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Psalms 42:4

Psalms 42:4 in Multiple Translations

These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise.

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, How I went with the throng, and led them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping holyday.

Let my soul be overflowing with grief when these things come back to my mind, how I went in company to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with the song of those who were keeping the feast.

I am crushed as I remember how I walked with the crowds, leading them in a procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and songs of thanks among the worshipers at the festival.

When I remembred these things, I powred out my very heart, because I had gone with the multitude, and ledde them into the House of God with the voyce of singing, and prayse, as a multitude that keepeth a feast.

These I remember, and pour out my soul in me, For I pass over into the booth, I go softly with them unto the house of God, With the voice of singing and confession, The multitude keeping feast!

These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day.

When I remember these things , I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy-day.

And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth.

I am very distressed [IDM] as I remember when I went with the crowd of people to the temple in Jerusalem, leading them as we walked along; we were all shouting joyfully and singing to thank God for what he had done; we were a large group who were celebrating.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 42:4

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 42:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הָֽיְתָה לִּ֬/י דִמְעָתִ֣/י לֶ֭חֶם יוֹמָ֣ם וָ/לָ֑יְלָה בֶּ/אֱמֹ֥ר אֵלַ֥/י כָּל הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם אַיֵּ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
הָֽיְתָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לִּ֬/י Prep | Suff
דִמְעָתִ֣/י dimʻâh H1832 tears N-fs | Suff
לֶ֭חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs
יוֹמָ֣ם yôwmâm H3119 by day Adv
וָ/לָ֑יְלָה layil H3915 night Conj | N-ms
בֶּ/אֱמֹ֥ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֵלַ֥/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
אַיֵּ֥ה ʼayêh H346 where? Part
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 42:4

הָֽיְתָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לִּ֬/י "" Prep | Suff
דִמְעָתִ֣/י dimʻâh H1832 "tears" N-fs | Suff
Tears are drops of liquid that fall from the eyes as a result of crying or weeping. This word is used in the Bible to describe times of sadness or sorrow.
Definition: tears
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: tears. See also: 2 Kings 20:5; Isaiah 38:5; Psalms 6:7.
לֶ֭חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
יוֹמָ֣ם yôwmâm H3119 "by day" Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
וָ/לָ֑יְלָה layil H3915 "night" Conj | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
בֶּ/אֱמֹ֥ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלַ֥/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אַיֵּ֥ה ʼayêh H346 "where?" Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Psalms 42:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 30:29 You will sing as on the night of a holy festival, and your heart will rejoice like one who walks to the music of a flute, going up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel.
2 Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
3 1 Samuel 1:15–16 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman oppressed in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief.”
4 Psalms 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah
5 Psalms 55:14 We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
6 Nahum 1:15 Look to the mountains— the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked will never again march through you; they will be utterly cut off.
7 Psalms 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.
8 2 Chronicles 7:10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people away to their homes, joyful and glad of heart for the good things that the LORD had done for David, for Solomon, and for His people Israel.
9 2 Chronicles 30:23–26 The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy. For Hezekiah king of Judah contributed a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep for the assembly, and the officials contributed a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep for the assembly, and a great number of priests consecrated themselves. Then the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced along with the priests and Levites and the whole assembly that had come from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and those who lived in Judah. So there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for nothing like this had happened there since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel.
10 Lamentations 2:19 Arise, cry out in the night from the first watch of the night. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children who are fainting from hunger on the corner of every street.

Psalms 42:4 Summary

[In Psalms 42:4, the Psalmist is expressing his deep emotional pain and longing for God by remembering happier times when he was able to worship with others. He recalls walking with the multitude to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise, which is similar to the kind of joy and praise that David expressed in Psalms 100:4-5. This reminds us that even in difficult times, we can trust in God's presence and faithfulness, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 42:5. By looking back on past experiences of worship and fellowship, we can find hope and comfort in God's love and care for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Psalmist mean by 'pouring out my soul' in Psalms 42:4?

The Psalmist is expressing deep emotional pain and longing for God, similar to what David expressed in Psalms 62:8, where he encourages the people to pour out their hearts to God in prayer and trust in Him at all times.

Why is the Psalmist remembering walking with the multitude to the house of God in Psalms 42:4?

