Psalms 40:4

Authorized King James Version

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Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Original Language Analysis

אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי Blessed H835
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי Blessed
Strong's: H835
Word #: 1 of 12
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
הַגֶּ֗בֶר is that man H1397
הַגֶּ֗בֶר is that man
Strong's: H1397
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 3 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׂ֣ם that maketh H7760
שָׂ֣ם that maketh
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 4 of 12
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
יְ֭הוָֹה the LORD H3068
יְ֭הוָֹה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִבְטַח֑וֹ his trust H4009
מִבְטַח֑וֹ his trust
Strong's: H4009
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
וְֽלֹא H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פָנָ֥ה and respecteth H6437
פָנָ֥ה and respecteth
Strong's: H6437
Word #: 8 of 12
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
רְ֝הָבִ֗ים not the proud H7295
רְ֝הָבִ֗ים not the proud
Strong's: H7295
Word #: 10 of 12
insolent
וְשָׂטֵ֥י nor such as turn aside H7750
וְשָׂטֵ֥י nor such as turn aside
Strong's: H7750
Word #: 11 of 12
to detrude, i.e., (intransitively and figuratively) become derelict (wrongly practise; namely, idolatry)
כָזָֽב׃ to lies H3577
כָזָֽב׃ to lies
Strong's: H3577
Word #: 12 of 12
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

Analysis & Commentary

The Hebrew ashrei (blessed) describes the deep contentment of one whose trust is exclusively in Yahweh. The contrast with 'the proud' and 'such as turn aside to lies' reveals two competing objects of trust: God's faithful character versus human arrogance and deception. This blessing comes not from circumstances but from the posture of the heart that looks to God alone for security and meaning.

Historical Context

David composed this psalm likely during a time of deliverance from enemies. The reference to 'proud' and 'lies' may allude to Saul's court or later enemies who relied on political scheming rather than divine guidance.

Questions for Reflection