The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

PSALMS 34:22KJV
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Psalms 34:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 34:22 mean?

Psalms 34:22 says that the LORD saves the lives of those who serve him, and anyone who relies on him will not be left alone or ruined. The verse promises protection and deliverance for people who trust in God, assuring that their faith will not end in abandonment.

David is the speaker in Psalms 34, writing after escaping danger from King Saul and the Philistines. He is encouraging others who worship God, especially those facing trouble or fear, that God is attentive to those who are loyal and trust him. The verse highlights God’s personal care for his people and his commitment to their well-being.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 34:22

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship rather than a distant deity.
  • redeemeth (פָּדָה, padah): This word means to rescue or buy back, often used for freeing someone from slavery or danger. Here, it stresses that God actively intervenes to save his servants.
  • soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): While often translated as "soul," this word can also mean "life" or "person," so the verse is about God saving the whole person, not just their spiritual side.
  • trust (חָסָה, chasah): This word means to seek refuge or take shelter, painting a picture of someone running to God for safety and protection.
  • desolate (אָשֵׁם, ashem): This word often means "to be guilty" or "to be held liable," so the verse is saying that those who trust God will not be left guilty or abandoned.

Why Psalms 34:22 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s protection is not just spiritual but involves real rescue and care for those who belong to him, especially in times of trouble.
  • The use of words like "redeem" and "trust" connects this verse to the broader biblical theme of God as a rescuer who values relationship and loyalty.
  • Psalms 34 as a whole is a song of gratitude after deliverance, and verse 22 wraps up the psalm by assuring readers that God’s faithfulness is dependable for all who seek him.

Where else these words appear

“desolate” Hebrew H816 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
  • Numbers 5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
  • Ezekiel 6:6 In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“redeemeth” Hebrew H6299 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 13:13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
  • Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
  • Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.