Psalms 27:4
What does Psalms 27:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 27:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 27:4 means
Amidst the threats, the psalmist expresses his singular, overriding desire: to have continuous access to God's presence. 'To dwell in the house of Jehovah' signifies not just physical proximity to the tabernacle, but an intimate, unending communion with God Himself. His aim is to 'behold the beauty of Jehovah,' seeking to understand and appreciate God's character, and 'to inquire in his temple,' desiring divine guidance and wisdom. This profound yearning reveals where his true security and joy reside.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.
KJV
King James Version · 1611One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949One prayer have I made to the Lord, and this is my heart's desire; that I may have a place in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, looking on his glory, and getting wisdom in his Temple.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862One <FI>thing<Fi> I asked of Jehovah--it I seek. My dwelling in the house of Jehovah, All the days of my life, To look on the pleasantness of Jehovah, And to inquire in His temple.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Give them according to their works, and according to the wickedness of their inventions. According to the works of their hands give thou to them: render to them their reward.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890One [thing] have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Jehovah, and to inquire [of him] in his temple.
Context
After declaring his unwavering confidence in God's protection in the face of enemies (vv. 1-3), the psalmist now reveals the deepest desire of his heart. This verse shifts the focus from external threats to an internal longing for divine communion. It explains *why* he has such confidence: his ultimate priority is not escape from danger, but intimate presence with God, which he sees as the source of all stability.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 10:13
So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Jehovah, because of the word of Jehovah, which he kept not; and also for that he asked counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire thereby,
- Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
- Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
- Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- Psalms 84:10
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
- Psalms 26:6
I will wash my hands in innocency: So will I compass thine altar, O Jehovah;
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