A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

PSALMS 34:1KJV
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Psalms 34:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 34:1 mean?

Psalms 34:1 expresses David’s commitment to continually praise and speak well of the LORD, no matter the circumstances. David declares that he will always have God’s praise on his lips, showing a decision to honor God at every moment.

David is the speaker, and the verse’s heading points to a specific event: when he changed his behavior before Abimelech to escape danger. This was a stressful and uncertain time, yet David chooses to focus on blessing (speaking well of) the LORD. The verse sets the tone for the whole psalm, showing praise as a constant practice, not just a reaction to good times.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 34:1

  • בָּרַךְ (barakh, “bless”): This word means to speak well of or to honor. In this verse, it highlights that David’s praise is not just inward but spoken out loud.
  • תָּמִיד (tamid, “continually”): This word means “always” or “constantly.” David’s use of it shows that his praise is ongoing, not limited to certain times or situations.
  • תְּהִלָּה (tehillah, “praise”): This word refers to praise or songs of admiration. It emphasizes that David’s response to his situation is not complaint, but open praise.

Why Psalms 34:1 matters

  • Psalms 34:1 shows that praise is a choice, not just a feeling that comes when life is easy. David’s commitment to praise God even in trouble challenges the idea that worship is only for good times.
  • The verse’s setting—David escaping danger—reminds readers that faith and praise can be strongest in hardship, not just in comfort.
  • By using words that mean “continually” and “always,” the verse connects to the larger theme of the psalm: a life marked by steady trust and gratitude toward God, regardless of changing circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“behaviour” Hebrew H2940 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 16:31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
  • 1 Samuel 25:33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.
  • Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

“changed” Hebrew H8138 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.
  • Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

“away” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.
  • 1 Kings 2:27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.