Psalm 56 4

Psalm 56:4 kjv

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 56:4 nkjv

In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 56:4 niv

In God, whose word I praise? in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:4 esv

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 56:4 nlt

I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56 verses

Psalm 56 4 Meaning

Psalm 56:4 proclaims a profound declaration of faith and courage. It expresses unwavering reliance on God as the sole source of security, liberating the speaker from human fear. The verse contrasts the eternal power and faithfulness of God with the limited, transient power of mortal humanity, affirming that no harm inflicted by man can truly prevail against one who trusts in the Almighty.

Psalm 56 4 Context

Psalm 56 is a "Miktam of David," given "when the Philistines seized him in Gath." This historical context, described in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, reveals David in a precarious and desperate situation. Fleeing from Saul's relentless pursuit, David sought refuge in the Philistine city of Gath, the home city of Goliath. When recognized as the slayer of Goliath, his life was in immediate danger. To escape, David feigned madness. It is in this backdrop of extreme personal peril and vulnerable dependence on the enemy's mercy that David declares his trust in God. The surrounding verses in Psalm 56 lament the oppression and hostility of his enemies (verses 1-3, 5-6), highlighting the immediate threats against him. Verse 4 is a pivotal declaration of faith that grounds his hope amidst this desperate plight.

Psalm 56 4 Word analysis

• In God: בֵּאלֹהִים (be'lohîm). The preposition "in" (בְּ - be) denotes security within or resting upon God. אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) is a majestic plural term for God, emphasizing His sovereign power, His role as Creator, Judge, and the ultimate deity. David is placing his trust in the all-powerful God, not merely in a concept or an idea, but intimately within His very being and character. This choice of name highlights His omnipotence over all human limitations.
• I trust: אֶבְטַח (evṭaḥ). This is the Hiphil imperfect of the root בָּטַח (baṭaḥ), meaning "to trust," "to rely," "to lean upon," "to be confident." The imperfect tense suggests an ongoing, habitual, or future act of trust – "I will trust" or "I am trusting." It signifies an active, deliberate choice to depend wholly on God despite adverse circumstances, moving from apprehension to firm assurance. It is not a passive waiting but an active leaning.
• I will not be afraid: לֹא אִירָא (lo' 'îrā'). "לֹא" (lo') means "not," a strong negation. "אִירָא" ('îrā') is the Qal imperfect of יָרֵא (yare'), meaning "to fear" or "to be afraid." This is a definitive statement, an intentional rejection of fear. The imperfect tense again denotes a continued state or resolution. David states that because of his trust, fear will not govern his actions or heart, even when facing mortal danger.
• What: מַה (mah). This interrogative particle "what" sets up a rhetorical question.
• can mortal man: יַעֲשֶׂה אָדָם (yaʿaśeh 'ādām). "יַעֲשֶׂה" (yaʿaśeh) is the Qal imperfect of עָשָׂה (ʿaśah), meaning "to do," "to make," "to act." "אָדָם" ('ādām) refers to "man" or "humanity" as a whole. Crucially, "ādām" emphasizes man's earthly, mortal, and transient nature, a frail creature of dust in contrast to the eternal and unchanging God. This term implicitly underscores human limitations and finitude.
• do to me: לִי (lî). The preposition "to" (לְ - le) combined with the suffix for "me" emphasizes the direct, personal application of the rhetorical question. What tangible or ultimate harm can finite man inflict upon one under the protection of an infinite God? The implied answer is "nothing of eternal consequence."

Words-group analysis:

• In God I trust: This phrase establishes the foundation of David's courage. It is not self-confidence or bravado but a spiritual anchoring. This is the premise from which all subsequent courage flows.
• I will not be afraid: This is the direct, logical outcome and spiritual resolve arising from placing trust in God. It’s a deliberate choice to resist the natural human response of fear in dangerous circumstances.
• What can mortal man do to me?: This rhetorical question highlights the speaker's perspective of human powerlessness when confronted with God's ultimate sovereignty. It minimizes the threats from finite man by contrasting them with the omnipotence of God. The inclusion of "mortal man" underscores the ultimate limitations of any human adversary, emphasizing that they cannot ultimately destroy one’s soul or separate them from God's eternal purposes.

Psalm 56 4 Bonus section

The positioning of this verse (Ps 56:4) within a psalm otherwise characterized by David's lament and plea for deliverance underscores its nature as a 'gospel truth' statement in the midst of turmoil. It is a moment of clear-sighted faith breaking through the intense pressure and perceived abandonment described elsewhere in the Psalm. This golden saying (a 'Miktam') acts as a firm foundation for David's hope and subsequent prayers (like 56:9-13). It reflects not a naive optimism, but a deep theological conviction cultivated through David's past experiences with God (e.g., confronting Goliath). The theological concept presented here—that trust in God alleviates fear of human adversaries—is a timeless biblical principle affirmed across testaments, demonstrating the consistent nature of God and the appropriate human response of faith. This verse encapsulates the courage necessary to endure temporary suffering, recognizing that all human actions are subservient to God's ultimate plan and sovereignty.

Psalm 56 4 Commentary

Psalm 56:4 stands as a bedrock statement of faith amidst overwhelming adversity. David, in exile and surrounded by his Philistine enemies, clinging to life by feigning madness, chose to fix his gaze not on his formidable circumstances or powerful foes, but on the boundless strength and trustworthiness of God. This verse reveals that genuine faith is an active resolve that enables one to transcend fear. It's not a denial of danger but a confident assertion of God's greater power. The question, "What can mortal man do to me?", is not arrogant but a deeply spiritual rhetorical challenge. It acknowledges that human malice, while capable of causing physical harm or distress, cannot ultimately thwart God's divine will or diminish the eternal security of those who depend on Him. The psalmist understands that true security lies in divine protection, rendering earthly threats ultimately futile in their deepest intentions. This principle applies universally to believers facing persecution, illness, or any form of human opposition, urging them to cast their anxieties on God and stand firm in His promised faithfulness.

• Example 1: A missionary facing hostile opposition in a foreign land. Remembering Ps 56:4 helps them preach the Gospel boldly, trusting God for their safety despite threats.
• Example 2: Someone facing a debilitating disease and overwhelming fear. This verse encourages them to trust God with their future, knowing He holds ultimate power beyond human illness or death.