Psalms 16:4
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
Original Language Analysis
מָ֫הָ֥רוּ
that hasten
H4116
מָ֫הָ֥רוּ
that hasten
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
וּֽבַל
nor
H1077
וּֽבַל
nor
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
אַסִּ֣יךְ
will I not offer
H5258
אַסִּ֣יךְ
will I not offer
Strong's:
H5258
Word #:
6 of 14
to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king
מִדָּ֑ם
of blood
H1818
מִדָּ֑ם
of blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
8 of 14
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
וּֽבַל
nor
H1077
וּֽבַל
nor
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
אֶשָּׂ֥א
take up
H5375
אֶשָּׂ֥א
take up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
10 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁ֝מוֹתָ֗ם
their names
H8034
שְׁ֝מוֹתָ֗ם
their names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
12 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Exodus 23:13And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.Joshua 23:7That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:Psalms 97:7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.Psalms 32:10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.Jonah 2:8They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.Isaiah 57:6Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?Isaiah 66:3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.Isaiah 65:11But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.Genesis 35:14And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.Leviticus 23:13And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.
Historical Context
Written when surrounded by Canaanite practices including blood sacrifices to false gods. David's absolute separation contrasts with Israel's recurring syncretism condemned by the prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern idols multiply sorrows in those who serve them?
- How vigilant are you about avoiding even verbal association with idolatrous practices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The sorrows of idolaters 'multiply'—the Hebrew 'rabah' suggests exponential increase. David refuses participation in their worship: no drink offerings of blood, no taking idol names on his lips. This anticipates Paul's instruction to flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). Reformed theology sees idolatry as the fundamental sin—replacing the Creator with creation—and warns that it enslaves rather than liberates.