Psalm 4:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

Traditional

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Literal

For the one directing. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. In my calling out, may You answer me, O God of my righteousness! In my distress, You widened it for me; show me favor and hear my prayer.

Latin

In finem, in carminibus. Psalmus David. Cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus justitiæ meæ, in tribulatione dilatasti mihi. Miserere mei, et exaudi orationem meam.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

Notes

Psalms 4:1

Waiting for the Lord's answer helps you grow in patience and strengthen your faith (Psalm 38:15).

Psalms 4:1–8

This personal lament includes:

a prayer for rescue (Psalm 4:1)
a rebuke of the enemy (Psalm 4:2–3)
advice to the faithful (Psalm 4:4–5)
a statement of confidence (Psalm 4:6–8)

Psalms 3:1–7:17

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
Exodus 34:6–7
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,
Psalm 40:1–3
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 18:18–19
They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.
Psalm 119:132
Turn to me and show me mercy, as You do to those who love Your name.
Psalm 25:16
Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.
2 Corinthians 5:20–21
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
Psalm 17:6
I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
Jeremiah 23:6
In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
Habakkuk 3:19
GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments.
Psalm 86:3–5
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long.
Isaiah 45:24
Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

David Music Neginah, Neginoth Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Harp: The Symbol Used in the Psalmody to Indicate when the Harp Was to be Introduced in the Music Was |Neginoth| See Titles of Music: Neginah and Neginoth: Appear in the Titles of Prayer: Answered Prayer: Experience of Past Mercies an Incentive To Prayer: Pleas offered In Psalms: Afflictions

Psalm 4:1

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