"The Light of Your Face"

Purpose: To celebrate YHWH's blessing on his people,  inviting the nations to experience the same blessing.

Content: Trust in YHWH, who alone gives true peace and security! No other god can satisfy.

Message: YHWH's blessing is on those who trust in him

Author: David

Videos

Overview Video

Poetic Features Video

Video forthcoming

Exegetical Issues Video

Overview

Translation

Click 'Expand' to the right to see our Close-but-Clear translation of Psalm 4.

1. For the director. With stringed instruments. A psalm. By David.

2. When I called out, the God who makes things right for me answered me.

In the distress, you granted me relief.

He was merciful to me and heard my prayer.

3. Mortal humans, how long [will you be] heavy-hearted?

Why would you love what is worthless, seek what is false? Selah.

4. But know that YHWH has set apart one who is loyal to him.

YHWH hears when I call out to him.

5. Tremble and do not sin!

Think to yourselves on your beds and be silent! Selah.

6. Sacrifice right sacrifices

and trust in YHWH!

7. Many are saying, "Who shows us good?

Lift up the light of your face as a banner over us, YHWH!"

8. You have put joy in my heart since the time

their grain and their new wine multiplied.

9. In peace, I can both lie down and fall asleep,

because you alone, YHWH,

make me dwell securely.

The Close-but-clear translation (CBC) exists to provide a window into the Hebrew text according to how we understand its syntax and word-to-phrase-level semantics. It is designed to be "close" to the Hebrew, while still being "clear." Specifically, the CBC encapsulates and reflects the following layers of analysis: grammar, lexical semantics, phrase-level semantics, and verbal semantics. It does not reflect our analysis of the discourse or of poetics. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone translation or base text, but as a supplement to Layer-by-Layer materials to help users make full use of these resources.

For links to other translations of Psalm 4, click here.

Verse-by-Verse

Click the link to view all of Psalm 4 Verse-by-Verse, or click on an individual verse below.

Layer-by-Layer

Psalm Overview