The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

PSALMS 146:8KJV
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Psalms 146:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 146:8 mean?

Psalms 146:8 says that the LORD gives sight to the blind, lifts up those who are weighed down, and loves people who do what is right. This verse highlights God’s care for those in need and his special attention to those who live righteously.

The writer of Psalms 146 is praising God, listing ways that God helps people who are struggling or overlooked. The verse is part of a larger song encouraging trust in God rather than in human leaders, showing that God alone has the power to restore, support, and love people in practical ways.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 146:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God’s unique identity and covenant relationship with his people.
  • openeth (פָּקַח, pāqaḥ): This word means to open, especially in the sense of opening eyes. It often refers to giving understanding or restoring physical sight, highlighting God’s ability to bring light where there is darkness.
  • blind (עִוֵּר, ʿiwwēr): This word means someone who cannot see. In the context of the verse, it can refer to both physical blindness and, more broadly, to those who lack understanding or are in need of help.
  • raiseth (זָקַף, zāqap̄): This means to straighten up or lift up, especially those who are bent over or burdened. It shows God’s care for people who are weighed down by life’s troubles.
  • down (כָּפַף, kāp̄ap̄): This word means to be bowed down or oppressed. It emphasizes the low position or hardship of those God helps.
  • loveth (אָהַב, ʾāhāb): This means to love, showing God’s deep affection and approval for those who are righteous.
  • righteous (צַדִּיק, ṣaddîq): This word refers to people who do what is right or just, according to God’s standards.

Why Psalms 146:8 matters

  • Psalms 146:8 clears up the idea that God is distant or uninterested; it shows that God is actively involved in helping people who are suffering or overlooked.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s love is especially directed toward those who live rightly, connecting his care for the needy with his approval of righteousness.
  • This verse fits into the larger theme of Psalms 146, which contrasts the limitations of human leaders with the compassion and power of God, encouraging readers to trust in God’s character and actions.

Where else these words appear

“raiseth” Hebrew H2210 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

“down” Hebrew H3721 · used in 5 verses

  • Psalms 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
  • Psalms 145:14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
  • Isaiah 58:5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

“openeth” Hebrew H6491 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
  • 2 Kings 6:20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
  • Isaiah 37:17 Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.

“blind” Hebrew H5787 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
  • 2 Samuel 5:8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
  • Isaiah 42:19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?