King James Version

What Does Psalms 16:4 Mean?

Psalms 16:4 in the King James Version says “Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor ta... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. hasten: or, give gifts to another

Psalms 16:4 · KJV


Context

2

O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

3

But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

4

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. hasten: or, give gifts to another

5

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. of mine: Heb. of my part

6

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sorrows of idolaters 'multiply'—the Hebrew 'rabah' suggests exponential increase. David refuses participation in their worship: no drink offerings of blood, no taking idol names on his lips. This anticipates Paul's instruction to flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). Reformed theology sees idolatry as the fundamental sin—replacing the Creator with creation—and warns that it enslaves rather than liberates.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written when surrounded by Canaanite practices including blood sacrifices to false gods. David's absolute separation contrasts with Israel's recurring syncretism condemned by the prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern idols multiply sorrows in those who serve them?
  2. How vigilant are you about avoiding even verbal association with idolatrous practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
יִרְבּ֥וּ1 of 14

shall be multiplied

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עַצְּבוֹתָם֮2 of 14

Their sorrows

H6094

a idol; also, a pain or wound

אַחֵ֪ר3 of 14

after another

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

מָ֫הָ֥רוּ4 of 14

that hasten

H4116

properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)

וּֽבַל5 of 14

nor

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

אַסִּ֣יךְ6 of 14

will I not offer

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

נִסְכֵּיהֶ֣ם7 of 14

god their drink offerings

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

מִדָּ֑ם8 of 14

of blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וּֽבַל9 of 14

nor

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

אֶשָּׂ֥א10 of 14

take up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת11 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁ֝מוֹתָ֗ם12 of 14

their names

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עַל13 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂפָתָֽי׃14 of 14

into my lips

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)


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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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