Psalms 4:2
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֥י
O ye sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
O ye sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִ֡ישׁ
of men
H376
אִ֡ישׁ
of men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עַד
how long
H5704
עַד
how long
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מֶ֬ה
H4100
מֶ֬ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
כְבוֹדִ֣י
will ye turn my glory
H3519
כְבוֹדִ֣י
will ye turn my glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
תֶּאֱהָב֣וּן
how long will ye love
H157
תֶּאֱהָב֣וּן
how long will ye love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
7 of 11
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
רִ֑יק
vanity
H7385
רִ֑יק
vanity
Strong's:
H7385
Word #:
8 of 11
emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּ
and seek
H1245
תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּ
and seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
9 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Cross References
Proverbs 1:22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?Hosea 4:7As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.Psalms 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.Psalms 5:6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.Psalms 106:20Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.Jeremiah 2:11Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.Ecclesiastes 8:11Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.1 Samuel 12:21And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.Isaiah 45:17But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
Historical Context
Written as an evening prayer, possibly during Absalom's rebellion when David's glory as king was challenged. The psalm reflects David's pain at seeing people reject God's anointed for a usurper. It captures the perennial problem of humanity preferring lies over truth, temporary pleasure over eternal glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'vanities' are you tempted to pursue instead of seeking God's glory?
- How can you help others see the futility of life apart from God?
Analysis & Commentary
David addresses the 'sons of men' (Hebrew 'benei ish' - mankind) who persist in dishonoring God and pursuing worthless idols. The rhetorical 'how long?' expresses both grief and urgency. 'Vanity' (Hebrew 'riq') means emptiness or futility, while 'leasing' (Hebrew 'kazab') means falsehood or lies. This verse exposes humanity's tragic exchange: trading God's glory for shame, truth for lies, substance for emptiness. Paul echoes this in Romans 1:23, describing how humanity exchanged the glory of God for idols.