He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

PSALMS 145:19KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 145:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 145:19 mean?

Psalms 145:19 says that God will grant the wishes of those who respect and honor Him, and that He listens to their cries for help and rescues them. The verse highlights God’s attentiveness and willingness to respond to those who truly revere Him.

This verse is part of a psalm written by David, where he praises God’s greatness and kindness. David is speaking about God’s character to anyone who will listen, describing how God is especially attentive to people who “fear” Him—meaning those who hold Him in awe and live with respect for Him. The verse assures readers that God not only hears prayers but also acts to save those who call out to Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 145:19

  • "Desire" (רָצוֹן, ratzon) means more than just a wish; it often refers to what is pleasing or acceptable, suggesting that God responds to the heartfelt, sincere longings of those who honor Him.
  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare) here does not mean being scared, but rather having deep respect, awe, or reverence for God. This word signals that the promise is directed toward people who approach God with humility and honor.
  • "Cry" (שַׁוְעָה, shav'ah) is a word for a desperate call for help, not just an ordinary request. It shows that God responds to urgent, heartfelt pleas.
  • "Save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) means to deliver or rescue, emphasizing that God’s response is not just listening but taking action to help.

Why Psalms 145:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promises are not automatic for everyone, but are especially for those who truly respect and honor Him.
  • It highlights that God is not distant or indifferent; He is attentive and ready to help when people sincerely seek Him.
  • The verse fits into the wider psalm’s theme of God’s goodness and faithfulness, showing that God’s care is personal and responsive, not just general or abstract.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H7775 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Psalms 40:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

“desire” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 119:79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.