Psalm 40 4

Psalm 40:4 kjv

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psalm 40:4 nkjv

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Psalm 40:4 niv

Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Psalm 40:4 esv

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

Psalm 40:4 nlt

Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.

Psalm 40 verses

Psalm 40 4 Meaning

Psalm 40:4 declares a state of profound divine favor upon the individual whose complete reliance and deepest confidence are exclusively placed in the Lord. This blessedness is further defined by what such a person avoids: they do not seek security or guidance from the arrogant and self-sufficient, nor do they turn aside to follow deceptive beliefs or false ideologies. The verse articulates a core principle of walking with God, emphasizing unwavering trust in Him as the sole foundation for true well-being and distinguishing it sharply from reliance on human pride or idolatry.

Psalm 40 4 Context

Psalm 40 is a "psalm of thanksgiving" interwoven with elements of "individual lament" and instruction. The preceding verses (vv. 1-3) depict the psalmist's personal experience of waiting patiently for the Lord, and God's miraculous intervention, pulling him out of "a desolate pit, out of the miry bog." This deliverance evokes a new song of praise to God, which many will see and put their trust in the Lord. Verse 4 then serves as a beatitude, extending this experience to a universal principle: blessedness is intrinsically linked to putting one's full trust in Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. The verse then highlights the contrasting choice to turn away from reliance on human power or false, misleading ideologies that are characteristic of pagan societies or self-serving individuals. Historically, Israel often faced the temptation to trust in military alliances with proud nations (like Egypt or Assyria) or to incorporate the idolatrous practices of surrounding peoples, rather than trusting solely in God's provision and protection. This verse functions as a timeless wisdom teaching, reflecting a consistent biblical message across various epochs.

Psalm 40 4 Word analysis

• Blessed (Heb. אשרי, 'ashrei): This word signifies more than mere emotional happiness; it describes a state of spiritual prosperity, deep inner well-being, and divine favor or approval. It denotes objective good fortune or flourishing bestowed by God, distinct from fleeting contentment. This form of "blessed" (plural) emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's blessing.
• man (Heb. גבר, geber): While adam refers to mankind generally, geber often points to a "strong man," a hero, or a man of valor. The use of geber here might suggest that true strength, courage, and resilience are paradoxically found not in self-reliance but in profound dependence on God, standing against formidable challenges or temptations.
• who makes the Lord his trust (Heb. וייטב יהוה מבטחו, wəyāṭāv YHWH mibṭaḥô):
  • Lord (Heb. יהוה, YHWH): This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful, and active nature. Placing one's trust specifically in YHWH underscores the exclusivity and unique relationship Israel was to have with their God, distinguishing Him from all false deities.
  • trust (Heb. מבטחו, mibṭaḥô): Refers to a state of confident reliance, refuge, and security. It denotes a leaning upon, an unwavering assurance, and a total surrender of one's hope and security to another. This trust is not merely intellectual assent but deep, experiential dependence.
• who does not turn (Heb. ולא פנה, wə lō’ pānah):
  • turn (Heb. פנה, panah): Means to turn, face, or direct one's attention or path towards something. The negation lo' panah implies a conscious and deliberate refusal to adopt a certain course, indicating a determined alignment away from false paths.
• to the proud (Heb. רהבים, rehavim): The Hebrew term literally means "proud ones," "boasters," or "haughty." It can refer to individuals or even nations characterized by arrogance, self-sufficiency, and defiance of God, often associating with earthly power that stands in opposition to divine authority. Some scholars connect "Rahab" to a poetic name for Egypt, hinting at reliance on foreign political or military might, a recurring temptation for Israel.
• nor to those who go astray (Heb. שׁוטי, shôṭēy): This participlerefers to "those who deviate," "turn aside," "err," or "stray." It implies a departure from the right path, often used in a moral or spiritual sense concerning idolatry or spiritual defection.
• after falsehood (Heb. כזב, kāzāḇ): The term kazav denotes a lie, deceit, delusion, or failure. In a religious context, it often refers to idols, false gods, or deceptive ideologies that promise help but ultimately prove vain and lead to disappointment and destruction. It contrasts with God's truth and reliability.

Words-group analysis

• "Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust": This opening phrase establishes the foundation of blessedness not in external circumstances or human effort, but in an exclusive and profound inner orientation towards Yahweh. It emphasizes divine dependence as the key to true flourishing.
• "who does not turn to the proud, nor to those who go astray after falsehood": This dual negative defines the boundaries of true trust in God. It highlights a critical contrast between faith in Yahweh and reliance on any alternative. "The proud" represents human strength, arrogance, and worldly power that rejects divine authority, while "those who go astray after falsehood" encompasses idolatry, deceptive ideologies, and any path built on lies rather than divine truth. This forms a strong polemic against both humanistic self-sufficiency and all forms of paganism or spiritual delusion.

Psalm 40 4 Bonus section

• Chiastic Structure: The verse exhibits a chiastic (ABBA) structure: "Blessed is the man (A) who makes the Lord his trust (B), who does not turn to the proud (B'), nor to those who go astray after falsehood (A')." This structure subtly reinforces the central idea: blessedness for humanity (geber) is rooted solely in relationship with God (YHWH), and this relationship demands a complete disavowal of all forms of spiritual pride and deceitful alternatives.
• Exclusivity: The emphasis on "the Lord his trust" is singular and absolute, conveying that such trust cannot be divided. Any alternative focus, whether human arrogance or falsehood, automatically disqualifies one from the full extent of this divine blessing. It underscores a covenantal exclusivity in trusting Yahweh.
• Polemics: This verse carries a significant polemical edge against the pagan religions and their associated political powers prevalent in the ancient Near East. The "proud" could refer to formidable, self-assured empires or rulers who opposed God's people, and "falsehood" is a frequent biblical term for the futility and emptiness of idols. It champions God's truth and power above all earthly and spiritual pretenders.

Psalm 40 4 Commentary

Psalm 40:4 serves as a profound beatitude, proclaiming divine blessing upon those who wholeheartedly commit their security and hope to the Lord alone. This is not merely an act of intellectual assent but a profound reorientation of one's entire being towards the trustworthy God. The verse sharpens this definition by outlining what genuine trust in God inherently rejects. Firstly, it stands in direct opposition to "the proud" – those who exult in human strength, worldly accomplishments, or societal status. Their arrogance denies the necessity of God, prioritizing self-sufficiency. Secondly, the blessed individual shuns "those who go astray after falsehood." This encompasses any deceptive system of belief, whether it be literal idolatry (worshipping false gods) or modern secular ideologies that offer illusory peace and hope apart from God. Such falsehoods are ultimately empty, incapable of providing lasting solace or genuine truth. Thus, the verse provides a succinct yet comprehensive vision of faith: radical, exclusive trust in the only true God, evidenced by a consistent turning away from all forms of human pride and deceptive substitutes for divine truth.