Psalms 37:4
What does Psalms 37:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:4 means
This verse continues the theme of actively engaging with God, suggesting that a deep satisfaction found in the Lord transforms one's desires into alignment with His will, which He then fulfills. To "delight thyself also in Jehovah" signifies finding genuine joy and pleasure in God Himself, beyond His blessings. When God becomes the ultimate source of delight, the desires of the heart are purified and reshaped according to His purposes. Consequently, the things one truly longs for will be those that honor Him, and these are the desires He promises to grant.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So will your delight be in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And delight thyself on Jehovah, And He giveth to thee the petitions of thy heart.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: there is no peace for my bones, because of my sins.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and delight thyself in Jehovah, and he will give thee the desires of thy heart.
Context
Building on the foundation of 'trust in the Lord' from verse 3, this verse deepens the instruction by urging an even more intimate and joyful relationship with God. It moves beyond mere obedience to a profound delight, showing that God doesn't just provide, but also shapes and satisfies the heart's innermost longings. This focus on heart-level engagement naturally progresses to committing one's entire life to Him in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 22:26
For then shalt thou delight thyself in the Almighty, And shalt lift up thy face unto God.
- John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- 1 John 5:14
And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:
- John 15:16
Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
- Isaiah 58:14
then shalt thou delight thyself in Jehovah; and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
- 1 Peter 1:8
whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
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