King James Version

What Does Psalms 4:6 Mean?

“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.”

Context

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **There be many.**—Around the fugitive king were many whose courage was not so high, nor their faith so firm, as his. He hears their expressions of despair— “Talking like this world’s brood.”—MILTON. It is better to translate the words of these faint-hearted ones by the future, as in Authorised Version; not by the optative, as Ewald and others. **Lift thou up . . .**—This is an echo of the priestly benediction (Numbers 6:24, *et seq.*)*, *which must so often have inspired the children of Israel with hope and cheerfulness during their desert wanderings—which has breathed peace over so many death-beds in Christian times. The Hebrew for “lift” is doubly anomalous, and is apparently formed from the usual word “to lift,” with a play upon another word meaning “a banner,” suggesting to the fearful followers of the king that Jehovah’s power was ready to protect him. The Vulg. follows the LXX. in rendering, “The light of thy countenance was made known by a sign over us:” *i.e., *shone so that we recognised it.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 4:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.