Psalms 11:4
Psalms 11:4 in Multiple Translations
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
Jehovah is in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
The Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord's seat is in heaven; his eyes are watching and testing the children of men.
The Lord is in his Temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven. He keeps a close eye on everyone, watching them carefully.
The Lord is in his holy palace: the Lordes throne is in the heauen: his eyes wil consider: his eye lids will try the children of men.
'Jehovah [is] in his holy temple: Jehovah — in the heavens [is] His throne. His eyes see — His eyelids try the sons of men.
The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men.
May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.
But Yahweh is sitting on his throne in his sacred temple in heaven, and he [SYN] watches everything that people do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 11:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 11:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהוָ֤ה
בְּֽ/הֵ֘יכַ֤ל
קָדְשׁ֗/וֹ
יְהוָה֮
בַּ/שָּׁמַ֪יִם
כִּ֫סְא֥/וֹ
עֵינָ֥י/ו
יֶחֱז֑וּ
עַפְעַפָּ֥י/ו
יִ֝בְחֲנ֗וּ
בְּנֵ֣י
אָדָֽם
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּֽ/הֵ֘יכַ֤ל
hêykâl
H1964
temple
Prep | N-ms
קָדְשׁ֗/וֹ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
N-ms | Suff
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בַּ/שָּׁמַ֪יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
כִּ֫סְא֥/וֹ
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms | Suff
עֵינָ֥י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
יֶחֱז֑וּ
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַפְעַפָּ֥י/ו
ʻaphʻaph
H6079
eyelid
N-md | Suff
יִ֝בְחֲנ֗וּ
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 11:4
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּֽ/הֵ֘יכַ֤ל
hêykâl
H1964
"temple"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
קָדְשׁ֗/וֹ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
N-ms | Suff
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בַּ/שָּׁמַ֪יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
כִּ֫סְא֥/וֹ
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
עֵינָ֥י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יֶחֱז֑וּ
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
עַפְעַפָּ֥י/ו
ʻaphʻaph
H6079
"eyelid"
N-md | Suff
This word can refer to an eyelid or an eyelash, and is also used figuratively to describe the morning sun's rays. It appears in descriptions of nature and beauty.
Definition: 1) eyelid 1a) eyelid 1b) of dawn, rays of sun (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dawning, eye-lid. See also: Job 3:9; Proverbs 4:25; Psalms 11:4.
יִ֝בְחֲנ֗וּ
bâchan
H974
"to test"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 11:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 11:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 11:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 11:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 11:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 11:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
- Sermons on Psalms 11:4
Context — In the LORD I Take Refuge
2For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
4The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.
5The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence. 6On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 103:19 | The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:6 | In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. |
| 3 | Psalms 2:4 | The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:20 | But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. |
| 5 | Isaiah 66:1 | This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? |
| 6 | Psalms 33:13 | The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 23:24 | “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 8 | Revelation 4:2 | At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. |
| 9 | Psalms 66:7 | He rules forever by His power; His eyes watch the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah |
| 10 | 2 Thessalonians 2:4 | He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. |
Psalms 11:4 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is always present and watching over our lives, sitting on His throne in heaven. He sees everything we do and knows our thoughts and intentions, as also stated in Hebrews 4:13. This can be both comforting and challenging, as we are encouraged to live our lives in a way that honors Him, knowing that He will ultimately judge our actions, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 12:14. By trusting in God's sovereignty and presence, we can find peace and guidance in our daily lives, as promised in Psalms 16:8-11 and Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD is in His holy temple and on His heavenly throne?
This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and presence, reminding us that He is both near and far, closely watching over humanity from His throne in heaven, as also seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel 1:26-28.
How can God's eyes be watching closely if He is in a temple and on a throne?
The Bible often uses anthropomorphic language to describe God's actions, and here it highlights His omniscience and omnipresence, as stated in Proverbs 15:3 and Jeremiah 32:19.
What does it mean for God's eyes to examine the sons of men?
This phrase suggests that God carefully evaluates the thoughts, intentions, and actions of humanity, as mentioned in Psalms 33:13-15 and 1 Samuel 16:7, to understand their hearts and respond accordingly.
Is this verse related to God's judgment?
Yes, the context of Psalms 11:4-6 implies that God's examination of humanity is connected to His judgment, as seen in the following verses, where He tests the righteous and the wicked and hates the lover of violence, reminiscent of Romans 2:6-11 and Revelation 20:12-15.
Reflection Questions
- How does the knowledge that God is watching closely over my life affect my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and presence, even when faced with uncertainty or chaos, as described in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 43:2-3?
- What does it mean for me to be 'examined' by God, and how can I prepare my heart for this scrutiny, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Lamentations 3:40?
