Psalms

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Psalm 4

1 For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm of David. When I call out, answer me, O God who vindicates me. Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer. 2 You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive? (Selah) 3 Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him. 4 Tremble with fear and do not sin.⁠ Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways. (Selah) 5 Offer the prescribed sacrifices and trust in the Lord. 6 Many say, “Who can show us anything good?” Lift up upon us the light of your face, Lord!¹⁸⁠ 7 You make me happier than those who have abundant grain and wine. 8 I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, Lord, make me safe and secure.

Texts in conversation

Compare Psalm 4:4 and LXX Psalm 4:5

Hebrew Bible · Septuagint

Summary

In Psalm 4, the psalmist urges listeners to tremble and not sin, using language that describes physical shaking or fear. In the Greek Septuagint translation, this becomes a command to be angry without sinning, introducing a new emotional emphasis.

Passages

Psalm 4:4

Hebrew Bible

2 You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive? (Selah) 3 Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him. 4 Tremble with fear and do not sin. Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways. (Selah) 5 Offer the prescribed sacrifices and trust in the Lord. 6 Many say, “Who can show us anything good?” Lift up upon us the light of your face, Lord!¹⁸

600–201 BCE (scholarly estimate) Read in Psalms

LXX Psalm 4:5

Septuagint

2 When I called upon him, the God of my righteousness heard me: you have made room for me in tribulation; pity me, and listen to my prayer. 3 you sons of men, how long will you be slow of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek falsehood? Pause. 4 But know you that the Lord has done wondrous things for his holy one: the Lord will hear me when I cry to him. 5 Be angry, and do not sin; feel compunction upon your beds for what you say in your hearts. Pause. 6 Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and trust in the Lord.

100–1 BCE (scholarly estimate) Read in LXX Psalms

References

"... The clearest example of the use of the Old Testament in this section is found in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry and do not sin,” which is identical in wording to the LXX version of Psalm 4:5 (4:4 in English and Chinese translations), though most modern translation reflect the literal meaning, “to tremble,” of the word used in the Masoretic text ..."

Ronnie Poon, The Use of Psalm 4:4 in Ephesians 4:26 (Alliance Bible Seminary, 2010), 2.

References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.

Psalms150 psalms

Compare Psalm 4:4 and LXX Psalm 4:5

Summary

Passages

Psalm 4:4

LXX Psalm 4:5

References

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