Psalms 11:4
What does Psalms 11:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 11:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 11:4 means
Psalm 11:4 portrays God’s unshakeable sovereignty and active surveillance over humanity. The imagery of "Yahweh is in his holy temple" and "on his throne in heaven" emphasizes His supreme, transcendent authority and perfect reign. This is not a passive deity but one intimately involved in the affairs of mankind. "His eyes observe; His eyelids test the children of men" powerfully illustrates God’s meticulous and discerning gaze. He sees all, missing nothing, and actively evaluates the hearts and actions of every individual. This conveys a sense of divine justice and accountability, assuring believers that God is fully aware of both wickedness and righteousness, and will respond accordingly.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah is in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah is in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord's seat is in heaven; his eyes are watching and testing the children of men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> in his holy temple: Jehovah--in the heavens <FI>is<Fi> His throne. His eyes see--His eyelids try the sons of men.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah [is] in the temple of his holiness; Jehovah, — his throne is in the heavens: his eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men.
Context
Psalm 11 opens with David expressing his trust in the Lord despite the counsel of those urging him to flee from his enemies. He rejects their advice, asserting his unwavering faith. Verse 4 then serves as a foundational declaration for his confidence: because God is enthroned in heaven and actively observing humanity, David knows that justice will ultimately prevail. This verse grounds David’s refusal to flee in the character and actions of God Himself. The following verses elaborate on God’s judgment of the wicked and His ultimate vindication of the righteous, building upon the active observation described here.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 4:13
And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- Psalms 44:21
Will not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
- Matthew 23:21
And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
- Psalms 2:4
He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.
- 1 Chronicles 17:5
for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, unto this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.
- Exodus 40:34
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of Jehovah filled the tabernacle.
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