My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

PSALMS 104:34KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 104:34 (KJV)

What does Psalms 104:34 mean?

Psalms 104:34 expresses the psalmist’s hope that thinking about God will be a pleasant experience, and that this reflection will bring him joy in the LORD. The verse highlights a personal, joyful relationship with God, centered on thoughtful meditation.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally understood as David) is speaking to God, reflecting on God’s greatness as seen in creation. The verse comes near the end of a long praise, where the psalmist responds to God’s works by choosing to focus his thoughts on God, expecting that this focus will be both delightful and a source of gladness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 104:34

  • meditation (שִׂיחִי, sîḥî): This word often means “thoughts,” “reflection,” or “meditation.” It suggests a quiet, ongoing pondering, not just a passing thought. The psalmist is talking about a deep, personal engagement with God in his mind.
  • sweet (עָרֵב, ‘ārev): This word is often used for something pleasant or agreeable, like a sweet taste. Here, it means that reflecting on God is not a duty but a genuine delight.
  • glad (שָׂמַח, śāmaḥ): This word means to rejoice or be glad. The psalmist is not just content but actively joyful because of his relationship with the LORD.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship. The psalmist’s gladness is specifically rooted in knowing and relating to this God.

Why Psalms 104:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that meditation on God is meant to be enjoyable and life-giving, not burdensome or dry.
  • The focus on “the LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH) connects the psalmist’s joy to a personal relationship, not just abstract thoughts about a distant deity.
  • In the context of Psalm 104, which celebrates God’s creative power, this verse shows a personal response: after seeing God’s works, the psalmist chooses joy and delight in God himself.

Where else these words appear

“sweet” Hebrew H6149 · used in 8 verses

  • Proverbs 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
  • Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
  • Ezekiel 16:37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

“meditation” Hebrew H7879 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
  • Job 9:27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:
  • Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

“glad” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.