Skip to main content

    Psalms 4 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 4 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 4

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 4:8

    "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD,…"

    Psalm 4:4

    "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon …"

    Psalm 4:1

    "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast en…"

    Popular Verses in Psalms 4

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Psalm 4:8 KJV

    Peace & Anxiety

    Explore Topics Related to Psalms 4

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Psalm 16:1 Commentary

    In-depth study • Trust in God's Preservation

    Prayer

    Prayer for the End of the Week

    Reflecting on God's faithfulness and entering rest.

    Promise

    God Answers Prayer in His Perfect Timing

    Bible promises about God's faithful answers to prayer — always on time.

    Prayer

    Evening Prayer for Rest

    Releasing burdens and accepting the gift of sleep.

    Promise

    God Promises to Answer Prayer

    Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.

    Devotional

    Psalm 138:8 — Meaning & Devotional

    God's Faithfulness

    Psalms 4 Summary

    Psalm 4 is an evening prayer of trust by David, contrasting the anxiety of his enemies with his peaceful confidence in God. He addresses those who dishonor him, urging them to stop pursuing vanity and to trust the Lord instead. David testifies that God has set apart the godly and will hear when they call.

    The psalm moves from distress to serene confidence, culminating in one of Scripture's most beautiful expressions of peace. David declares that God's favor brings more joy than material abundance and that he can sleep in perfect peace because the Lord sustains him.

    Key Themes

    Evening trustPeace in turmoilJoy beyond circumstancesGod's faithfulnessRest and security

    Key Verses in Psalms 4

    "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."

    — Psalms 4:8

    This verse captures the ultimate expression of trust—peaceful sleep in the midst of danger, resting in God's protection.

    Life Application

    Anxiety often strikes at night when distractions fade. David's example teaches us to redirect our thoughts to God's faithfulness, finding peace not in resolved circumstances but in the character of the One who watches over us.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the connection between Psalm 3 and Psalm 4?

    Psalm 3 is a morning prayer and Psalm 4 is an evening prayer, forming a pair. Both were likely composed during Absalom's rebellion and move from distress to confident trust in God's protection.

    Psalm 4 Commentary & Reflection

    Trust
    Calm, peaceful

    Best read for: Evening devotion, seeking peace, insomnia

    Overview of Psalm 4: An Evening Prayer of Peace

    Psalm 4 is an evening companion to Psalm 3's morning prayer. David addresses those who turn his glory into shame and love vanity. He counsels righteous anger without sin, quiet meditation on one's bed, and trust in the Lord. The psalm ends with David declaring that God alone makes him dwell in safety, and he has more gladness than those with abundant grain and wine.

    Key Themes

    Peace
    Trust
    Gladness
    God's Safety

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.”
    — Psalm 4:7 (KJV)
    “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
    — Psalm 4:8 (KJV)

    Reflection

    True gladness doesn't come from abundance but from God's presence. David had more joy in God alone than others had in overflowing harvests. What is the source of your evening peace?

    Historical Context

    Psalm 4 is an evening companion to Psalm 3's morning prayer. David addresses both God and his adversaries, likely political opponents who questioned his legitimacy as king. The phrase 'Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress' reflects the Hebrew concept of creating spacious freedom from tight, constricting circumstances.

    How to Apply Psalm 4 Today

    Practice the 'sacred pause' this psalm teaches: when anger rises, 'stand in awe, and sin not.' Before responding to a provocative email, a hurtful comment, or an unjust situation, commune with your own heart on your bed and be still. Let the night bring counsel before you act.

    A Prayer from Psalm 4

    O God of my righteousness, enlarge my cramped and anxious heart. When others question my motives, help me rest in Your approval alone. Put gladness in my heart—more than all the prosperity this world can offer. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone make me dwell in safety. Amen.

    Read the full Psalm 4 devotional →
    Read the full summary of Psalms

    Free Bible widgets and more ways to read