Psalms 3:4
Psalms 3:4 in Multiple Translations
To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
I cry unto Jehovah with my voice, And he answereth me out of his holy hill. [Selah
I send up a cry to the Lord with my voice, and he gives me an answer from his holy hill. (Selah.)
I cry out to the Lord for help, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah.
I did call vnto the Lord with my voyce, and he heard me out of his holy mountaine. Selah.
My voice [is] unto Jehovah: I call: And He answereth me from his holy hill, Selah.
I cry to the LORD with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah.
I cried to the LORD with my voice, and he heard me from his holy hill. Selah.
But thou, O Lord art my protector, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
I cry out to you, Yahweh, and you answer me from Zion, your sacred hill. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 3:4
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 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה
יְ֭הוָה
מָגֵ֣ן
בַּעֲדִ֑/י
כְּ֝בוֹדִ֗/י
וּ/מֵרִ֥ים
רֹאשִֽׁ/י
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מָגֵ֣ן
mâgên
H4043
shield
N-cs
בַּעֲדִ֑/י
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep | Suff
כְּ֝בוֹדִ֗/י
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs | Suff
וּ/מֵרִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
Conj | V-Hiphil
רֹאשִֽׁ/י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 3:4
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
מָגֵ֣ן
mâgên
H4043
"shield"
N-cs
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
בַּעֲדִ֑/י
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep | Suff
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
כְּ֝בוֹדִ֗/י
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
וּ/מֵרִ֥ים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
Conj | V-Hiphil
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
רֹאשִֽׁ/י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 3:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 3:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 3:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
- Sermons on Psalms 3:4
Context — Deliver Me, O LORD!
2Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah
3But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah
5I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. 6I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 34:4 | I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:15 | When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. |
| 3 | Isaiah 65:24 | Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:6 | This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 5 | Psalms 2:6 | “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” |
| 6 | Psalms 43:3 | Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to the place where You dwell. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 29:12–13 | Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. |
| 8 | Matthew 7:7 | Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. |
| 9 | James 5:13 | Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. |
| 10 | Psalms 132:13–14 | For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: “This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home. |
Psalms 3:4 Summary
This verse means that when we talk to God, He listens and answers us from His special place, which is like a mountain where He lives. It's like when you call out to a friend, and they answer you from their house. We can trust that God will hear us and respond, just like He did for the psalmist in this verse, and as also promised in Jeremiah 33:3, where God says 'Call to me and I will answer you'. When we cry out to God, He will answer us and give us what we need, and we can have peace knowing that He is always with us, as seen in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus promises to be with us always.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to cry aloud to the Lord?
To cry aloud to the Lord means to express our deepest needs and emotions to Him in a sincere and urgent manner, as seen in Psalms 3:4, and is similar to the desperate cry of the psalmist in Psalms 107:28, where he cries out to God in his distress.
What is the significance of the Lord's holy mountain?
The Lord's holy mountain refers to a place of divine presence and authority, where God dwells and responds to the cries of His people, as mentioned in Psalms 3:4, and is also seen in other scriptures such as Isaiah 2:3, where the mountain of the Lord is a symbol of His holy presence.
How can I be sure that God will answer me when I cry out to Him?
We can be confident that God will answer us when we cry out to Him because of His faithfulness and love, as seen in Psalms 3:4 and also in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God promises to never leave or forsake us, and in 1 John 5:14-15, where we are assured that God will give us what we ask for according to His will.
What does the word Selah mean in this verse?
The word Selah is a term used in the Psalms to indicate a pause or a moment of reflection, and in Psalms 3:4, it invites the reader to pause and consider the significance of God's response to our cries, as also seen in Psalms 46:10, where Selah is used to emphasize the importance of being still and knowing God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to cry aloud to the Lord, and what is holding me back from doing so?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holy mountain, and what difference would it make in my prayer life?
- What are some promises or truths from God's word that I can hold onto when I feel like my cries are not being heard, and how can I apply them to my life?
- In what ways can I practically apply the confidence that God will answer me when I cry out to Him, and how can I share this confidence with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 3:4
I cried unto the Lord with my voice,.... The experience which the psalmist had of being heard in prayer, was what gave great encouragement to his faith, as to his interest in God and salvation by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 3:4
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
With my voice; the witness of my faith and fervency of affections. Out of his holy hill; either out of heaven, so called : compare . Or rather, 2. Out of the hill of Zion, where God was especially present, the ark being there at this time; towards which the saints then used to direct their prayers, and from thence God heard and answered and blessed them, 134:3.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
Psalms 3:4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.Ver. 4. I cried unto the Lord with my voice] I prayed aloud and lustily; I roused up myself, and wrestled with God: and this was the ground of his courage and confidence. So Esther, when she had fasted and prayed, put her life in her hands, and was fearless. So Christ, when, being in an agony, he had prayed more earnestly, went and met his enemies in the face; though before his soul was heavy to the death, and he began to be out of the world, as the word signifieth, Matthew 26:37, αδημονειν. And he heard me out of his holy hill] i.e. E suo sacrario et coelesti et terrestri, out of his heavenly and earthly sanctuary (Jun.). Zion signifeth a surehold, a goodly prospect; for that from the top of that hill a man might have seen all the country over. And it was a type of heaven, whence God seeth all, and heareth his. Lucian, the atheist, feigneth, or fancieth, that there are certain chinks in heaven through which Jupiter at certain times only heareth his suitors; which times they who take not pray to no purpose.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
(4) With my voice.—That is, aloud. The verbs are present, expressing the habit of the royal psalmist.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
Verse 4. I cried unto the Lord with my voice] He was exposed to much danger, and therefore he had need of fervour. He heard me] Notwithstanding my enemies said, and my friends feared, that there was no help for me in my God; yet he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah: mark this, and take encouragement from it. God never forsakes those who trust in him. He never shuts out the prayer of the distressed.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 3:4
4. An appeal to past experiences of answered prayer. ‘As often as I called,’—the imperfect tense in the Heb. denotes repeated action or habit—‘he answered me.’ Cp. Psalms 4:1; Psalms 91:15. out of his holy hill] Cp. Psalms 2:6. Zion, the seat of the Ark of the covenant, which was the symbol and pledge of Jehovah’s presence, is as it were the centre from which He exercises His earthly sovereignty. Cp. Psalms 14:7; Psalms 20:2; Amos 1:2. There is possibly a tacit reference to the sending back of the Ark (2 Samuel 15:25), which may have discouraged some of his followers. He would assure them that its absence does not diminish Jehovah’s power to help.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 3:4
I cried unto the Lord - That is, in these troubles, as he had always done in affliction.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 3:4
4. I cried… he heard me—Literally, I will cry, and he will hear me.
Sermons on Psalms 3:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Psalm 3 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of need. He shares a personal testimony of a doctor who was also a minister and how he expe |
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Sharpening the Axe by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of engaging with the world intellectually, arguing that a faith that requires isolation from criticism is not genuine. He reflects on the assur |
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The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading verses from Psalm 34 that emphasize the theme of deliverance. He then prays for an anointing and discusses how God deals with violence |
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Signs of an Active Faith (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker expresses their belief in the power of God to provide everything they need to glorify Him. They see obedience to God and witnessing His power in the liv |
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The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the theme of deliverance, drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the assurance that God hears the cries of His people and delivers them from all troubles. It |
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Seek God With All Your Heart by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, praying with faith and belief in God's greatness to transform lives, heal, and bring individuals to higher grou |
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"Buts" Need to End (Clip) by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing God and spending time in prayer as the most powerful tools to move the hand of God, rather than relying on worldly actions like pet |