Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this verse as a simple promise of rescue, but notice how it emphasizes the many afflictions. This isn't a promise of an easy life, but rather a profound assurance that even in the midst of overwhelming hardship, God's deliverance is sure and complete.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes amidst a section where the psalmist reflects on the deep connection between God and those who fear Him, especially in times of trouble. He's contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing that despite the hardships faced by God's people, He ultimately brings them through it all. This is immediately preceded by the assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted, and followed by a promise that not one of their bones will be broken, highlighting God's protective care.
Ever feel like God has forgotten you in the midst of your struggles? This verse reminds us that hardship doesn't mean He's absent.
The verse starts with a stark reality: 'Many are the afflictions of the righteous.' This isn't a promise of a life free from trouble, but an acknowledgment that suffering is a common, even expected, part of the life of a believer. commentators like Calvin and Benson point out that these trials are often opportunities for God's power to shine and for our faith to be tested and proven. It's not that God causes these afflictions, but He sovereignly allows them for our good, allowing us to 'experience so much the more that God is their deliverer,' as Calvin notes. The purpose is to refine us, making our reliance on Him more evident and profound.
Even when troubles seem overwhelming, there's an incredible promise of rescue waiting for those who belong to God.
The second half of the verse offers a powerful counterbalance: 'but the LORD delivers him out of them all.' This isn't a guarantee of immediate or painless rescue, but a certainty of final, complete deliverance. As Benson explains, this deliverance happens 'in due time, when it will be best for them.' Gill notes that this deliverance can be understood in two ways: either through 'respite and intervals' in this life, or, more certainly, in the life to come, where all trials will cease. The key is that God's intervention is not a matter of 'if,' but 'when' and 'how' He chooses to bring it about, always for our ultimate good and His glory.
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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 universal experience of suffering for God's people. The historical context reveals that even the most favored individuals, like David, faced intense, prolonged periods of affliction. Yet, the psalm consistently points to God's faithful deliverance, offering a timeless message of hope and resilience.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David flees from Saul
David, a righteous man and future king, faces numerous trials and persecutions while being hunted by King Saul. This period is marked by his desperate actions, such as feigning madness before Achish, king of Gath, to escape danger.
c. 1000 BC
David's time in the wilderness
During his time as a fugitive, David and his band of followers experienced constant hardship, danger, and uncertainty. This period highlights the precariousness of their lives and their reliance on God for deliverance.
c. 1000 BC
David's experiences with Achish of Gath
David sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath, but was forced to feign madness to escape being handed over to his enemies. This event, detailed in 1 Samuel 21, is often considered the backdrop for Psalm 34, showcasing a moment of intense affliction and God's deliverance.
c. 970 BC
David becomes King of Israel
After years of persecution, David finally ascends to the throne of Israel, bringing a measure of peace and stability. His reign, however, was not without its own significant challenges and sorrows.
c. 930 BC
Division of the United Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This political upheaval led to further conflict and suffering for many.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile a large portion of the population. This event represents a profound national crisis and widespread suffering for the righteous.
This passage powerfully echoes the psalmist's theme by asking what can separate us from God's love, listing various afflictions and hardships, and ultimately declaring that nothing can, reinforcing the idea of God's steadfast deliverance.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9Here, the Apostle Paul describes believers as 'hard-pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down,' yet 'not destroyed,' mirroring the 'many afflictions of the righteous' but also pointing to the divine preservation that prevents complete ruin.
1 Peter 1:6-7This passage speaks directly to the experience of the righteous facing trials ('various trials') and explains their purpose – to refine faith, which parallels the idea that afflictions serve a purpose in the life of the righteous, leading to God's ultimate deliverance.
Job 5:17-19Eliphaz tells Job that the person disciplined by God is blessed, as God 'will save him from six troubles, and in seven no evil shall touch him,' a clear parallel to the Lord delivering the righteous from all their afflictions.
poolePsalms 34:19: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."
No text from Poole on this verse.
calvinPsalms 34:18-22: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
- Jehovah is nigh to those who are broken of heart; he will save those who are bruised of spirit. 19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but Jehovah will deliver him from them all. 20. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken [701] 21. But malice shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous shall be destroyed. 22. Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his…
It's easy to read this verse as a simple promise of rescue, but notice how it emphasizes the many afflictions. This isn't a promise of an easy life, but rather a profound assurance that even in the midst of overwhelming hardship, God's deliverance is sure and complete.
This verse comes amidst a section where the psalmist reflects on the deep connection between God and those who fear Him, especially in times of trouble. He's contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing that despite the hardships faced by God's people, He ultimately brings them through it all. This is immediately preceded by the assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted, and followed by a promise that not one of their bones will be broken, highlighting God's protective care.
This verse comes amidst a section where the psalmist reflects on the deep connection between God and those who fear Him, especially in times of trouble. He's contrasting the fate of the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing that despite the hardships faced by God's people, He ultimately brings them through it all. This is immediately preceded by the assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted, and followed by a promise that not one of their bones will be broken, highlighting God's protective care.
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." — It's easy to read this verse as a simple promise of rescue, but notice how it emphasizes the many afflictions. This isn't a promise of an easy life, but rather a profound assurance that even in the…
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Last reviewed October 2026