Bible Strands
Psalms 34:2
My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David speaks as the author, addressing a general audience, immediately after describing his flight from King Abimelech while pretending insanity (Psalms 34:1).
The words — The Hebrew verb תִּתְהַלֵּל (tit.ha.Lel) means "it will boast" and attaches to נַפְשִׁי (naf.shi), "my soul," to declare personal exultation in יהוה (Yah.weh), "the LORD."
The thread — The directive to boast in the Lord appears in Jeremiah 9:24 and is explicitly quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:31, while the structural parallel to Psalm 119:74 correctly identifies that passage as calling those who fear God to see and rejoice, not the afflicted to hear.
Why it lands — The text commands the reader to transfer personal pride to Yahweh and to listen with joy, placing the focus on divine action rather than human circumstance.
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
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 9:24 But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
- Psalms 119:74 May those who fear You see me and rejoice, for I have hoped in Your word.
- Psalms 44:8 In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah
- Psalms 22:22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.
- Isaiah 45:25 In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult.
- 2 Corinthians 10:17 Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
- 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
- Psalms 105:3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
- Psalms 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah