Psalm 86 4

Psalm 86:4 kjv

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Psalm 86:4 nkjv

Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Psalm 86:4 niv

Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.

Psalm 86:4 esv

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Psalm 86:4 nlt

Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.

Psalm 86 verses

Psalm 86 4 Meaning

Psalm 86:4 is a fervent prayer from David, pleading with God to impart joy and gladness to his innermost being. It underscores a profound spiritual dependence on the Lord, stating that David has entirely committed his soul and deepest affections to God through worship and prayer. This verse highlights a direct, personal appeal to God for divine intervention to transform his state of being into one of delight and spiritual refreshment, solely rooted in his complete reliance on the Creator.

Psalm 86 4 Context

Psalm 86 is a deeply personal prayer of David, marked by his earnest plea for God's mercy, protection, and guidance amidst distress. It belongs to a group of psalms often referred to as "prayers of supplication." While the exact historical context is not explicitly stated, David's consistent portrayal as "your servant" (Ps 86:2, 4, 16) suggests a leader under pressure, possibly from enemies or internal struggles. He is desperate yet grounded in profound trust in God's character – His goodness, steadfast love, and readiness to forgive (Ps 86:5, 15). The psalm beautifully intertwines lament, faith, and adoration, making a case for God's intervention based not on David's merit, but on God's nature and David's utter dependence as His servant.

Culturally, ancient Near Eastern peoples sought favor from various deities, often through prescribed rituals or offerings. David's prayer, however, is a direct, intimate, and exclusive appeal to YHWH, the one true God, expressing a covenantal relationship rather than a transactional one. His "lifting up of soul" would be a profound act of self-surrender, far beyond mere ritual.

Psalm 86 4 Word analysis

• Make glad (שָׂמַח, samach): This Hebrew verb means to cause to rejoice, delight, or cheer up. It implies an active impartation of joy. It’s not just a request for the removal of sorrow but for the infusion of positive delight. This joy originates externally, from God Himself, not from internal human resources or worldly circumstances. The request indicates David is not in a state of gladness.
• the soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): More than just "soul" in the modern abstract sense, nephesh encompasses the entire person – the life-force, the inner being, the desires, affections, mind, and will. It signifies the whole animate self, implying a prayer for holistic well-being and inner contentment, touching the deepest core of his being.
• of your servant (עֶבֶד, eved): "Servant" here implies not a mere slave, but one who willingly devotes himself to the service of another, especially a high official or king, and here, God Himself. It emphasizes humility, obedience, and belonging to God. This term grounds David's plea in his relational status, appealing to God based on their covenant. This often suggests a dependent relationship with unique divine care, like Abraham, Moses, and Job, all referred to as servants of the Lord.
• for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul (כִּ֤י אֵלֶ֣יךָ אֲדֹנָי נַפְשִׁי אֶשָּׂא־בֹֽטַח, ki eilecha Adonai nafshi essa): This phrase provides the reason for the petition "Make glad my soul."
  • for (כִּ֤י, ki): "Because" or "for this reason," indicating a causal link between David's lifting up his soul and his expectation of God's response.
  • to you (אֵלֶ֣יךָ, eilecha): Emphasizes direct address and singular devotion. All of his spiritual energy is channeled to God alone.
  • O Lord (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): This specific divine name emphasizes God's sovereign mastery and ownership, typically used by a servant addressing his master. It conveys reverence and submission, aligning perfectly with "your servant." It highlights His authority to answer such a profound request.
  • I lift up my soul (נַפְשִׁי אֶשָּׂא־בֹֽטַח, nafshi essa): The verb nasa (נָשָׂא) means "to lift, bear, carry." In this context, it signifies a fervent, wholehearted commitment in prayer and reliance. It's an act of deep spiritual posture, laying one's entire being – desires, needs, vulnerabilities – before God. It's an act of complete trust and dependency, pouring out the entirety of one's inner self to the divine.

Psalm 86 4 Bonus section

The concept of "lifting up the soul" appears multiple times in the Psalms, such as Ps 25:1, 143:8, signifying not merely an emotional elevation but a foundational redirection of one's entire life toward God. It is an act of trust where one's security and future are deposited entirely in divine hands. The Septuagint translates "lift up" (נָשָׂא) with airo, which also means to take up, remove, or carry away, emphasizing the decisive act of taking one's inner self and presenting it before God. This spiritual act positions the petitioner to receive from the very Source of joy, contrasting with secular notions of happiness sought through achievement or acquisition. David’s plea resonates with a deep theology of divine provision for the inner person, not just physical needs, anticipating the New Testament emphasis on joy as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) given by God to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.

Psalm 86 4 Commentary

Psalm 86:4 encapsulates a vital principle of Christian living: true joy flows from wholehearted devotion to God. David, identifying himself as God's "servant," lays claim to God's attention and beneficence not based on his own merit, but on the profound relational posture he has adopted – that of complete surrender and expectation. "Make glad the soul" is a cry for spiritual invigoration and delight, acknowledging that human joy is fragile and fleeting without divine intervention. The grounding for this audacious request is David's absolute commitment: "for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." This act of "lifting up the soul" is more than just formal prayer; it is the pouring out of his entire being – his fears, hopes, desires, and identity – before God. It represents an unparalleled level of trust and intimate communion, where David finds his identity and sustenance in the Lord alone. This verse reminds believers that authentic joy is not found in external circumstances but cultivated internally through persistent, dependent, and comprehensive devotion to God. It suggests that when we truly commit our whole selves to God, we create the very space for Him to fill us with His Spirit and profound, enduring gladness.