King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:4 Mean?

Psalms 118:4 in the King James Version says “Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 118:4 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

2

Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

3

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress

6

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? on: Heb. for me

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. The third summons widens beyond ethnic Israel and Aaronic priesthood to yir'ei YHWH (those who fear the LORD)—a category including Gentile proselytes and all who revere God regardless of ancestry. Yirah (fear) encompasses awe, reverence, worshipful respect, and covenant faithfulness—not servile terror but filial devotion combined with holy awareness of God's transcendent majesty. This phrase appears throughout Psalms describing the righteous (Psalm 15:4, 22:23, 25:14, 103:11, 13, 17).

The inclusion of God-fearers anticipates the gospel's expansion beyond ethnic boundaries. Acts repeatedly mentions God-fearing Gentiles who worshiped at synagogues and became the gospel's first Gentile converts (Acts 10:2, 22, 35; 13:16, 26, 50). Cornelius, the centurion, was phoboumenos ton Theon (one who fears God)—the Greek equivalent of yare YHWH. These Gentiles experienced God's chesed without full covenant membership, previewing the mystery Paul would unfold: Gentiles are fellow heirs through Christ (Ephesians 3:6). All who fear God—Jew or Gentile, priest or layperson—testify to the same enduring mercy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Israel's history, Gentiles who feared the LORD found welcome: Rahab sheltered spies and joined Israel (Joshua 2, 6:25); Ruth clung to Naomi's God and entered Messiah's lineage (Ruth 1:16-17); the widow of Zarephath hosted Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-24); Naaman the Syrian received healing (2 Kings 5). The temple's outer court—the Court of the Gentiles—provided space for God-fearing Gentiles to worship (Isaiah 56:6-8). Jesus cleansed this court, declaring it a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17). Pentecost gathered devout Jews and God-fearing proselytes from every nation (Acts 2:5-11), and the Spirit fell on Cornelius's household before they were baptized (Acts 10:44-48), demonstrating God's mercy transcending ethnic covenant boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of 'God-fearers' in Psalm 118 challenge ethnocentric or exclusivist attitudes in worship and community?
  2. What does it mean to 'fear the LORD' in a way that combines reverence, love, and faithful obedience rather than servile terror?
  3. How should the church's testimony to God's enduring mercy cross cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries as this verse anticipated?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יֹֽאמְרוּ1 of 7

“say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֭א2 of 7
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

יִרְאֵ֣י3 of 7

“Let them now that fear”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 7

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֖י5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְעוֹלָ֣ם6 of 7

“endureth for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּֽוֹ׃7 of 7

“that his mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:23Revelation 19:5

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