Psalms 112:4
Psalms 112:4 in Multiple Translations
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous.
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and merciful, and righteous.
For the upright there is a light shining in the dark; he is full of grace and pity.
Light shines in the darkness for those who live right, for those who are gracious, compassionate, and good.
Vnto the righteous ariseth light in darkenes: he is merciful and full of copassion and righteous.
Light hath risen in darkness to the upright, Gracious, and merciful, and righteous.
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, gracious, merciful, and righteous.
To the upright there ariseth light in darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
The Lord is high above all nations; and his glory above the heavens.
Godly/Righteous people are like lights [SIM] that shine in the darkness on those who are kind, merciful and righteous.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 112:4
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 112:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זָ֘רַ֤ח
בַּ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
א֭וֹר
לַ/יְשָׁרִ֑ים
חַנּ֖וּן
וְ/רַח֣וּם
וְ/צַדִּֽיק
זָ֘רַ֤ח
zârach
H2224
to rise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַּ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
Prep | N-ms
א֭וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
N-cs
לַ/יְשָׁרִ֑ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Prep | Adj
חַנּ֖וּן
channûwn
H2587
gracious
Adj
וְ/רַח֣וּם
rachûwm
H7349
compassionate
Conj | Adj
וְ/צַדִּֽיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 112:4
זָ֘רַ֤ח
zârach
H2224
"to rise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to rise or shine, like the sun coming up. It's used in the Bible to describe the sun rising or a symptom appearing. In the KJV, it's translated as 'arise' or 'rise up'.
Definition: 1) to rise, come forth, break out, arise, rise up, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise 1a2) to come out, appear
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: arise, rise (up), as soon as it is up. See also: Genesis 32:32; Psalms 104:22; Psalms 112:4.
בַּ/חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
א֭וֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
לַ/יְשָׁרִ֑ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Prep | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
חַנּ֖וּן
channûwn
H2587
"gracious"
Adj
The Hebrew word for gracious describes God's kind and merciful nature, showing His love and care for humanity.
Definition: gracious
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: gracious. See also: Exodus 22:26; Psalms 103:8; Psalms 86:15.
וְ/רַח֣וּם
rachûwm
H7349
"compassionate"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for compassionate describes God's merciful nature. It is used to convey God's kindness and sympathy towards humanity, often in the context of his relationship with his people. This concept is central to the Bible's portrayal of God's character.
Definition: 1) compassionate 1a) always of God with one possible exception
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: full of compassion, merciful. See also: Exodus 34:6; Psalms 86:15; Psalms 78:38.
וְ/צַדִּֽיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Conj | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 112:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 112:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 112:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 112:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 112:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 112:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
- Sermons on Psalms 112:4
Context — The Blessed Fear of the LORD
2His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous.
5It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. 6Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 11:17 | Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. |
| 2 | Psalms 97:11 | Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. |
| 3 | Colossians 3:12–13 | Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. |
| 4 | Isaiah 58:10 | and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. |
| 5 | 1 John 3:7 | Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. |
| 6 | Luke 6:36 | Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. |
| 7 | Ephesians 4:32–2 | — |
| 8 | Psalms 106:1 | Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 9 | 1 John 2:29 | If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him. |
| 10 | Ephesians 5:9 | for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. |
Psalms 112:4 Summary
Psalms 112:4 tells us that even when things seem darkest, God will bring light and hope to those who love and follow Him. This means that when we're going through tough times, we can trust that God will give us the understanding and guidance we need to get through it, just like He promises in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. As we seek to be gracious, compassionate, and righteous, like the verse describes, we can experience this light in our own lives, and it can shine out to others around us, as seen in Matthew 5:16. By trusting in God's goodness and love, we can have confidence that He will always be with us, even in the darkest times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for 'light to dawn in darkness' in Psalms 112:4?
This phrase means that even in difficult or trying times, God will bring understanding, guidance, and hope to those who are upright and follow Him, as seen in Psalms 119:105 and Isaiah 9:2.
How can I be considered 'upright' and experience this light in darkness?
To be considered upright, one must trust in God and follow His commands, as stated in Psalms 37:37 and Proverbs 10:29, and also exhibit gracious, compassionate, and righteous character, as described in Psalms 112:4.
Is this promise of light in darkness only for the Israelites or for all believers?
This promise is for all believers, as seen in the New Testament, where it is written that Jesus is the light of the world, and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, according to John 8:12 and 1 John 1:7.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life and struggles?
This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is always with us and will provide the light we need to navigate through them, just as He did for the psalmist, and as promised in Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 13:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life do I need God's light to dawn, and how can I seek His guidance and wisdom?
