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Psalm 4

Psa. 4:1 KJV (With Strong’s)

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1
<<To the γchief Musician
natsach (Hebrew #5329)
properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); also (as denominative from 5331), to be permanent
KJV usage: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward.
Pronounce: naw-tsakh'
Origin: a primitive root
on Neginoth
ngiynah (Hebrew #5058)
from 5059; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
KJV usage: stringed instrument, musick, Neginoth (plural), song.
Pronounce: neg-ee-naw'
Origin: or ngiynath (Psa. 61:title) {neg-ee-nath'}
, A Psalm
mizmowr (Hebrew #4210)
properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
KJV usage: psalm.
Pronounce: miz-more'
Origin: from 2167
of David
David (Hebrew #1732)
Daviyd {daw-veed'}; from the same as 1730; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse
KJV usage: David.
Pronounce: daw-veed'
Origin: rarely (fully)
.>> Hear
`anah (Hebrew #6030)
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extens. to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce
KJV usage: give account, afflict (by mistake for 6031), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for 6031), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, X scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also 1042, 1043.
Pronounce: aw-naw'
Origin: a primitive root
me when I call
qara' (Hebrew #7121)
to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
KJV usage: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
Pronounce: kaw-raw'
Origin: a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea of accosting a person met)
, O God
'elohiym (Hebrew #430)
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
KJV usage: angels, X exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X mighty.
Pronounce: el-o-heem'
Origin: plural of 433
of my righteousness
tsedeq (Hebrew #6664)
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
KJV usage: X even, (X that which is altogether) just(-ice), ((un-))right(-eous) (cause, -ly, - ness).
Pronounce: tseh'-dek
Origin: from 6663
: thou hast enlarged
rachab (Hebrew #7337)
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
KJV usage: be an en-(make) large(-ing), make room, make (open) wide.
Pronounce: raw-khab'
Origin: a primitive root
me when I was in distress
tsar (Hebrew #6862)
from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in 6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding)
KJV usage: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
Pronounce: tsar
Origin: or tsar {tsawr}
; ζhave mercy
chanan (Hebrew #2603)
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition)
KJV usage: beseech, X fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, X very.
Pronounce: khaw-nan'
Origin: a primitive root (compare 2583)
upon me, and hear
shama` (Hebrew #8085)
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
KJV usage: X attentively, call (gather) together, X carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
Pronounce: shaw-mah'
Origin: a primitive root
my prayer
tphillah (Hebrew #8605)
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
KJV usage: prayer.
Pronounce: tef-il-law'
Origin: from 6419
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γ
or, overseer,
Hab. 3:19• 19The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (Hab. 3:19)
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ζ
or, be gracious unto.

More on:

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David,
God,
Mercy,
Music; Musicians; Musical Instruments,
Neginah; Neginoth,
Prayer,
Psalms,
Righteousness

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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1:  David prays for audience.
2-5:  He reproves and exhorts his enemies.
6-8:  Man's happiness is in God's favour.
(Title.)
chief Musician.
or, overseer.
Psa. 22:1• 1<<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (Psa. 22:1)
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Psa. 42:1• 1<<To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.>> As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (Psa. 42:1)
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Psa. 45:1• 1<<To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.>> My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (Psa. 45:1)
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Psa. 45•  (Psa. 45)
:*titles;
1 Chron. 25:1‑6• 1Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
 2Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.
 3Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the Lord.
 4Of Heman: the sons of Heman; Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:
 5All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
 6All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. (1 Chron. 25:1‑6)
Neginoth.
Psa. 6:1• 1<<To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.>> O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. (Psa. 6:1)
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Psa. 67:1• 1<<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.>> God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. (Psa. 67:1)
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Psa. 76:1• 1<<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph.>> In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. (Psa. 76:1)
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Psa. 76•  (Psa. 76)
:*titles;
Hab. 3:19• 19The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (Hab. 3:19)
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Hab. 3•  (Hab. 3)
:*marg:
O.
Psa. 11:7• 7For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. (Psa. 11:7)
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Psa. 24:5• 5He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (Psa. 24:5)
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Psa. 41:12• 12And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever. (Psa. 41:12)
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Isa. 45:24• 24Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. (Isa. 45:24)
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Jer. 23:6• 6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jer. 23:6)
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1 Cor. 1:30• 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Cor. 1:30)
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2 Cor. 5:20‑21• 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5:20‑21)
thou.
Psa. 18:18‑19• 18They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
 19He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. (Psa. 18:18‑19)
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Psa. 31:8• 8And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room. (Psa. 31:8)
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Psa. 40:1‑3• 1<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
 2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
 3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. (Psa. 40:1‑3)
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Psa. 116:6,16• 6The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
 16O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. (Psa. 116:6,16)
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1 Sam. 17:37• 37David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee. (1 Sam. 17:37)
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1 Sam. 19:11‑12• 11Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.
 12So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. (1 Sam. 19:11‑12)
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1 Sam. 23:26‑28• 26And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
 27But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
 28Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. (1 Sam. 23:26‑28)
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Job 36:16• 16Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. (Job 36:16)
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2 Cor. 1:8,10• 8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
 10Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; (2 Cor. 1:8,10)
have mercy upon me.
or, be gracious unto me.
Psa. 56:1• 1<<To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.>> Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. (Psa. 56:1)
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Psa. 57:1• 1<<To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.>> Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (Psa. 57:1)
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Psa. 86:3‑5• 3Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
 4Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
 5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psa. 86:3‑5)
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Psa. 119:75‑77,132• 75I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
 76Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
 77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
 132Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. (Psa. 119:75‑77,132)
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Psa. 143:2• 2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Psa. 143:2)
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Ex. 34:6‑7• 6And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
 7Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. (Ex. 34:6‑7)
• Book 1, Series 1. The beginning of sorrows. (““The Placement of the Psalms in Prophecy”” by B. Anstey)
• The fourth Psalm affords us another most important principle, the effect of a good conscience in calling upon God in our distress. (“Practical Reflections on the Psalms: Psalms 1-4” by J.N. Darby)
• The soul is in trouble, yet had been enlarged, had had experience of God's faithful lovingkindness. His glory and honor was from God. How true this was of Christ! (“Practical Reflections on the Psalms: Psalms 1-4” by J.N. Darby)
• We are a peculiar people to Himself. Now this is always true, but in walking in godliness we have the present confidence of it, and our eye sees God brightly, and we know then He will hear us. (“Scripture Imagery: 66. Israel As Illustrating the Principles of Divine Service” by J.C. Bayley)
• Confidence in God, in the presence of enemies, flowing from the consciousness of integrity, and the experience of God’s mercy in former troubles. (“Psalms 4” by H. Smith)
• Moreover his confidence in God flows from the knowledge of God’s mercy proved in former trials. Experience had taught the psalmist that seasons of pressure had been occasions of soul-enlargement. (“Psalms 4” by H. Smith)

J. N. Darby Translation

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1
To the chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. When I callb, answer me, O God of my righteousness: in pressure thou hast enlarged me; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.

JND Translation Notes

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b
It is abstract, "in my calling." so ver. 3.