Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving traditionally linked to David's escape from danger. Verse 1 sets the tone with a vow of unceasing praise.
What Does Psalm 34:1 Mean?
This opening verse is a settled resolve to praise God constantly, in every season and circumstance. David does not say he will bless the Lord when things go well, but "at all times." The phrase deliberately includes the hard days as well as the good. Praise becomes a fixed habit of life rather than a reaction to good fortune.
Two parallel lines reinforce the commitment. "I will bless the LORD at all times" speaks of an unbroken posture of the heart, and "his praise shall continually be in my mouth" makes that inner posture audible. The repetition of constancy -- "at all times," "continually" -- is the point: this is worship as a way of life. Tradition connects this psalm to a time when David had narrowly escaped grave danger, which makes the resolve more remarkable; gratitude is born out of deliverance and then committed to permanence. The verse challenges a praise that comes only when blessings are obvious. Instead it models a heart so convinced of God's goodness that praise flows even through trouble. To bless the Lord "at all times" is to let worship steady the soul rather than wait on circumstances.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew barak ("bless") means to kneel or adore, and tehillah ("praise") refers to a song or act of praise offered to God.
Cross References
“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
- Psalm 34:3
“Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”
- Psalm 145:2
“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
- Psalm 30:12
Application
Make praise a settled habit rather than a mood, choosing to bless God in difficult seasons as well as joyful ones.