- How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the comfort of His love and mercy, as expressed in Psalms 103:8-14 and 1 John 4:16-18?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 11:4
The Lord [is] in his holy temple,.... Not in the temple at Jerusalem, which as yet was not built; nor in the temple of Christ's human nature; but rather in the church, where he dwells, which is an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 11:4
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The reply of the righteous. The Lord (is) in his holy temple - i:e., in heaven.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
The Lord, to whom I appeal from men’ s unjust tribunals, is in his holy temple; either, 1. In his tabernacle, which is sometimes called his temple, as 3:3 48:9 68:29, where he resides to hear the prayers and appeals of all his people. Or, 2. In heaven, as it is explained in the next clause; which is also called God’ s temple, , and which seems to be most emphatical here; for God’ s being in heaven is oft mentioned as an evidence of his glorious majesty, of his sovereign power and dominion over all men and things, and of his accurate inspection into all men and their actions here below, which from that high tower he can easily behold, as it here follows. The Lord’ s throne; where he sits to examine all causes, and to judge all men, and to give forth righteous sentences according to every man’ s works; which is my great comfort and joy. His eyes behold, his eye-lids try, the children of men, i.e. he doth exactly and thoroughly discern all men, and all that is in men, their most inward and secret actions, . And therefore he sees and will reward my innocency, notwithstanding all the reproaches and calumnies of mine enemies; and withal he sees all their secret, and subtle, and malicious designs against me through all their cunning pretences, and withal discover and defeat them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
Psalms 11:4 The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD’ S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.Ver. 4. The Lord is in his holy temple] i.e. In heaven, and there hence he both can and will do much for the relief of his poor oppressed, though the righteous can do little for themselves, Ubi deficit auxilium humanum incipit divinum (Philo). He also knows, and will clear their innocence; for he sits between the cherubims, whence he is wont to send help, Psalms 20:3, and hath his throne in heaven, whence he is wont to strike terror into the enemies, Psalms 18:8, &c. The Lord’ s throne is in heaven] This is the same with the former, serving to set forth God’ s sufficiency, as the following words do his efficiency, those props of David’ s faith, answerable to Jachin and Boaz, those two brazen pillars in Solomon’ s temple, Dei solium est nostrum asylum. His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men] The eye of God is taken in Scripture (saith one) either for his knowledge or for his judgment; his eye in this text pointeth out his knowledge, his eyelids his critical descant. It is a manner of speech, saith another, taken from those men’ s actions who, being desirous to look upon a thing more intently, do wink with their eyes, or close up one of them, that they may see the better with the other.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
(4) Temple.—Here, plainly from the parallelism, not any earthly building, but the heavenly palace of the Divine King. One thought of God’s supreme righteousness, high above earth’s anarchy and sin, is enough to reassure the psalmist and make him strong. “God’s in His heaven; all’s right with the world.”—Browning, Pippa Passes.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
Verse 4. The Lord is in his holy temple] He is still to be sought and found in the place where he has registered his name. Though the priests be destroyed, the God in whose worship they were employed still lives, and is to be found in his temple by his upright worshippers. And he tries the heart and the reins of both sinners and saints. Nothing can pass without his notice. I may expect his presence in the temple; he has not promised to meet me in the mountain.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 11:4
4–6. David’s answer, justifying his rejection of his friends’ advice. They look to earth alone; he looks up to heaven. They judge by the appearance of the moment; his faith beholds the righteous Governor of the world exercising His sovereignty. On earth justice may be suspended or subverted; but the Eternal Judge has not quitted His throne in heaven.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 11:4
The Lord is in his holy temple - Hebrew, “Jehovah is in the temple of his holiness.” That is, he is in heaven, regarded as his temple or dwelling-place.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 11:4
4. The Lord is in his holy temple—His earthly temple, or tabernacle called temple, 1 Samuel 1:9; 1 Samuel 3:3; and, by implication, is there for purposes of grace and protection to his covenant people.
Sermons on Psalms 11:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Righteous Are on Trial by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his past messages about faith and acknowledges that he has not fully practiced what he preached. However, he realizes that God has put him |
|
The Apocalypse - Revelation 6a (The First Five Seals) by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opening of the scroll in the book of Revelation. There are two main perspectives on how the seals on the scroll are opened. One view sugge |
|
What Can You Do? by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and uncertainty that many people feel in the current world, particularly in relation to issues such as terrorism and moral decay. He |
|
The Utter Severity of God's Holy Law by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the severity of God's love and the consequences of sin. He emphasizes that God's love is not just about forgiveness and grace, but also about |
|
Model for Praying - Part 3 by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker describes his experience of staying in an old Hindu temple and witnessing people worshiping idols. He expresses his horror at seeing people worshiping n |
|
Pray for Kings - Part 3 by Chip Brogden | This sermon delves into the establishment of secular authority by God, emphasizing that the earth and its people belong to God, that God rules the heavens but allows humans to gove |
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Of the Providence of God by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches on the providence of God, emphasizing how God's care extends even to the smallest details of creation, such as sparrows. He explains that providence involves |