Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 145:18
“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
NIV · New International Version
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
WEB · World English Bible
The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
What does Psalms 145:18 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 145:18
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him,.... He is not only nigh unto them in relation, being their near kinsman, brother, father, husband, and head, but with respect to place and presence; not in a general way, as he is the omnipresent God, and so nigh to all, and from whose presence there is no fleeing; but in a special way, he is so nigh to them as he is not unto others, Deuteronomy 4:7. He is in their hearts, and dwells there by faith, and they dwell in him; his blood is sprinkled in their consciences, and his righteousness is unto them and upon them; his salvation is brought near to them, to their very hearts, and they are nearer that than when they first believed; he is nigh…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 145:17–21
18. Jehovah is near to all that call upon him. This truth is principally applicable to believers, whom God in the way of singular privilege invites to draw near him, promising that he will be favorable to their prayers. Faith, there is no doubt, lies idle and even dead without prayer, in which the spirit of adoption shows and exercises itself, and by which we evidence that all his promises are considered by us as stable and sure.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 145:15–21 (WEB)
15The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season. 16You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and gracious in all his works. 18The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him. He also will hear their cry, and will save them. 20The LORD preserves all those who love him, but he will destroy all the wicked. 21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD. Let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Cross references
- Jeremiah 29:12–13
You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
- Psalms 34:18
- Deuteronomy 4:7
For what great nation is there that has a god so near to them as the LORD our God is whenever we call on him?
- John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- Isaiah 58:9
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away from among you the yoke, finger pointing, and speaking wickedly;
- 1 John 3:20–22
because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
- James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded.
- John 14:23
Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.