Psalm 4 6

Psalm 4:6 kjv

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

Psalm 4:6 nkjv

There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

Psalm 4:6 niv

Many, LORD, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of your face shine on us.

Psalm 4:6 esv

There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!"

Psalm 4:6 nlt

Many people say, "Who will show us better times?"
Let your face smile on us, LORD.

Psalm 4 verses

Psalm 4 6 Meaning

Psalm 4:6 articulates a common human yearning for prosperity and well-being, contrasting it with the psalmist's fervent plea for the illuminating and benevolent favor of God. It highlights that while "many" endlessly seek tangible "good" from worldly sources, true, lasting blessedness originates exclusively from the radiant presence and approval of the Almighty.

Psalm 4 6 Context

Psalm 4 is a prayer of David, likely uttered during a period of distress and opposition, possibly in response to adversaries mentioned in Psalm 3. Following his appeal to God for help (v. 1) and a rebuke to his opponents who pursue empty things (v. 2), David underscores God's special favor towards the godly (v. 3) and urges self-reflection and turning back to God (v. 4-5). Verse 6 marks a pivot point: it contrasts the prevailing human tendency to seek tangible "good" (like prosperity or security) from various sources with the psalmist's personal, earnest supplication for God's manifest presence and favor. This sets the stage for the psalm's triumphant conclusion (v. 7-8), where David declares greater joy and peace found in God's blessing than in any worldly abundance. Historically, in ancient societies dependent on divine favor for rain, harvest, and national security, the widespread question for "good" was natural. The psalmist counters this with Israel's unique covenant relationship, where true "good" comes directly from the covenant God, Yahweh.

Psalm 4 6 Word analysis

• Many (רַבִּים, rabbim): Implies a multitude or significant portion of people, indicating a widespread and common sentiment. It distinguishes the masses' approach from the psalmist's singular, godly perspective.

• are asking (אֹמְרִים, omerim): A present participle, signifying an ongoing or habitual questioning and searching. It describes humanity's persistent, often restless, pursuit of happiness or advantage.

• 'Who (מִי, mi): An interrogative pronoun, framing a question about the source of well-being, often directed towards human agents, material possessions, or perceived opportunities in the world.

• will show us (יַרְאֵנוּ, yarenu): From the root ra'ah, meaning "to see," here in the Hiphil imperfect, "cause us to see" or "reveal to us." It implies a desire for visible, demonstrable proof or a clear path to obtaining what is considered beneficial.

• any good?' (טוֹב, tov): Broadly translates to "good, prosperity, well-being, pleasant, valuable." This term encompasses worldly success, material abundance, physical comfort, peace, or favorable circumstances, representing what natural man seeks as his highest happiness. The emphasis is on tangible benefits.

• Lift up (נְסָה, nasa): A Hiphil imperative of nasa', meaning "to lift, carry, raise." Here, it specifically means "cause to shine forth" or "illuminate." It is an earnest, urgent prayer for God to reveal His presence actively. It contrasts with humans showing good; instead, the psalmist requests God to shine His good.

• the light (אוֹר, or): Symbolically, "light" signifies divine presence, blessing, truth, revelation, favor, life, salvation, and guidance. It counteracts spiritual darkness, distress, and confusion, representing the active manifestation of God's benevolence.

• of Your face (פָּנֶיךָ, panekha): An idiomatic expression for God's personal presence, favorable disposition, and the direct manifestation of His character and active blessing. To have God's face shine upon one means to experience His intimate approval, life-giving power, and full favor, as opposed to His hidden or frowning face, which indicates displeasure or judgment.

• upon us (עָלֵינוּ, aleinu): A direct and specific petition for God's blessing to descend upon the psalmist and, by extension, upon the believing community.

• O LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The sacred, covenantal name of God, indicating His faithfulness, unchangeableness, and self-existent nature. By using this name, the psalmist appeals to God's unique covenant relationship with Israel as the ultimate source of true blessing and fulfillment.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Many are asking, 'Who will show us any good?'": This phrase portrays the prevalent condition of humanity – a pervasive and often anxious search for what it deems beneficial. This quest is typically directed towards human solutions, material achievements, or external circumstances, highlighting a spiritual longing often misdirected or unfulfilled outside of God.
  • "Lift up the light of Your face upon us, O LORD!": This stands in direct, profound antithesis to the first statement. It represents the faithful response, recognizing that true "good" is not a tangible thing to be acquired but an spiritual experience of God's favor and presence. It is a heartfelt petition for divine illumination, warmth, and active blessing that comes solely from the Creator and covenant God, Yahweh, providing inner satisfaction and peace that worldly pursuits cannot.

Psalm 4 6 Bonus section

The profound antithesis in Psalm 4:6 serves as a key theological assertion, emphasizing that true contentment and "good" do not lie in external circumstances or human acquisition, but in an experiential relationship with the Most High God. This "light of Your face" transcends the blessings typically associated with the earthly "good" sought by many; it encompasses spiritual vitality, guidance, peace, and ultimate security found only in the divine presence. The plea echoes the powerful priestly blessing of Numbers 6:24-26, placing the psalmist's request for God's manifest favor in the highest tradition of divine benediction. Moreover, this divine light is inherently linked to revelation and truth, contrasting with the world's spiritual blindness. Those who genuinely seek the "light of God's face" find profound joy and peace (as affirmed in Ps 4:7-8), distinguishing them from the unsatisfied search of the "many."

Psalm 4 6 Commentary

Psalm 4:6 serves as a profound spiritual barometer, exposing the fundamental difference between the world's endless pursuit of superficial happiness and the believer's secure reliance on divine favor. The widespread cry, "Who will show us any good?" echoes the natural human yearning for satisfaction, often manifesting in the relentless chase after wealth, pleasure, or status—finite goods that ultimately disappoint. This quest is born from a misguided understanding of where true blessing originates, frequently leading to frustration or idolatry.

In stark contrast, the psalmist pivots to the only true and eternal source of good: "Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O LORD!" This is a deeply spiritual prayer. "The light of Your face" is a powerful metaphor signifying God's benevolent presence, His illuminating approval, and the direct outpouring of His favor. It encapsulates every form of divine blessing—joy, peace, wisdom, sustenance, security—that surpasses any material possession or worldly success. This divine "light" disperses the darkness of anxiety and despair, providing a profound sense of inner well-being and satisfaction that the transient world cannot offer or withdraw. The prayer implicitly acknowledges God as the supreme, all-sufficient "Good," fulfilling the heart's deepest longings. It reminds us that our true flourishing is inextricably linked to our relationship with, and the manifested presence of, our Heavenly Father.

• Examples for practical usage:
  • When faced with consumerism's push for "more," Christians can pray for the light of God's face, finding contentment in His presence rather than material accumulation.
  • During seasons of doubt or hardship, individuals can resist the urge to rely solely on human solutions and instead petition God for His enlightening presence, trusting in His ultimate goodness.
  • A church struggling with division can turn from seeking human unity plans to seeking God's face, allowing His Spirit's presence to bring genuine reconciliation.