The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to think "calling on God" just means saying words. But this verse emphasizes that God is near to those who call on Him "in truth," meaning with a sincere, honest heart and genuine desire for Him, not just going through the motions. This isn't about perfect theology, but about the integrity of our deepest intentions when we approach Him.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a grand celebration of God's kingship and goodness, culminating in a declaration of his accessibility. Following verses that highlight God's righteous actions and mercy in all His works, this verse emphasizes that God is close to those who genuinely seek Him. The psalm concludes by affirming God's faithfulness to those who fear Him and His ultimate salvation for them.
Feeling distant from God? This verse promises His presence, not based on our feelings, but on His character.
The psalmist declares that the LORD is near to all who call on Him. This isn't just about physical proximity, but about God's active, responsive presence in our lives. He doesn't remain distant or indifferent when His people cry out to Him. He's not like an earthly king who might be hard to access. Instead, the promise is that God is readily available, ready to hear and respond.
It's not enough to just say the words. What does it truly mean to call on God 'in truth'?
The verse adds a crucial qualifier: 'to all who call on him in truth.' This means more than just uttering words; it speaks to the sincerity and integrity of the heart. Calling on God in truth involves:
It's about approaching God with an undivided heart, fully trusting Him and seeking His wisdom above your own.
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Understand the original words
emeth · Hebrew Noun
Faithfulness, integrity, and sincerity of heart; it describes an alignment with God's revealed reality and character, without pretense or deception.
This verse echoes the sentiment of Psalm 145:18 by promising that God can be found when earnestly sought, emphasizing the 'seeking' aspect of calling on Him.
John 4:24Jesus highlights that true worshipers must worship God 'in spirit and in truth,' directly aligning with the condition of calling on God 'in truth' mentioned in Psalm 145:18.
Romans 10:13This passage strongly reinforces the idea that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, expanding on the promise of God's nearness when His name is invoked.
1 Chronicles 16:11This verse encourages seeking the Lord and His strength continually, paralleling the active call on God's name and the assurance of His presence found in Psalm 145:18.
bensonPsalms 145:18: "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
Psalm 145:18-19. The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon him — To answer their prayers, supposing they call upon him; in truth — Or, with an upright heart, asking those things only which are according to his will, sincerely desiring what they ask, trusting in him that he will give it, and waiting upon him in the way he hath appointed for that purpose. Observe, reader, our King “is not like e…
clarkePsalms 145:18: "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."
The Lord is nigh - Whoever calls upon God in truth, with a sincere and upright heart, one that truly desires his salvation, to that person God is nigh. The following verse shows he is not only near to praying people, but 1. He will hear their cry. 2. Fulfil their desires. 3. Save them. Reader, lift up thy soul in prayer to this merciful God.
It's easy to think "calling on God" just means saying words. But this verse emphasizes that God is near to those who call on Him "in truth," meaning with a sincere, honest heart and genuine desire for Him, not just going through the motions. This isn't about perfect theology, but about the integrity of our deepest intentions when we approach Him.
This psalm is a grand celebration of God's kingship and goodness, culminating in a declaration of his accessibility. Following verses that highlight God's righteous actions and mercy in all His works, this verse emphasizes that God is close to those who genuinely seek Him. The psalm concludes by affirming God's faithfulness to those who fear Him and His ultimate salvation for them.
This psalm is a grand celebration of God's kingship and goodness, culminating in a declaration of his accessibility. Following verses that highlight God's righteous actions and mercy in all His works, this verse emphasizes that God is close to those who genuinely seek Him. The psalm concludes by affirming God's faithfulness to those who fear Him and His ultimate salvation for them.
"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." — It's easy to think "calling on God" just means saying words. But this verse emphasizes that God is near to those who call on Him "in truth," meaning with a sincere, honest heart and genuine desire fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026