Psalm 34:17-19
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While the verse promises God hears and delivers, the key insight lies in the sequence: the "cry" comes first, then the hearing and deliverance. This isn't a passive waiting for rescue, but an active, hopeful engagement with God in the midst of distress.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes from a psalm reflecting on God's faithfulness, likely written by David during a time of distress. The psalmist has just described how God looks favorably upon those who follow Him and listens to their prayers, contrasting this with His judgment against evildoers. This verse then serves as a powerful assurance, expanding on the idea that when God's people call out to Him in their struggles, He actively intervenes to rescue them.
Ever felt like your prayers are just whispers lost in the wind? This verse reminds us that God pays special attention to the cries of those who acknowledge their need for Him.
The verse speaks of the 'righteous' crying out. While the Hebrew text here doesn't explicitly include the word 'righteous' (as noted by scholars like Clarke and Gill), it's understood from context and other versions that this refers to those who live in right relationship with God. This isn't about perfect behavior, but about a heart that trusts God and acknowledges its dependence on Him. As Henry points out, this often starts with a 'contrite heart, broken off from any self-confidence.' When we, in our struggles, humbly cry out, recognizing our limitations and His power, God listens.
God doesn't just hear our cries; He acts! But what does 'deliverance' truly mean in the face of persistent troubles?
The promise isn't just that God hears, but that He 'delivers them out of all their troubles.' While this certainly includes rescue from difficult circumstances (as Barnes notes, 'He often delivers them from trouble in this life'), it's crucial to understand the scope.
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Understand the original words
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
Those who are in a right relationship with God by faith, characterized by obedience to His commands and adherence to His moral standard. It denotes a person whose life aligns with God's justice and covenant requirements.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To rescue, liberate, or save from distress, danger, or oppression. It signifies God's active intervention to bring His people out of perilous circumstances.
tsarah · Hebrew Noun
A state of internal distress, physical hardship, or adversity that tests one’s faith. Biblically, these trials are often allowed by God to produce endurance and reliance upon Him.
shabar (lev) · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A metaphorical state of deep grief, humility, or spiritual distress resulting from sin or heavy trial. It is the condition of one who recognizes their total dependence on God.
daka' ruach · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A state of being humbled, abased, or spiritually devastated. It signifies a person who has reached the end of their own strength and is fully receptive to God's intervention.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Hardships, suffering, or distresses that believers face in a fallen world. They are often viewed as part of the earthly journey that refines the believer's character and faith.
This verse speaks to the enduring reality of human suffering and the profound comfort found in knowing that God hears and responds to the cries of those who trust in Him, a theme deeply rooted in the life experiences of King David and the broader history of Israel.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign as King of Israel
David, a prominent figure in Israelite history, known for his own struggles and reliance on God, likely composed many of the Psalms.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David flees from an enemy
According to the psalm's superscription, David composed this psalm after feigning madness to escape from King Achish of Gath, an event involving deception and distress.
c. 1000 BC
David's period of outlawry
Before and during his kingship, David experienced times of intense hardship, persecution, and hiding, which deeply informed his prayers and psalms.
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David's long reign and rich spiritual life provided a legacy of worship and trust in God that continued to influence Israel.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The fall of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites were periods of immense suffering, making themes of crying out to God and deliverance particularly resonant.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
The return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple offered a context for thanksgiving and a renewed understanding of God's faithfulness.
This passage echoes the same theme, emphasizing that God will hear and vindicate His chosen people who cry out to Him day and night, highlighting the persistent nature of the righteous cry and God's responsive faithfulness.
1 Peter 3:12This verse directly states that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers, reinforcing the promise found in Psalms 34:17 that God actively listens to and cares for those who seek Him.
Psalm 18:6Similar to Psalms 34:17, this passage from David describes a personal experience of crying out to God in distress and receiving a swift deliverance, illustrating the Lord's powerful intervention on behalf of those who call on Him.
Romans 8:28While broader, this verse assures that God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, which includes hearing their cries and delivering them through all circumstances, aligning with the overarching promise of divine help.
cambridgePsalms 34:17: "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
17 . They cried, and Jehovah heard; And rescued them out of all their distresses. We may understand a subject from the verb, they who cried cried , as in Psalm 34:5 , i.e., when any cried: or with LXX and Vulg. supply the righteous . (Had the LXX this reading, or did they merely insert the word from Psalm 34:15 ?) It is however possible that Psalm 34:15-16 should be transposed, and then the r…
clarkePsalms 34:17: "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
The righteous cry - There is no word in the present Hebrew text for righteous; but all the versions preserve it. I suppose it was lost through its similitude to the word צעקו tsaaku, they cry צעקו צדיקים tsaaku tsaddikim, the righteous cry.
While the verse promises God hears and delivers, the key insight lies in the sequence: the "cry" comes first, then the hearing and deliverance. This isn't a passive waiting for rescue, but an active, hopeful engagement with God in the midst of distress.
This verse comes from a psalm reflecting on God's faithfulness, likely written by David during a time of distress. The psalmist has just described how God looks favorably upon those who follow Him and listens to their prayers, contrasting this with His judgment against evildoers. This verse then serves as a powerful assurance, expanding on the idea that when God's people call out to Him in their struggles, He actively intervenes to rescue them.
This verse comes from a psalm reflecting on God's faithfulness, likely written by David during a time of distress. The psalmist has just described how God looks favorably upon those who follow Him and listens to their prayers, contrasting this with His judgment against evildoers. This verse then serves as a powerful assurance, expanding on the idea that when God's people call out to Him in their struggles, He actively intervenes to rescue them.
"When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the…" — While the verse promises God hears and delivers, the key insight lies in the sequence: the "cry" comes first, then the hearing and deliverance. This isn't a passive waiting for rescue, but an act…
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Last reviewed October 2026
