Psalms 4:6

Authorized King James Version

PDF

There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Original Language Analysis

רַבִּ֥ים There be many H7227
רַבִּ֥ים There be many
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 1 of 10
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
אֹמְרִים֮ that say H559
אֹמְרִים֮ that say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 2 of 10
to say (used with great latitude)
מִֽי H4310
מִֽי
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 3 of 10
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יַרְאֵ֪נ֫וּ Who will shew H7200
יַרְאֵ֪נ֫וּ Who will shew
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 4 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
ט֥וֹב us any good H2896
ט֥וֹב us any good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 5 of 10
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
נְֽסָה lift thou up H5375
נְֽסָה lift thou up
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 6 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עָ֭לֵינוּ H5921
עָ֭לֵינוּ
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
א֨וֹר the light H216
א֨וֹר the light
Strong's: H216
Word #: 8 of 10
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
פָּנֶ֬יךָ of thy countenance H6440
פָּנֶ֬יךָ of thy countenance
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 9 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָֽה׃ LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

David quotes the skeptics who doubt God's goodness and power to bless. Yet he turns their question into a prayer: 'LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.' This echoes the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), where God's face shining on His people signifies favor and blessing. The contrast is stark - many seek satisfaction in creation ('any good'), but David seeks the Creator's face. God's 'countenance' (Hebrew 'panim' - face) represents His presence, approval, and blessing - infinitely more valuable than any earthly good.

Historical Context

In ancient Israel, seeing the king's face was a privilege indicating favor. David transfers this imagery to God, recognizing that His favorable presence is the highest blessing. This prayer anticipates the incarnation, when God's face literally shone upon humanity in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Questions for Reflection