King James Version

What Does Psalms 42:4 Mean?

Psalms 42:4 in the King James Version says “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Psalms 42:4 · KJV


Context

2

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

3

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

4

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

5

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. cast: Heb. bowed praise: or, give thanks for the: or, his presence is salvation

6

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. the hill: or, the little hill


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist remembers going 'with the multitude' to 'the house of God' with 'the voice of joy and praise.' This memory intensifies present sorrow through contrast. The Hebrew hamon (multitude, crowd) suggests the joyful noise of pilgrim festivals. Exile from corporate worship compounds the suffering of physical distress.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) gathered the nation at Jerusalem. Being cut off from these gatherings meant exile from God's presence and covenant community, a spiritual death.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does remembering past spiritual experiences sometimes intensify present sorrow?
  2. What does this verse teach about the importance of corporate worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֤לֶּה1 of 17
H428

these or those

אֶזְכְּרָ֨ה׀2 of 17

When I remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וְאֶשְׁפְּכָ֬ה3 of 17

these things I pour out

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עָלַ֨י׀4 of 17
H5921

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

נַפְשִׁ֗י5 of 17

my soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּ֤י6 of 17
H3588

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

אֶֽעֱבֹ֨ר׀7 of 17

in me for I had gone

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בַּסָּךְ֮8 of 17

with the multitude

H5519

properly, a thicket of men, i.e., a crowd

אֶדַּדֵּ֗ם9 of 17

I went

H1718

to walk gently

עַד10 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֵּ֥ית11 of 17

with them to the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים12 of 17

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּקוֹל13 of 17

with the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

רִנָּ֥ה14 of 17

of joy

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

וְתוֹדָ֗ה15 of 17

and praise

H8426

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

הָמ֥וֹן16 of 17

with a multitude

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

חוֹגֵֽג׃17 of 17

that kept holyday

H2287

properly, to move in a circle, i.e., (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication, to be giddy


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 42:4 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 42:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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