Psalms Chapter 56 · Verse 4
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּאלֹהִ֣ים
In God
H430
בֵּאלֹהִ֣ים
In God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲהַלֵּ֪ל
I will praise
H1984
אֲהַלֵּ֪ל
I will praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
2 of 11
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
דְּבָ֫ר֥וֹ
his word
H1697
דְּבָ֫ר֥וֹ
his word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בֵּאלֹהִ֣ים
In God
H430
בֵּאלֹהִ֣ים
In God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בָּ֭טַחְתִּי
I have put my trust
H982
בָּ֭טַחְתִּי
I have put my trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִירָ֑א
I will not fear
H3372
אִירָ֑א
I will not fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
7 of 11
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
H6213
יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Psalms 118:6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?Psalms 27:1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 31:3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.Psalms 119:160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.Psalms 12:6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.Psalms 138:2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Historical Context
David's confidence in God's word rested on specific covenant promises (2 Samuel 7:12-16) that guaranteed his dynasty despite present danger. This demonstrates how particular biblical promises sustain faith in specific trials.
Questions for Reflection
- Which specific scriptural promises anchor your faith in current trials?
- How does praising God's word differ from merely believing it intellectually?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse contains the psalm's central theological affirmation: 'In God I will praise his word.' Trusting in God's word rather than circumstances demonstrates covenant faith. The rhetorical question 'what can flesh do unto me?' echoes Hebrews 13:6, affirming God's sovereignty over human power. Praising God's word specifically indicates that Scripture's promises ground confidence.