Psalms 86:4

Authorized King James Version

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Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Original Language Analysis

שַׂ֭מֵּחַ Rejoice H8055
שַׂ֭מֵּחַ Rejoice
Strong's: H8055
Word #: 1 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
נַפְשִׁ֥י my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֥י my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 2 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ of thy servant H5650
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ of thy servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 3 of 8
a servant
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 4 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵלֶ֥יךָ H413
אֵלֶ֥יךָ
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י for unto thee O Lord H136
אֲ֝דֹנָ֗י for unto thee O Lord
Strong's: H136
Word #: 6 of 8
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
נַפְשִׁ֥י my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֥י my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אֶשָּֽׂא׃ do I lift up H5375
אֶשָּֽׂא׃ do I lift up
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 8 of 8
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

Analysis & Commentary

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. David petitions God to cause joy in his nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, soul), recognizing that genuine gladness comes from God, not circumstances. The verb sammach (שַׂמַּח, make joyful) indicates active divine intervention—David needs God to produce joy he cannot manufacture himself.

The parallel phrase I lift up my soul (nephshi essa, נַפְשִׁי אֶשָּׂא) describes prayer posture—offering one's entire being to God, holding nothing back. This lifting up suggests both elevation (directing attention upward to God) and surrender (placing oneself in God's hands). The gesture anticipates Jesus's promise: "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" (John 12:32).

The causative connection—joy results from lifting up one's soul to God—establishes proper spiritual ordering. Happiness rooted in circumstances fluctuates, but joy grounded in God's character and covenant promises remains stable. David's request models prayer that seeks God Himself as source of satisfaction, not merely His gifts.

Historical Context

Soul-lifting was physical prayer posture in ancient Israel—uplifted hands and eyes directed toward heaven or the temple. This embodied prayer expressed dependence and openness to divine blessing. The practice continued in synagogue and early church worship. Psalm 86 likely functioned liturgically, teaching proper prayer approach emphasizing God's character (verses 5, 8-10, 15) as ground for petition.

Questions for Reflection