King James Version

What Does Psalms 20:4 Mean?

Psalms 20:4 in the King James Version says “Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

Psalms 20:4 · KJV


Context

2

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; thee help: Heb. thy help strengthen: Heb. support

3

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. accept: Heb. turn to ashes: or, make fat

4

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

6

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. his holy: Heb. the heaven of his holiness with: Heb. by the strength of the salvation of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This royal psalm intercedes for the king, praying that God would grant the desires aligned with His will. The Hebrew word for 'counsel' (etzah) suggests divine purpose and plan. From a Reformed perspective, this verse illustrates that God sovereignly ordains the king's success, not through human strength but through divine favor. The prayer acknowledges that righteous desires originate from God and are fulfilled by God, demonstrating the doctrine of divine sovereignty in human affairs.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written in the context of Israel's monarchy, likely composed for use before battle when the king sought divine blessing. The congregation would pray this for their anointed leader, recognizing that victory depended entirely on God's favor rather than military might.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your heart's desires align with God's revealed will in Scripture?
  2. In what ways do you seek God's sovereign guidance before major decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יִֽתֶּן1 of 6

Grant

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֥2 of 6
H0
כִלְבָבֶ֑ךָ3 of 6

thee according to thine own heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְֽכָל4 of 6
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲצָתְךָ֥5 of 6

all thy counsel

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

יְמַלֵּֽא׃6 of 6

and fulfil

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)


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 20:4 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 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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