Psalm 132:4 kjv
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
Psalm 132:4 nkjv
I will not give sleep to my eyes Or slumber to my eyelids,
Psalm 132:4 niv
I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
Psalm 132:4 esv
I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
Psalm 132:4 nlt
I will not let my eyes sleep
nor close my eyelids in slumber
Psalm 132 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 7:2 | "...I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains." | David's desire for God's dwelling |
| 1 Chr 17:1 | "...I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under curtains." | David's heart to honor God |
| Acts 7:46 | "...David, who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob." | Echoes David's earnest desire |
| Psa 26:8 | "O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells." | Personal affection for God's house |
| Hag 1:4 | "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?" | Reprimand for neglecting God's house |
| Matt 6:33 | "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." | Prioritizing God's kingdom and will |
| Luke 9:58 | "And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'" | Christ's devotion, lacking personal comfort |
| Luke 12:50 | "I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!" | Christ's urgent commitment to His mission |
| John 2:17 | "His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'" | Jesus' consuming zeal for God's house |
| Phil 3:13 | "...I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." | Paul's relentless pursuit of Christ |
| Prov 6:4 | "Give no sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids..." | General wisdom; opposite application |
| Isa 56:10 | "...blind watchmen... sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber." | Warning against spiritual complacency |
| Rom 12:1 | "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God..." | Offering oneself in dedicated service |
| Heb 12:1 | "...let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." | Spiritual discipline and focused effort |
| Psa 119:10 | "With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!" | Heartfelt devotion to God's will |
| Ecc 5:4 | "When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it..." | Principle of fulfilling vows to God |
| Neh 4:17 | "Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held a weapon with the other." | Illustrates diligent, focused work |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | "...you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house..." | Believers as God's spiritual dwelling |
| 1 Cor 16:15 | "...set themselves to serve the saints..." | Devotion to service among believers |
| Jer 29:13 | "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." | Requiring wholehearted seeking God |
Psalm 132 verses
Psalm 132 4 Meaning
Psalm 132:4 is an expression of unwavering resolve, typically attributed to King David, reflecting an oath that he would prioritize finding a suitable, permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant—representing God's presence—above all personal comfort and rest. This deep commitment demonstrates supreme devotion and the central importance of God's dwelling place among His people.
Psalm 132 4 Context
Psalm 132 is one of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for the great annual festivals. It recounts King David's profound vow concerning the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolic of God's presence, in Jerusalem. The psalm recalls the journey of the Ark (which had been in various temporary locations, including a tent) and David's earnest desire, not to build a physical temple himself, but to ensure the Ark had a suitable and secure resting place within Jerusalem. This passionate commitment on David's part is a prelude to God's enduring covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty from his line and a perpetual dwelling for God in Zion. The verse stands as a testament to David's personal, intense dedication to God's honor and presence before his own comfort, a dedication that God graciously responded to.
Psalm 132 4 Word analysis
- I will not give: The Hebrew for "I will not give" is לֹא אֶתֵּן (lo' 'etten). The word "give" (נָתַן, nathan) here implies allow or permit. This phrase conveys an emphatic and intentional denial of rest, underscoring a strong, self-imposed commitment or oath. It signifies an active refusal of something beneficial, driven by a higher purpose.
- sleep: The Hebrew term is שֵׁנָה (shenah), referring to ordinary, natural sleep. David's commitment extends to foregoing even necessary physical rest.
- to my eyes: לְעֵינָי (le'eynay) points to the physical act of resting. Closing the eyes is intrinsic to falling asleep, emphasizing a complete denial of the initiation of sleep. This highlights the personal and physical nature of his pledge.
- or slumber: The Hebrew וּתְנוּמָה (ut'numah) refers to a lighter form of sleep or drowsiness, a brief nap. This term, paired with "sleep," indicates a comprehensive avoidance of any state of unconsciousness due to rest. It intensifies the oath, showing he would not allow himself even a moment of dozing off.
- to my eyelids: The Hebrew לְעַפְעַפַּי (le'af'apayi) specifically names the eyelids. This poetic parallelism (repetition of a similar idea with different but related words) serves to amplify the absolute nature of the oath. Just as "sleep" and "slumber" cover the range of rest, "eyes" and "eyelids" specify the bodily mechanism involved, emphasizing the total deprivation of physical relaxation for the sake of his mission.
- Words-group Analysis:
- "I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids": This phrase embodies radical spiritual dedication. It is an expression of prioritizing God's will and purpose above personal needs, comfort, or convenience. It speaks to a heart fully surrendered and committed, akin to making a solemn vow before the Lord. This is not asceticism for its own sake, but zeal motivated by love and honor for God's presence.
Psalm 132 4 Bonus section
The passionate oath of David in this verse sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's covenant with David in the subsequent verses (Psa 132:11-12) and through the larger biblical narrative. David's human resolve, born out of zeal, preceded God's divine promise of an eternal dynasty through his line, culminating in Christ. This verse highlights that genuine zeal for God is marked by a willingness to sacrifice personal ease. It stands in contrast to spiritual "sleep" or complacency which the Scriptures elsewhere condemn (e.g., Isa 56:10, Rom 13:11), showcasing that abstaining from rest for a divine purpose is a sign of spiritual vibrancy. The Ark was central to Israel's identity as God's people, and David's concern for it was synonymous with concern for God's glory among His people.
Psalm 132 4 Commentary
Psalm 132:4 captures King David's passionate and uncompromising devotion to God, expressed through a solemn vow to dedicate himself wholly to establishing a proper dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. This wasn't merely a task, but a deeply spiritual priority rooted in his love for God's presence. The double negation ("I will not give...or...") and the parallelism ("sleep to my eyes...slumber to my eyelids") emphasize the intensity and comprehensive nature of his commitment, refusing even the slightest comfort or respite until God's presence was honored. David's resolve here sets a powerful example of wholehearted service and singular focus on God's kingdom first. For believers, it echoes the call to "seek first the kingdom of God," signifying a spiritual wakefulness and readiness to serve God above personal comfort or worldly distractions.