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Wisdom & Poetry · WORLD ENGLISH BIBLE

Psalm 4

Psalm 4 is read especially through the theme of lament, within Book I (Psalms 1–41). Its language invites attentive prayer before quick application.

LamentWisdomJustice
Psalms overview
Old Testament

Psalm 4

1For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.

3But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to him.

4Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD.

6Many say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, let the light of your face shine on us.

7You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.

READ IN CONTEXT

Understanding Psalm 4

Psalm 4 is read especially through the theme of lament, within Book I (Psalms 1–41). Its language invites attentive prayer before quick application. Read it within the complete five-book Psalms collection, then compare its prayer language with the types of prayer found across Scripture. Classification is a reading aid rather than a replacement for the Psalm's own movement and tension.

Collection

Book I (Psalms 1–41). The five-book shape of the Psalter helps readers hear individual prayers within a deliberately arranged collection.

Themes detected

Lament, Wisdom, Justice. Read for these themes while remaining open to tension and secondary movements.

TEXT-DERIVED READING NOTES

What to notice in Psalm 4

Psalm 4 contains 8 verses and about 158 words in this translation. These observations come from the chapter itself; they are prompts for close reading, not claims about its only possible meaning.

The opening movement

Verse 1 begins: “For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me…” Ask what situation, voice, image, or argument this opening establishes for everything that follows.

The closing movement

Verse 8 closes: “In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.” Compare the ending with the opening and note what changed, resolved, intensified, or remained open.

Vocabulary worth tracing

Recurring or prominent content words include will, call, righteousness, hear, selah, heart. Follow where each word appears and whether its meaning shifts with the speaker or setting.

COMMON QUESTIONS

About Psalm 4

Which Bible translation is shown here?+

This page reproduces the World English Bible Protestant edition (WEBP), a modern-English translation dedicated to the public domain.

How should I cite a specific verse?+

Use the book, chapter, and verse—for example, Psalms 4:1—and name the World English Bible if the wording matters. Each verse number above is a direct anchor link.

Does the chapter number define the complete literary unit?+

Not always. Chapter and verse numbers were added for navigation. Check the paragraphs, scenes, poetic stanzas, or argument before and after this chapter.

What kind of Psalm is this?+

Our reading profile emphasizes lament, with related themes of Lament, Wisdom, Justice. Many Psalms blend genres or move between moods, so this label is a guide rather than a rigid classification.

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