protecting the people of God.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 34 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.
Yahweh’s angel encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.
The Lord’s angel camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them.
Tyndale line
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
The angel of the LORD encampeth around them that fear him, and delivereth them.
The Angel of the Lord pitcheth round about them, that feare him, and deliuereth them.
Strictly literal
The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
A messenger of Jehovah is encamping, Round about those who fear Him, And He armeth them.
A messenger of YHWH is encamping, || Around those who fear Him, || And He arms them.
(34:8) The angel of the Lord encampeth round about those who fear him, and delivereth them.
The angel of Yahweh camps around those who fear him and rescues them.
From the Latin
For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: without cause they have upbraided my soul.
Simplified
The angel of the Lord stands guard over all those who honor him, keeping them safe.
The angel of the Lord is ever watching over those who have fear of him, to keep them safe.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads חֹנֶ֤ה מַלְאַךְ־ יְהוָ֓ה סָ֘בִ֤יב לִֽירֵאָ֗יו וַֽיְחַלְּצֵֽם׃, and the Septuagint matches five of the six words, indicating a strong agreement between these witnesses on the core message of the verse.
חֹנֶ֤ה מַלְאַךְ־ יְהוָ֓ה סָ֘בִ֤יב לִֽירֵאָ֗יו וַֽיְחַלְּצֵֽם׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 34:7
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
חָנָה (chanah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to decline, bend down, or encamp. It conveys the idea of inclining or settling, particularly in the context of pitching a tent or establishing a temporary dwelling. The word appears in various forms, including the act of encamping or laying siege. It is associated with the imagery of the evening's slanting rays and the conclusion of a day's journey.
חָנָה 143 vb. decline, bend down, encamp
Qal
decline, of day drawing to its close
encamp (prop. verge toward, incline to, settle at, of goal of day’s march)
base
H2583 חָנָה decline, bend down, encamp
2583 chanah khaw-naw'
a primitive root (compare 2603); properly, to incline; by
implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening);
specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. to encamp (for abode or
siege):--abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an
end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent.
see HEBREW for 02603
חָנָה (cha.nah) — to camp.
1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to decline
1a2) to encamp
HVqrmsa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
מַלְאָךְ (mal'ak) means 'messenger' and can refer to an angel, particularly as a messenger of God. It is derived from a root meaning to dispatch as a deputy and encompasses roles such as ambassador, prophet, and teacher. The term is used in contexts that include divine communication.
מַלְאָךְ 214 n.m. messenger
messenger
angel, as messenger of God
the theophanic angel
base
H4397 מַלְאָךְ messenger . messenger
. angel, as messenger of God
. the theophanic angel
4397 mal'ak mal-awk'
from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a
messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a
prophet, priest or teacher):--ambassador, angel, king,
messenger.
מַלְאָךְ (ma.le.akh) — messenger.
: messenger
1) messenger, representative
1a) messenger
1b) angel
1c) the theophanic angel
מַלְאָךְ (ma.le.akh) — messenger: angel.
: angel
1) messenger, representative
1a) messenger
1b) angel
1c) the theophanic angel
HNcmsc — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Conj | N-proper — Noun properHNpt
סָבִיב (cabiyb) primarily means 'around' and is used as a noun, adverb, and preposition. It denotes a circle, neighbors, or the surrounding area, often implying a sense of being on every side or in a circuit. The entries consistently emphasize its usage in contexts of proximity and encirclement.
סָבִיב 336 subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about
base
H5439 סָבִיב subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about
5439 cabiyb saw-beeb'
or (feminine) cbiybah {seb-ee-baw'}; from 5437; (as noun) a
circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with
or without preposition) around:--(place, round) about,
circuit, compass, on every side.
see HEBREW for 05437
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around.
: around/border
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: side.
: side
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: whole.
: whole
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: neighours.
: neighours
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
HNcbsa — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
יָרֵא (yare') is an adjective and verb derived from the root יָרֵא (H3372), meaning 'to fear.' It encompasses meanings such as 'afraid' and 'reverent.' The entries indicate a moral aspect to fear, suggesting a sense of reverence alongside being fearful.
יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [j.df.aa] Pt.
base
H3373 יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [3372] Pt.
3373 yare' yaw-ray'
from 3372; fearing; morally, reverent:--afraid, fear (-ful).
see HEBREW for 03372
יָרֵא (ya.re) — afraid.
fearing, reverent, afraid
HR/Aampc/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Aampc/Sp3ms
חָלַץ (chalats) is a Hebrew verb that encompasses a range of meanings related to drawing out or withdrawing, as well as rescuing or delivering. It can also imply equipping for war or strengthening. The entries indicate that it can be used in various forms, including to arm oneself or to be delivered. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
חָלַץ vb. draw off or out, withdraw
Qal
draw, draw off
intrans. withdraw
Niph. be delivered
Pi.
pull out, tear out
rescue, deliver
base
[חָלַץ] vb. equip for war
Qal only Pt. pass.—equipped
as adj.
as subst. sg. coll.
Niph. be or go equipped
Hiph. will brace up, invigorate, thy bones
base
H2502a חָלַץ draw off or out, withdraw .. draw, draw off
. intrans. withdraw
. be delivered
. . pull out, tear out
. rescue, deliver
H2502b חָלַץ equip for war .only Pt. pass.—equipped . as adj.
. as subst. sq. coll.
. be or go equipped
. will brace up, invigorate, thy bones
2502 chalats khaw-lats'
a primitive root; to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip,
(reflex.) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for
fight); present, strengthen:--arm (self), (go, ready) armed (X
man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready)
prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self.
חָלַץ (cha.lats) — to rescue.
1) to draw off or out, withdraw
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to draw, draw off
1a2) to withdraw
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be delivered
1b2) to be saved
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to pull out, tear out
1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free
1c3) to take away, plunder
חָלַץ (cha.lats) — to arm.
1) to equip (for war), arm for war, rescue, be rescued
1a) (Qal) equipped (participle)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be equipped
1b2) to go equipped
1b3) to be armed
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make strong, brace up
1c2) to invigorate
Hc/Vpw3ms/Sp3mp — Verb piel sequential imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHc/Vpw3ms/Sp3mp