The Psalmist is reminiscing about happier times when he was able to worship God with others, which contrasts with his current feelings of isolation and despair, as seen in Psalms 42:3 where he mentions being taunted by others who ask 'Where is your God?'

How can I apply the Psalmist's experience in Psalms 42:4 to my own life when I'm feeling down?

When feeling down, it can be helpful to remember happier times of worship and fellowship with other believers, and to trust that God is still with you, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 42:5 where he puts his hope in God for the salvation of His presence.

What role does nostalgia play in the Psalmist's expression of faith in Psalms 42:4?

Nostalgia plays a significant role as the Psalmist looks back on past experiences of worship and fellowship, which serves as a reminder of God's presence and faithfulness in his life, much like the Israelites remembered God's deliverance in Exodus 12:14 and Deuteronomy 16:3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some happy memories of worshiping God that you can reflect on when you're feeling down?
  2. How can you, like the Psalmist, 'pour out your soul' to God in prayer and trust in His presence?
  3. What are some ways you can express your joy and praise to God, even in difficult times?
  4. How can remembering God's faithfulness in the past help you trust Him in the present?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:4

When I remember these [things],.... Either the reproaches of his enemies; or rather his past enjoyments of God in his house, he after makes mention of; I pour out my soul in me, that is, he had no

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:4

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:4

These things; either, 1. Which follow, to wit, my former freedom. Or rather, 2. Last mentioned, my banishment from God’ s presence, and mine enemies’ scoffs and triumphs upon that occasion. I pour out my soul: this phrase notes either, 1. His fervent prayer, as it is taken, . Or, 2. His bitter sorrows, whereby his very heart was almost melted or dissolved, and his spirits spent, and he was ready to faint away; as it is used . Compare . Or rather, 3. Both together; that he breathed out his sorrows and sad complaints unto God by fervent prayers. In me, i.e. within my own breast, between God and my own soul; not openly, lest mine enemies should turn it into matter of rejoicing and insulting over me. I had gone, to wit, in the way to Jerusalem. And my sorrow was increased by the remembrance of my former enjoyments. Compare . With the multitude; according to the custom, and in the company of Israelites, who went thither in great numbers. Compare ,7. I went with them; or, I led them, encouraging them by my presence and forwardness. That kept holyday; or, that kept the feast, to wit, the three solemn festival solemnities, which they kept holy unto the Lord.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:4

Psalms 42:4 When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.Ver. 4. When I remember these things] viz. My present pressures compared with my former happiness, Miserum sane est, fuisse felicem. The Epicures held (but I believe they did not believe themselves therein) that a man might be cheerful amidst the most exquisite torments, ex praeteritarum voluptatum recordatione, by the remembrance of his former pleasures and delights (Cir. de Fin. l. ii.; Sen. de Bon. l. iv. c. 22). David found this here but a slight and sorry comfort, though he better knew how than any of them to make the best of it; and his delights had been far more solid and cordial. I pour out my soul] See Job 30:16, For I had gone with a multitude] Heb. a thick crowd, or throng of good people, frequenting the public ordinances, and David in the head of them. One rendereth it, In umbra vel umbrella, sicut mos est Orientalium ambulare umbrellis contra ardorem solis accommodatis. I went with them to the house of God] Lente itabam, I went with a gentle pace, gressu grallatorio. He speaketh, saith Vatablus, of the order observed by the faithful when they went to the sanctuary, viz. in comely equipage, singing praise to God, and confessing his goodness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 42:4

(4) When I.—The conjunction “when” is not expressed, but may be implied from the next clause. Others render, “let me recall these days (i.e., what follows), let me pour out my soul within me” (literally, upon me. Comp. Psalms 142:3). But the Authorised Version is better, “when I think of it, my heart must overflow.” The expression, “I pour out my soul upon me,” may, however, mean, “I weep floods of tears over myself,” i.e., “over my lot.” For I had gone with the multitude.—The LXX. and Vulg., as well as the strangeness of the words rendered “multitude” and “went with them,” indicate a corruption of the text. Fortunately the general sense and reference of the verse are independent of the doubtful expressions. The poet indulges in a grateful recollection of some great festival, probably the Feast of Tabernacles. (See LXX.) That kept holyday.—Literally, dancing or reeling. But the word is used absolutely (Exodus 5:1; Leviticus 23:41) for keeping a festival, and especially the Feast of Tabernacles. Dancing appears to have been a recognised part of the ceremonial. (Comp. 2 Samuel 6:16.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:4

