Psalms 59:4
Psalms 59:4 in Multiple Translations
For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: Awake thou to help me, and behold.
For no sin of mine they go quickly and get themselves ready; be awake and come to my help, and see.
Even though I'm not guilty they hurry to prepare an attack on me. Please stand up, come and help me, and see what's going on.
They runne and prepare themselues without a fault on my part: arise therefore to assist me, and beholde.
Without punishment they run and prepare themselves, Stir up to meet me, and see.
I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
Thou hast moved the earth, and hast troubled it: heal thou the breaches thereof, for it has been moved.
It is not because I have committed any sin against them that they run and get ready to attack me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 59:4
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 59:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
הִנֵּ֪ה
אָֽרְב֡וּ
לְ/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
יָג֣וּרוּ
עָלַ֣/י
עַזִ֑ים
לֹא
פִשְׁעִ֖/י
וְ/לֹא
חַטָּאתִ֣/י
יְהוָֽה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִנֵּ֪ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אָֽרְב֡וּ
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יָג֣וּרוּ
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עָלַ֣/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עַזִ֑ים
ʻaz
H5794
strong
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
פִשְׁעִ֖/י
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-ms | Suff
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
חַטָּאתִ֣/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
N-fs | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 59:4
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִנֵּ֪ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אָֽרְב֡וּ
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
לְ/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | 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.
יָג֣וּרוּ
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
עָלַ֣/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עַזִ֑ים
ʻaz
H5794
"strong"
Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
פִשְׁעִ֖/י
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-ms | Suff
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חַטָּאתִ֣/י
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
N-fs | Suff
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 59:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 59:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 59:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 59:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 59:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 59:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
- Sermons on Psalms 59:4
Context — Deliver Me from My Enemies
2Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.
3See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.
4For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.
5O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah 6They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:23 | Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord! |
| 2 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:19 | Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice. |
| 5 | Psalms 5:6 | You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. |
| 6 | Isaiah 59:7 | Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. |
| 7 | Acts 23:15 | Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.” |
| 8 | Psalms 44:23 | Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 19:12–24 | So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. When Saul sent the messengers to seize David, Michal said, “He is ill.” But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him.” And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair on its head. And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’” So David ran away and escaped. And he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. When Saul was told that David was at Naioth in Ramah, he sent messengers to capture him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” |
| 10 | Romans 3:15 | “Their feet are swift to shed blood; |
Psalms 59:4 Summary
Psalms 59:4 is a cry for help from the psalmist, David, who is being attacked by his enemies without any fault of his own. He asks God to arise and help him, and to take notice of his situation. This verse reminds us that even when we are facing difficult circumstances, we can trust in God's protection and provision, just like David did (as seen in Psalms 23:4). We can also learn from David's example of crying out to God in prayer, and trusting in His goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28 where it is written that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Psalms 59:4?
The context of Psalms 59:4 is the psalmist, David, crying out to God for help and protection from his enemies who are attacking him without any fault of his own, as seen in Psalms 59:3 and Psalms 59:2 where he asks God to deliver him from workers of iniquity and men of bloodshed.
Why does the psalmist ask God to arise and help him?
The psalmist asks God to arise and help him because he is being attacked and persecuted by his enemies without any reason or fault of his own, and he needs God's protection and intervention, similar to the plea in Psalms 17:13 where David asks God to rise up and judge his enemies.
What does the phrase 'For no fault of my own' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'For no fault of my own' means that the psalmist is being attacked and persecuted by his enemies without any wrongdoing or sin on his part, which is a theme also seen in 1 Peter 2:20 where it is written that if we suffer for doing good, it is commendable before God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is a continuation of the psalmist's cry for help and protection from his enemies, and it sets the stage for the rest of the psalm where he asks God to punish the wicked and to deliver him from their hands, as seen in Psalms 59:5 where he asks God to rouse Himself to punish all the nations.
Reflection Questions
- How do you feel when you are attacked or criticized by others without any fault of your own, and how can you apply the psalmist's cry for help to your own life?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's protection and provision when you are facing persecution or hardship, as seen in Psalms 59:4?
- How can you use this verse as a model for your own prayers when you are facing difficult circumstances, and what are some key elements to include in your prayer?
- What does this verse teach us about God's character and His desire to help and protect His people, and how can you apply this to your own understanding of God's nature?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 59:4
They run and prepare themselves without [my] fault,.... Or, "without sin [in me]"; or "without punishment [in them]"; so the same word is rendered, 1 Samuel 28:10.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 59:4
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. They run and prepare themselves without my fault - "They run" as armed warriors rushing to the assault (Psalms 18:29).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
They run to and fro, first to receive Saul’ s commands and then to execute them with all speed and diligence. Prepare themselves; or, dispose themselves, here and there round about my house, that they may catch me when I go out of it. To help me, Heb. to meet me, as I come abroad and to conduct me away with safety.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
Psalms 59:4 They run and prepare themselves without [my] fault: awake to help me, and behold.Ver. 4. They run and prepare themselves] At Saul’ s command, never inquiring into the cause, right or wrong; but taking his will for warrant good enough. Awake to help me] Heb. to meet me, sc. in mercy, Ut occurras et succurras mihi, or, at my calling, as some render it. And behold]
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
(4) They run and prepare.—These words might both be taken in a military sense. For “run,” see Psalms 18:29; Job 15:26; Job 16:14. Help me.—Literally, as in margin, meet. It is found in a hostile sense, and never in the sense of helping. A suggested emendation, “Awake to my calling, and behold,” removes the difficulty.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
Verse 4. They run and prepare themselves] They leave no stone unturned that they may effect my destruction and prevent the building.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 59:4
1–5. The Psalmist prays for deliverance from the enemies who are bent on taking his life, pleading his innocence, and appealing to God to punish all injustice.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 59:4
They run and prepare themselves - That is, they “hasten” to accomplish this; they are quick to obey the command of Saul requiring them to slay me.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 59:4
4. They run and prepare themselves—Military terms to denote the rapidity and order of their movements, and their eagerness for the combat. Awake to help me—Hebrew, to meet me.
Sermons on Psalms 59:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Awake! Series): Two Kinds of Sleeping People by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and responsive to the call of God. He compares it to a person who suddenly wakes up and reacts quickly when th |
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18th Century: Revolution and Revival by Alan Cairns | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God. He shares an anecdote about a television producer who was surprised by the length of his sermon |
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Today's Sleeping Giant by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the Church as a 'sleeping giant' with immense potential to impact the world, akin to Napoleon's view of China. He warns that the Church's current state |
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Four Awakenings by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the urgent call for spiritual awakening in his sermon 'Four Awakenings,' urging believers to rise from despair and slumber. He draws parallels between God's |
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Isaiah Chapter 27 Four Awakenings by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the call to awaken from spiritual slumber, drawing parallels between Jerusalem's plea for God's intervention and the disciples' despair during the storm. He |
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The Situation and the Need by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks addresses the profound need for the revealing of the arm of the Lord, emphasizing that God's strength and support are essential in times of spiritual weakness and |
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Pure by Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of religious traditions and embracing the freedom found in Christ. He highlights how Jesus faced opposition from |