The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's gaze isn't passive; it's a focused, attentive watch specifically toward the righteous, implying a protective interest. And it's not just a general awareness, but a keen attentiveness to their specific pleas, a willingness to truly hear their cries for help.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is about finding refuge and deliverance in God, especially amidst suffering. After recounting personal experience of God's rescue and calling others to trust Him, the psalmist offers wisdom on living a life that honors God. This leads to the stark contrast between the blessed security of the righteous and the impending doom of those who do evil.
What does it mean for God's eyes to be 'toward' the righteous? It's more than just noticing; it's a focused, intentional gaze of care and favor.
A Constant Gaze of Favor
The verse highlights that God's attention is specifically directed toward those who live righteously. This isn't a passive observation, but an active, watchful presence.
When life gets tough, we cry out. This verse assures us that God isn't just watching; He's listening—intently.
An Ear Turned to Distress
The second part of the verse assures us that God's attention extends to actively hearing the pleas of the righteous. This is a crucial comfort in times of trouble.
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Understand the original words
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are in right standing with God, often characterized by integrity, obedience, and alignment with God's law. They are not sinless, but their lives are marked by a pursuit of God's ways.
shav'ah · Hebrew Noun
An earnest appeal for help, usually voiced in distress. It implies a recognition of one's need and a dependency upon God’s intervention.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 34:15, highlighting its significance and application in the New Testament for the encouragement of believers.
Psalm 33:18This verse shares the theme of God's watchful care over those who fear Him, preceding Psalm 34:15 and setting a similar tone of divine attention.
Proverbs 15:29This proverb echoes the sentiment of Psalm 34:15 by stating that the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous, emphasizing the attentiveness of God to His people's pleas.
Jeremiah 29:12-13This passage promises that God will hear and answer when people seek Him with all their heart, reinforcing the idea that God listens to the sincere cries of His followers.
cambridgePsalms 34:15: "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
15 . With the first line cp. Psalm 33:18 . More literally, toward the righteous, as R.V. renders here but not there, though the prepositions are the same. his ears &c.] Lit., his cars are toward their cry for help : cp. my cry for help was in his ears ( Psalm 18:6 ).
poolePsalms 34:15: "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
This is added to prove his last assertion, to wit, that the practice of these duties, Psalm 34:13,14 , is the true and best, and indeed the only, way to see that good proposed and promised Psalm 34:12 ; both because such righteous persons, howsoever they may meet with affronts and injuries from men, are under the special care and favour of God, in this verse; and those who do the evils there forbi…
God's gaze isn't passive; it's a focused, attentive watch specifically toward the righteous, implying a protective interest. And it's not just a general awareness, but a keen attentiveness to their specific pleas, a willingness to truly hear their cries for help.
This psalm is about finding refuge and deliverance in God, especially amidst suffering. After recounting personal experience of God's rescue and calling others to trust Him, the psalmist offers wisdom on living a life that honors God. This leads to the stark contrast between the blessed security of the righteous and the impending doom of those who do evil.
This psalm is about finding refuge and deliverance in God, especially amidst suffering. After recounting personal experience of God's rescue and calling others to trust Him, the psalmist offers wisdom on living a life that honors God. This leads to the stark contrast between the blessed security of the righteous and the impending doom of those who do evil.
"The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry." — God's gaze isn't passive; it's a focused, attentive watch specifically toward the righteous, implying a protective interest. And it's not just a general awareness, but a keen attentiveness to their…
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Last reviewed October 2026