Verse 4. When I remember these things] Or, these things I shall remember. They often occur to me, and sharpen my distressful feelings. My soul is dissolved, becomes weak as water, when I reflect on what I have had, and on what I have lost. Or, I pour out my soul to myself in deep regrets and complaints, when reflecting on these things. I once enjoyed all the ordinances of God, and now I have none. I once had the joyous communion of saints in God's ordinances; but that communion no longer exists, for there are no ordinances to support it. There was a multitude to worship God in public; with these I often went: but, alas, this is no more; now there are found only a few solitary individuals who sigh for the desolations of Zion. There we had our holy days, our appointed feasts, to commemorate the wonderful works of the Lord; now there are no processions, no festivals, no joyous assemblies; all is desolation in Zion, and all is mourning in our captivity. I have endeavoured to give a general sense to this verse, but there are several difficulties in it; and different commentators and critics have given it a great variety of translations, and as many different meanings. My plan will not permit me to follow them. Much may be seen in Dr. Horsley's work on this verse.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:4

4. This let me remember as I pour out my soul upon me, How I was wont to pass on with the throng, leading them to the house of God, With the voice of singing and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. He must needs give free course to his feelings, to the emotional part of his nature, as he thinks of the past. The renderings in me (A.V.) or within me (R.V.) miss the idiomatic force of the preposition which means upon me. The soul (as elsewhere the heart or the spirit) is distinguished from a man’s whole ‘self,’ and regarded as acting upon it from without. See Delitzsch, Biblical Psychology, pp. 179 ff. Cp. Psalms 42:5-6; Psalms 42:11, Psalms 43:5; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 142:3; Lamentations 3:20; Job 30:16; Jeremiah 8:18. How I was wont to pass on. The tense denotes that it was his custom thus to conduct pilgrims to Jerusalem for the festivals. The joyousness of these processions was proverbial (Isaiah 30:29; cp. Psalms 35:10; Psalms 51:11). But what is the connexion of thought? Is it that he indulges in the recollection of the past, as a luxury of grief, because “a sorrow’s crown of sorrow is remembering happier things”? Or is it not rather that the retrospect is the best antidote to the sneers of the heathen? The God, in Whose service he once found such delight, cannot really have deserted him. The verse will then form the natural transition to Psalms 42:5. Cp. Psalms 42:6, and Psalms 77:11. Leading them. The word is found elsewhere only in Isaiah 38:15. It seems to denote the slow and stately march of a solemn procession, and may be rendered as in R.V. marg. went in procession with them, or, with a slight change of vowels, taken transitively.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:4

When I remember these things - These sorrows; this banishment from the house of God; these reproaches of my enemies.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:4

4. When I remember these things—It is more easy and simple to take “these things” as referring, not to what follows, as some do, but to the psalmist’s sorrow and to the cruel taunts of his enemies;

Sermons on Psalms 42:4

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Why Am I So Down? by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on three key points from Psalm 27. The first point is that sometimes we receive an evil report about ourselves, which can discourage us. The spe
David Wilkerson He Wants It All by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of fully trusting God with every aspect of our lives, including our health, family, and future. He reflects on Isaiah's message that if we
Zac Poonen From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.3 & 4 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the potter and the clay from the book of Jeremiah. The speaker emphasizes that God does not give up on us even when we fail to re
C.H. Spurgeon Spurgeon a New Biography #4 by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon transcript, the preacher describes the journey of two travelers on a road. They encounter a storm and are separated, with one being caught up to glory and the other
Art Katz Jap-03 the King at the Gate by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and being jealous for His glory. He refers to the psalm that speaks about ascending into the hill of th
David Alspaugh The Christ-Centered Home by David Alspaugh In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He references Proverbs 4:18 and Revelation 3 to illustrate that the path of the r
Phil Clarkson Joy by Phil Clarkson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of pointing people to Jesus Christ. He shares a story about a two-star general who directed a two-striped corporal to Jesus,

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