All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David declares that all of him—his very bones—will praise God. This isn't just about his soul rejoicing, but his entire physical being recognizing God's profound power to rescue the vulnerable from overwhelming oppressors, highlighting that God’s deliverance touches every part of us.
All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm has shifted from a prayer for God's intervention against enemies, including a plea for their destruction, to David's personal testimony of God's saving power. He expresses his profound joy and gratitude, declaring that his entire being will praise God for delivering him from those stronger and more destructive than he. This moment of praise sets the stage for acknowledging God's unique ability to rescue the vulnerable.
David's joy isn't just an internal feeling; it's so profound it involves his physical being. What does it mean for our entire self to worship God?
The psalmist declares, "All my bones shall say..." This isn't just poetic language; it reflects a deep truth about worship. Our physical bodies, the very frame that experiences sorrow and pain, can also be instruments of praise when filled with God's joy. It's a synecdoche, where the part represents the whole – every fiber of David's being is engaged in giving glory to God.
This contrasts with worship that's only skin deep. When God delivers us, our entire existence—soul, mind, and body—should respond. Think of it: the same bones that might have ached with worry can now stand strong in praise. The same hands that once trembled in fear can now be lifted in adoration.
David exclaims, 'Who is like you, delivering the poor...?' This isn't just a question; it's a declaration of God's unique character. What makes this deliverance so distinctively divine?
The core of David's praise is God's specific action: rescuing the 'poor and needy' from those who are 'too strong' and 'spoil' them. This isn't a generic salvation; it's a divine intervention on behalf of the vulnerable.
God's heart is clearly for the oppressed, the marginalized, and those who seem to have no power against their aggressors. He doesn't just offer a general sense of well-being; He actively steps into situations where the odds are stacked against the weak. This is a powerful reminder that our weakness is never a barrier to God's help; in fact, it's often the very reason He intervenes.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
etsem · Hebrew Noun
The structural framework of the human body, representing the person's entire physical existence. To say "all my bones" is a poetic way of emphasizing that the entire being—physically and spiritually—is engaged in praise.
ani · Hebrew Noun
One who is afflicted, oppressed, or socially vulnerable. In Scripture, God demonstrates a special concern for this group, acting as their protector and vindicator against the powerful.
ebyon · Hebrew Noun
Those who lack resources or are in desperate need. It describes people who are dependent on God for their sustenance and protection, and who are frequent targets of exploitation by the wicked.
This Psalm reflects David's personal experience of being relentlessly pursued by King Saul, a powerful and jealous ruler. The verse captures David's overwhelming gratitude for God's intervention, highlighting God's unique character as a rescuer of the vulnerable against formidable adversaries.
c. 1025-1010 BC— this verse
David's Flight from Saul
David, a young warrior, flees for his life from King Saul, who is consumed by jealousy and seeks to kill him. David experiences deep betrayal and a constant sense of being hunted by a superior power.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Reign and Persecution
Saul's increasingly erratic and violent persecution of David intensifies. David is forced to live in hiding, dependent on a small band of followers and God's protection.
c. 1000 BC
David's Rise to Power
Following Saul's death, David gradually consolidates his power, eventually becoming king over all Israel. This period solidifies his understanding of God's deliverance from oppressors.
This passage directly echoes Psalm 35:10 with the question 'Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?' emphasizing God's incomparable power and works, especially in deliverance.
1 Samuel 2:8This verse from Hannah's prayer parallels Psalm 35:10 by highlighting God's power to humble the proud and lift up the lowly, stating 'He raises the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap.' This shows God's consistent character as a defender of the vulnerable.
Psalm 10:14This verse speaks to the wicked oppressor who 'has set himself against the poor and needy, and preys on the weak and defenseless,' mirroring the language of 'him who robs him' in Psalm 35:10, and sets up the expectation of divine judgment.
Isaiah 41:14This prophetic declaration from Isaiah, 'Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,' reinforces the theme of God's powerful intervention on behalf of those who are weak and seemingly insignificant, like the 'poor and needy.'
calvinPsalms 35:8-10: "Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall."
- Let confusion of which he is not aware come upon him; and let his own net which he hath hidden catch himself: let him fall into it with confusion. 9. And my soul is joyful in Jehovah, it shall be glad in his salvation. 10. All my bones shall say, O Jehovah! who is like thee, that deliverest the poor from him that is stronger than he, the poor a…
cambridgePsalms 35:10: "All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?"
10 . All my bones ] The bodily frame feels the thrill of joy as it feels the pain of sorrow. Cp. Psalm 51:8 ; and see note on Psalm 6:2 . who is like unto thee ] Incomparable for power and goodness. Cp. Exodus 15:2 ; Micah 7:18 . the poor ] The afflicted, often coupled with the needy ( Psalm 37:14 ; Psalm 40:1…
David declares that all of him—his very bones—will praise God. This isn't just about his soul rejoicing, but his entire physical being recognizing God's profound power to rescue the vulnerable from overwhelming oppressors, highlighting that God’s deliverance touches every part of us.
The psalm has shifted from a prayer for God's intervention against enemies, including a plea for their destruction, to David's personal testimony of God's saving power. He expresses his profound joy and gratitude, declaring that his entire being will praise God for delivering him from those stronger and more destructive than he. This moment of praise sets the stage for acknowledging God's unique ability to rescue the vulnerable.
The psalm has shifted from a prayer for God's intervention against enemies, including a plea for their destruction, to David's personal testimony of God's saving power. He expresses his profound joy and gratitude, declaring that his entire being will praise God for delivering him from those stronger and more destructive than he. This moment of praise sets the stage for acknowledging God's unique ability to rescue the vulnerable.
"All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”" — David declares that all of him—his very bones—will praise God. This isn't just about his soul rejoicing, but his entire physical being recognizing God's profound power to rescue the vulnerable from…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026