- How can I cultivate a more gracious, compassionate, and righteous character, as described in Psalms 112:4, in my daily interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with darkness or uncertainty, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
- How can I share the light of God's love and hope with others who may be struggling in darkness, as commanded in Matthew 5:14-16 and Acts 1:8?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 112:4
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness,.... Upright ones are sometimes in the darkness of affliction, under divine desertions, without spiritual joy, and in an uncomfortable condition;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 112:4
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness; and although he is subject to the troubles and calamities of this life, as others are, yet God will give him support and comfort in them, and a happy issue out of them, whereas the wicked sink under their burdens, and their present miseries usher in their eternal destruction. He; either, 1. God. And so this is added as a reason why God causeth light to shine to the upright out of darkness, because the Lord is gracious, &c. Or rather, 2. The good or upright man, of whom he speaks both in the foregoing and following words. So this is either, 1. A reason why God dealeth thus with good men; it is not from a partial and fond affection to them, but because they are such persons to whom God hath engaged himself by promise and covenant to bless them, they are gracious, & c. Or, 2. As an effect of their affliction and deliverance out of it; thereby they learn to be more merciful, and compassionate, and just, or bountiful to others in want and misery.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
Psalms 112:4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.Ver. 4. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness] i.e. Joy in tribulation, as did unto the martyrs, plenty in penury, as "having nothing, and yet possessing all things," 2 Corinthians 6:10. If they have not an external affluence, yet they have an internal influence of grace and comfort, which is far better and sweeter, 1 Timothy 6:6. Some render the words thus, He who is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous (i.e. God), causeth light to arise in darkness upon the upright; who also is, according to his measure, and by participation from God, gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
(4) Ariseth . . .—The Hebrew verb is commonly used of the sunrise. (Comp. Psalms 97:11; Isaiah 58:8.) For the good man the darkest night of trouble and sorrow will have a dawn of hope. He is gracious . . .—The Authorised Version is right in making this a description of the upright man’s character. The construction certainly at first appears strange, since “the upright” is in the plural, while the epithets in this clause resume the singular of Psa 112:3. This may be best explained by treating the first clause of this verse as a familiar proverbial saying, which the poet introduces, as a quotation, without changing the number to suit his own construction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
Verse 4. There ariseth light in the darkness] The upright are always happy; and when tribulations come, God lifts up the light of his countenance upon him, and causes all occurences to work together for his good. He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.] He enjoys the favour of God; that grace makes him compassionate; and in the general tenor of his conduct he is righteous. From these principles he shows favour (Psalms 112:5) to him that needs it; that is, to the real poor he gives of his substance; and others he obliges by lending, they not being utterly in want, but standing in need only of a little present help. But he takes heed to whom he gives and to whom he lends; that in the first case his bounty may be well applied, and in the second he may not oblige the person who only seeks, under the notion of a loan, to appropriate the money borrowed. To prevent evils of this kind he acts prudently, and guides his affairs with discretion, Psalms 112:5.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 112:4
4. It is possible to understand this verse of Jehovah, He ariseth as a light in the darkness to the upright, being gracious, &c. But it seems clear from the general tenor of the Psalm that the epithets applied to God in Psalms 111:4 are here applied to the godly man. Cp. Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:36[71]. The verse may be rendered [71] The LXX here has ἐλεήμωνκαὶοἰκτίρμων, the words used in Matthew 5:7, Luke 6:36 : cp. Hebrews 2:17; James 5:11.There ariseth a light in the darkness for the upright, (For him that is) gracious, compassionate, and righteous. Cp. Psalms 97:11; and the striking parallel in Isaiah 58:10, where the dawn of prosperity after the night of trouble is promised as the reward of merciful conduct. But ‘the upright’ is plural, while throughout the Psalm the godly man is spoken of in the singular (Psalms 112:2 is not an exception, for the plural there refers to his descendants), and the construction is harsh.
It seems best therefore to render, He ariseth as a light in the darkness for the upright, Being gracious, compassionate, and righteous. The ‘upright’ are the poor but godly whom he befriends in their need (Psalms 112:5; Psalms 112:9), reflecting the attributes of God in his dealings with his fellow-men.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 112:4
Unto the upright - The just; the pious; the man who fears God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 112:4
4. Light in the darkness—A figurative expression for health, and happiness in adversity. See Psalms 112:7, and compare Isaiah 60:2; Psalms 97:11; Romans 8:28.
Sermons on Psalms 112:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Devil Is Out to Destroy Your Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher describes a dream he had where he walked through the streets of New York and saw a scene of darkness and ugliness. He came across young people lying in |
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Useful for the Master - Part 11 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes God's purpose in allowing difficulties and poverty, highlighting how those in need may call upon Him for salvation and how the world will recognize Jesus thr |
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A Light in the Darkness by Ian Paisley | This sermon emphasizes the theme of light in the darkness, highlighting the struggles faced by the upright, the dangers of apostasy, and the need for God's intervention and guidanc |
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The Fear of the Lord by Charles Stanley | Charles Stanley preaches on the importance of fearing the Lord, emphasizing that it involves appropriate awe and reverence for who God is, rather than terror. He highlights how the |
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The Word Brought Nigh to the Sorrowful by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes God's compassionate presence in times of sorrow, illustrating how He cares for even the most distressed individuals, like Hagar, and reassures them through |
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Deliverance by John Ker | John Ker preaches about seeking deliverance from doubt by engaging in calm, reverential inquiry into God's nature and His Word, through humble prayer to the Father of lights, by ho |
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Exposition on Psalm 113 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of humility and childlike faith in praising the Lord, emphasizing that pride hinders one from entering the kingdom of heaven. He reflects o |