The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

PSALMS 34:7KJV
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Psalms 34:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 34:7 mean?

Psalms 34:7 says that the angel of the LORD surrounds and protects those who have a deep respect and reverence for God, keeping them safe and delivering them from harm. The verse promises God’s special protection for people who honor Him.

David is the speaker in Psalms 34, writing after escaping danger from King Abimelech. He is encouraging others who trust and fear God, telling them that God’s care is real and active. The verse uses the image of God’s angel camping around people to show how close and constant this protection is.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 34:7

  • angel (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This word means "messenger" and often refers to a supernatural being sent by God. Here, it highlights that God’s help can come through His messengers, not always in obvious ways.
  • encampeth (חָנָה, chanah): This word means "to pitch a tent" or "to set up camp." The image is of a protective guard, like soldiers camping around a city, showing ongoing, watchful care.
  • fear (יָרֵא, yare’): This word means "to fear" but often carries the sense of deep respect or reverence. The protection is described as being for those who honor God, not just those who are afraid.

Why Psalms 34:7 matters

  • Psalms 34:7 clears up the idea that God’s protection is distant or vague; the verse uses the image of camping to show God’s nearness and readiness to help.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s special care is for those who "fear" Him, meaning those who respect and honor Him, not just anyone.
  • This verse connects to the rest of the psalm, where David invites others to experience God’s goodness and protection for themselves, especially in times of trouble.

Where else these words appear

“delivereth” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

“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 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“encampeth” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
  • Judges 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.