Psalms 27:4
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי
thing have I desired
H7592
שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי
thing have I desired
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
2 of 17
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
מֵֽאֵת
H853
מֵֽאֵת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אוֹתָ֪הּ
H853
אוֹתָ֪הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲבַ֫קֵּ֥שׁ
that will I seek
H1245
אֲבַ֫קֵּ֥שׁ
that will I seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
6 of 17
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
שִׁבְתִּ֣י
after that I may dwell
H3427
שִׁבְתִּ֣י
after that I may dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּבֵית
in the house
H1004
בְּבֵית
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י
all the days
H3117
יְמֵ֣י
all the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חַיַּ֑י
of my life
H2416
חַיַּ֑י
of my life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
12 of 17
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
לַחֲז֥וֹת
to behold
H2372
לַחֲז֥וֹת
to behold
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
13 of 17
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
בְּנֹֽעַם
the beauty
H5278
בְּנֹֽעַם
the beauty
Strong's:
H5278
Word #:
14 of 17
agreeableness, i.e., delight, suitableness, splendor or grace
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 26:8LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.Psalms 23:6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.Psalms 65:4Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.Psalms 84:4Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.Psalms 84:10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.Luke 10:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.Psalms 27:8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.Jeremiah 29:13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.Philippians 3:13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Historical Context
Written during a time of danger (verses 2-3), this psalm reflects David's experience of finding sanctuary at the tabernacle. As king, he would later prioritize bringing the ark to Jerusalem, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to God's presence. The temple would become central to Israel's worship life.
Questions for Reflection
- If you were to identify your 'one thing,' what would it be? How does it compare to David's singular focus?
- What practical steps would demonstrate that dwelling in God's presence is your highest desire?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's 'one thing' reveals singular devotion amid life's complexities, echoing Christ's commendation of Mary in Luke 10:42. The threefold purpose—dwelling, beholding, and inquiring—expresses deep longing for God's presence, beauty, and wisdom. The Hebrew 'nô'am' (beauty) suggests pleasantness and graciousness, not merely aesthetic quality. David desires contemplation of God's character and intimate communion, not just external worship. This psalm anticipates the beatific vision (Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:2) and reflects the chief end of man to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.