Psalms 34:8
Psalms 34:8 in Multiple Translations
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him.
By experience you will see that the Lord is good; happy is the man who has faith in him.
Taste, and you will see that the Lord is good! How happy are those who trust in his protection!
Taste ye and see, howe gratious the Lord is: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Taste ye and see that Jehovah [is] good, O the happiness of the man who trusteth in Him.
Oh taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Let the snare which he knoweth not come upon him: and let the net which he hath hidden catch him: and let the net which he hath hidden catch him: and into that very snare let them fall.
Find out for yourself, and you will experience that Yahweh is good to you! He is very pleased with those who ask him to protect them.
Find out for yourself that God is really good. Look at all the things he does. Whenever you get trouble, ask God to look after you. He will do that, and he will make you really happy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 34:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 34:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֹנֶ֤ה
מַלְאַךְ
יְהוָ֓ה
סָ֘בִ֤יב
לִֽ/ירֵאָ֗י/ו
וַֽ/יְחַלְּצֵֽ/ם
חֹנֶ֤ה
chânâh
H2583
to camp
V-Qal
מַלְאַךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֓ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
סָ֘בִ֤יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לִֽ/ירֵאָ֗י/ו
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
Prep | Adj | Suff
וַֽ/יְחַלְּצֵֽ/ם
châlats
H2502
to rescue
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 34:8
חֹנֶ֤ה
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
מַלְאַךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָ֓ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
סָ֘בִ֤יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לִֽ/ירֵאָ֗י/ו
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
Prep | Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
וַֽ/יְחַלְּצֵֽ/ם
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 34:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 34:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
- Sermons on Psalms 34:8
Context — Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
6This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles.
7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.
8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. 10Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 6:4–5 | It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— |
| 2 | Psalms 119:103 | How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth! |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:2–3 | Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:14 | I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly, and will fill My people with My goodness,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | Psalms 63:5 | My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You. |
| 6 | Psalms 84:12 | O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You! |
| 7 | Zechariah 9:17 | How lovely they will be, and how beautiful! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine, the young women. |
| 8 | Psalms 36:7 | How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! |
| 9 | Psalms 36:10 | Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart. |
| 10 | Song of Solomon 5:1 | I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. The Friends Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved. |
Psalms 34:8 Summary
This verse is saying that God is good and wants us to experience His goodness for ourselves. It's like an invitation to try something delicious and see how great it is. When we put our trust in God, we will find that He is good and that He cares for us, as seen in Psalms 34:8. We can see this same idea in other parts of the Bible, like Jeremiah 29:13, where it says that if we seek God with our whole heart, we will find Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'taste and see' that the LORD is good?
This phrase is an invitation to experience God's goodness for ourselves, to trust in His character and provision, as seen in Psalms 34:8 and supported by Jeremiah 29:13, which says we will find Him when we seek Him with our whole heart.
How can I take refuge in God?
Taking refuge in God means trusting in His power and love to protect and care for us, as described in Psalms 91:4, where it says He will cover us with His feathers, and under His wings we will take refuge.
What does it mean to be 'blessed' in this context?
To be blessed in this context means to be happy and fulfilled because of our relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 5:3-12, where Jesus teaches about the blessings of living a life according to God's principles.
Is this verse only for people who are already believers?
No, this verse is an invitation to everyone to experience God's goodness, as seen in Psalms 34:8, and is supported by Revelation 22:17, which says that whoever desires can come and take the free gift of the water of life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'taste and see' God's goodness in my life today?
- How has God shown Himself to be good in my past experiences, and how can I apply those lessons to my present circumstances?
- What are some things that I am trusting in for refuge and comfort, besides God, and how can I shift my trust to Him?
