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Psalms 116:4

Psalms 116:4 in Multiple Translations

Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!”

Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Then called I upon the name of Jehovah: O Jehovah, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Then I made my prayer to the Lord, saying, O Lord, take my soul out of trouble.

Then I cried out to the Lord, “Lord, please save me!”

Then I called vpon the Name of the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, deliuer my soule.

And in the name of Jehovah I call: I pray Thee, O Jehovah, deliver my soul,

Then I called on the LORD’s name: “LORD, I beg you, deliver my soul.”

Then I called upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

But then I called out to Yahweh, saying, “Yahweh, I plead with you to save/rescue me!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 116:4

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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 116:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בְ/שֵֽׁם יְהוָ֥ה אֶקְרָ֑א אָנָּ֥ה יְ֝הוָ֗ה מַלְּטָ֥/ה נַפְשִֽׁ/י
וּ/בְ/שֵֽׁם shêm H8034 name Conj | Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֥ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶקְרָ֑א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אָנָּ֥ה ʼânnâʼ H577 Please! Part
יְ֝הוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מַלְּטָ֥/ה mâlaṭ H4422 to escape V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
נַפְשִֽׁ/י nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 116:4

וּ/בְ/שֵֽׁם shêm H8034 "name" Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָ֥ה 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.
אֶקְרָ֑א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אָנָּ֥ה ʼânnâʼ H577 "Please!" Part
This Hebrew word is a polite way of saying please, used to show respect when making a request. It is often translated as I beseech you.
Definition: ah now! I/we beseech you, oh now!, pray now! (participle of entreaty usually followed by the imperative verb)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: I (me) beseech (pray) thee, O. See also: Genesis 50:17; Psalms 116:16; Psalms 116:4.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה 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.
מַלְּטָ֥/ה mâlaṭ H4422 "to escape" V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
נַפְשִֽׁ/י nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

Study Notes — Psalms 116:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 118:5 In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.
2 Psalms 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs.
3 Psalms 143:6–9 I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.
4 Luke 23:42–43 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
5 Luke 18:13 But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’
6 Psalms 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
7 Psalms 142:4–6 Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
8 Psalms 30:7–8 O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed. To You, O LORD, I called, and I begged my Lord for mercy:
9 Isaiah 38:1–3 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
10 Psalms 130:1–2 Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy.

Psalms 116:4 Summary

[This verse means that when we are in trouble or feeling overwhelmed, we can call on God for help and trust that He will deliver us. The psalmist was feeling trapped and sorrowful, but he cried out to God and asked for rescue, as seen in Psalms 116:3-4. We can do the same, knowing that God is gracious and full of compassion, as described in Psalms 116:5 and Psalm 103:8. By calling on God's name, we are invoking His power and presence in our lives, and trusting in His love and care for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to call on the name of the LORD?

Calling on the name of the LORD means to invoke His power and presence in our lives, trusting in His character and promises, as seen in Psalms 116:4 and Romans 10:13.

Why did the psalmist ask the LORD to deliver his soul?

The psalmist asked the LORD to deliver his soul because he was overwhelmed by trouble and sorrow, and he knew that only God could rescue him, as expressed in Psalms 116:3 and Psalm 34:17-18.

Is this verse relevant to my life today?

Yes, this verse is relevant to your life today because it reminds you that you can call on the LORD in times of trouble, just like the psalmist did, and trust in His gracious and compassionate nature, as described in Psalms 116:5 and Psalm 103:8.

How can I apply this verse to my prayer life?

You can apply this verse to your prayer life by being honest with God about your struggles and fears, and trusting in His power and love to deliver you, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'ropes of death' that have entangled you, and how can you call on the LORD to deliver you from them?
  2. In what ways have you experienced the 'anguish of Sheol' or overwhelming sorrow, and how did you respond to it?
  3. What does it mean to you to call on the name of the LORD, and how can you make this a regular part of your prayer life?
  4. How can you trust in the LORD's gracious and compassionate nature, even when you are faced with trouble and sorrow?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 116:4

Then called I upon the name of the Lord,.... Upon the Lord himself in prayer for speedy deliverance; or "in the name of the Lord" (h), in the name of the Messiah, the only Mediator between God and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 116:4

Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Then called I upon the name of the Lord. Drawn from Psalms 18:4-6.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 116:4

Psalms 116:4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.Ver. 4. Then called I upon the name of the Lord] That strong tower, whereunto the righteous run and are safe, Proverbs 18:10. Others have other refuges, the witch of Endor, the god of Ekron, the arm of flesh, &c. O Lord, I beseech thee] Ana, blandientis et deprecantis particula. The psalmist here hath a sweet way of insinuating, and getting within the Lord; which, oh that we could skill of ( Sic et Náé Philemon 1:20 Revelation 1:7). Deliver my soul] q.d. It is my soul, Lord, my precious soul, "that is sought after; oh, deliver my soul, from the sword, my darling from the power of the dog," Psalms 22:20.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 116:4

4. the name of Jehovah, more emphatically than Jehovah alone, denotes His revealed character (Exodus 34:5), to which the Psalmist appealed, and not in vain.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 116:4

Then called I upon the name of the Lord - Upon the Lord. I had no other refuge. I felt that I must perish unless he should interpose, and I pleaded with him for deliverance and life. Compare the notes at Psalms 18:6.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 116:4

4. Then called I—At a moment when my case was beyond all human help.

Sermons on Psalms 116:4

SermonDescription
Matt Slick A Test: Do You Have the True Jesus? by Matt Slick Matt Slick preaches about the importance of recognizing the true Jesus of the Bible, distinguishing Him from distorted versions presented in cult theologies like Mormonism and Jeho
David Wilkerson Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle
Thomas Brooks I Cried by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of crying out to God in prayer, illustrating how a child's cries can lead to affection and support. He highlights that true prayer is not measure
James Bourne Letter 49 by James Bourne James Bourne, in a letter to Revelation C. J. regarding his friend Mr. Maddy, emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and mercy in times of distress. He encourages them
T. Austin-Sparks Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks preaches on Psalms 118, known as the 'Passover Hosanna Psalms', emphasizing faith unto enlargement through adversity. The Psalm reflects the nation's collective ex
Richard Wurmbrand A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and
Steve Mays The Heart of James by Steve Mays In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Red Sea. He explains that God brought them into a seemingly impossible situation to show the

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