What does Psalms 34:11 mean?
"Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD." - Psalms 34:11

The verse Psalms 34:11 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Psalms, which is a collection of songs and poems that were traditionally attributed to King David. The book of Psalms is known for its rich and evocative language, and this particular verse is no exception.
The speaker in this verse is calling out to "ye children," inviting them to listen and learn about the fear of the Lord. The phrase "fear of the Lord" is a common theme in the Bible, and it refers to a deep reverence and awe for God. It is not a fear of punishment or retribution, but rather a sense of humility and respect for the divine.
The speaker's invitation to "hearken unto me" suggests a sense of urgency and importance. They want the children to pay attention and take their words seriously. This reflects the traditional role of elders and leaders in the ancient Hebrew community, where they were responsible for passing down spiritual and moral teachings to the younger generation.
The theme of teaching and learning is central to this verse. The speaker sees it as their duty to pass on the wisdom and knowledge of the fear of the Lord to the next generation. This reflects the importance of passing down religious and moral values within the Judeo-Christian tradition, ensuring that each generation is equipped with the spiritual tools they need to navigate the world.
The verse also highlights the relationship between the older and younger members of the community. The speaker's use of the term "ye children" may not necessarily refer to biological children, but rather to the younger members of the community. This reveals a sense of communal responsibility for the spiritual well-being of all individuals, regardless of age.
In a broader context, this verse is also a reflection of the psalmist's own experience with the fear of the Lord. Throughout the book of Psalms, there is a recurring theme of seeking refuge in God and finding strength in times of trouble. The fear of the Lord is often presented as a source of wisdom, guidance, and protection. By teaching the fear of the Lord to the next generation, the speaker is passing on this valuable knowledge and offering them a source of stability and hope.
Symbolically, the image of teaching the fear of the Lord can be seen as a metaphor for passing on religious and moral values. It represents the transmission of tradition and the preservation of spiritual wisdom. By heeding the speaker's call to "hearken unto me," the children are not only learning about the fear of the Lord, but also participating in a larger narrative of faith and tradition.
In conclusion, Psalms 34:11 from the King James Version of the Bible offers a profound meditation on the importance of teaching the fear of the Lord to the next generation. It speaks to the timeless themes of tradition, community, and spiritual guidance. The verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to pass on the wisdom and values that have sustained us, and it invites us to consider our role in nurturing the spiritual growth of those who come after us.
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Psalms 34:11 Artwork
Psalms 34:11 - "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD."
"Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD." - Psalms 34:11
Psalms 34:18
Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalms 34:18
"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:" - Psalms 106:34
Psalm 19:3-4
Psalm 24:3-4
"He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." - Psalms 34:20
Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." - Psalms 34:18
"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." - Psalms 34:8
Psalms 105:34 - "He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,"
"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalms 34:3
Psalms 34:5 - "They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed."
Psalms 34:20 - "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken."
Psalms 34:14 - "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalms 107:34 - "A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."
Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalms 34:15 - "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
Psalms 34:18 - "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Psalms 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
Psalms 34:19 - "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."
Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
Psalms 106:34 - "They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:"
Psalms 104:34 - "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."
Psalms 34:21 - "Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate."
Psalms 104:34 KJVA (34) My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
Psalms 34:17 - "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
"What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?" - Psalms 34:12