- In what ways can I seek to fear the LORD and lack no good thing, as described in Psalms 34:9-10?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 34:8
O taste, and see that the Lord [is] good,.... He is essentially, infinitely, perfectly, immutably, and solely good in himself; and he is communicatively and diffusively good to others: he is the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O taste ... The sumptuous feast is ready, will you not taste it for yourselves? (Isaiah 55:1; Luke 14:16-17).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
Taste, i.e. consider it seriously, and thoroughly, and affectionately; make trial of it by your own and others’ experiences. This is opposed to those slight and vanishing thoughts which men have of it. Good, i.e. merciful and gracious, to wit, to all his people.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
Psalms 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.Ver. 8. O taste and see, &c.] viz. With the mouth of your mind, and with the eyes of your faith perceive, and experiment the goodness of God in choosing and using such instruments as the angels, and otherwise, in the manifold expressions of his love to us; wherein if we take not comfort the fault is merely in ourselves; we being like him who hath pleasant and nourishing meat, but will not make use of it. The saints taste how good the Lord is, and thence long after him. Optima demonstratio est a sensibus. As he that feels fire hot, or as he that tasteth honey sweet, ye need not use arguments to persuade him to believe it; so here, let a man but once taste that the Lord is good, and he will thenceforth, as a new born babe, desire the sincere milk of the word, 1 Peter 2:2-3, neither will he take any more content in the world’ s tasteless fooleries than in the white of an egg or a dry chip. Gustato spiritu desipit omnis caro, saith Gerson, All flesh is savourless to him that hath tasted of the Spirit. Paul, after his rapture, looked with scorn and pity on all the world’ s glittering poverty. His mouth doth not water after homely provisions, who hath lately tasted of delicate sustenance. Oh, let us get spiritual senses habitually exercised to discern good and evil, Hebrews 5:14.
It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing, saith our Saviour to the Jews: q.d. Ye accept my words because ye have not the Spirit, ye have but flesh, that is, a common knowledge, no sound taste; and therefore it is that my words relish not with you. Blessed is the man, &c.] See Psalms 2:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
(8) Taste.—Comp. Hebrews 6:4 ; 1 Peter 2:3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
Verse 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good] Apply to him by faith and prayer; plead his promises, he will fulfil them; and you shall know in consequence, that the Lord is good. God has put it in the power of every man to know whether the religion of the Bible be true or false. The promises relative to enjoyments in this life are the grand tests of Divine revelation. These must be fulfilled to all them who with deep repentance and true faith turn unto the Lord, if the revelation which contains them be of God. Let any man in this spirit approach his Maker, and plead the promises that are suited to his case, and he will soon know whether the doctrine be of God. He shall taste, and then see, that the Lord is good, and that the man is blessed who trusts in him. This is what is called experimental religion; the living, operative knowledge that a true believer has that he is passed from death unto life; that his sins are forgiven him for Christ's sake, the Spirit himself bearing witness with his spirit that he is a child of God. And, as long as he is faithful, he carries about with him the testimony of the Holy Ghost; and he knows that he is of God, by the Spirit which God has given him.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 34:8
8. O taste &c.] Make but trial, and you will perceive what His goodness is toward them who fear Him. Cp. Psalms 27:13. The adaptation of the words in 1 Peter 2:3 follows the rendering of the LXX, ὅτιχρηστὸςὁΚύριος. It is significant that the words are there applied to Christ. See Bp. Westcott’s Hebrews, pp. 89ff. blessed &c.] Or, happy is the man that taketh refuge in him. Cp. Psalms 2:12; and Psalms 1:1; Psalms 32:2; but the word for man here is a different one.
It means properly a strong man, and suggests the thought that be he never so strong in himself, man’s only true happiness is in dependence on Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 34:8
O taste and see - This is an address to others, founded on the experience of the psalmist.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 34:8
8. Taste and see— “Tasting stands before seeing; for spiritual experience leads to spiritual knowledge, and not conversely.”—Delitzsch.
Sermons on Psalms 34:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Free Salvation by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by H. Spurgeon on June 11, 1858, the speaker invites the audience to come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. He describes the gospel as |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Goodness of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging truth that God is good, regardless of the evil and darkness present in the world. He encourages listeners to experience God's |
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Christ Made Perfect by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being reconciled to God at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Jesus' death on t |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Goodness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all the attributes of God are different aspects of one God in three persons. He encourages the listeners to think right and align their |
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(Biographies) George Mueller by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of memorizing extended passages of Scripture as a means of meditating on God's Word. He highlights the life of George Mueller, |
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(God's Sanctuary) 03 Men of His Own Heart 2 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help constantly, even in the face of opposition and persecution. He uses the example of David, who learned to |
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(Exodus) Exodus 16:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the manna in the wilderness and its representation of Christ's provision and sacrifice. He explains that the manna was pl |