Bible Strands
Psalms 34:11
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses a general audience of learners ("children") in a pedagogical moment, bridging his testimony of God's provision (v.10) with a question about the good life (v.12).
The words — יִרְאַת (yir'at), the construct form of "fear," carries the sense of reverent awe rather than dread; it is the specific Hebrew term for the posture toward God that wisdom literature treats as foundational.
The thread — Proverbs 1:7 states it as a principle: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs 2:1 mirrors the address and teaching frame: "My son, if you accept my words…"
Why it lands — The verse asks the reader to take a student's posture — come, listen, be taught — rather than assuming they already know what reverence toward God demands.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,
- Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
- Isaiah 28:9 Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast?
- Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.
- Psalms 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me.
- Proverbs 4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
- Proverbs 7:24 Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.
- Matthew 18:2 Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.