Psalms 61:4
Psalms 61:4 in Multiple Translations
Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever: I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. [Selah
I will make your tent my resting-place for ever: I will keep myself under the cover of your wings. (Selah.)
Let me live with you forever; protect me under the shelter of your wings. Selah.
I will dwell in thy Tabernacle for euer, and my trust shall be vnder the couering of thy wings. Selah.
I sojourn in Thy tent to the ages, I trust in the secret place of Thy wings. Selah.
I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah.
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
How long do you rush in upon a man? you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.
Allow me to live close to your temple all during my life [HYP]! Allow me to be safe [MET], like a little bird is safe under its mother’s wings. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 61:4
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 61:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הָיִ֣יתָ
מַחְסֶ֣ה
לִ֑/י
מִגְדַּל
עֹ֝֗ז
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
אוֹיֵֽב
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָיִ֣יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מַחְסֶ֣ה
machăçeh
H4268
refuge
N-ms
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
מִגְדַּל
migdâl
H4026
tower
N-cs
עֹ֝֗ז
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אוֹיֵֽב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
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 61:4
כִּֽי
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.
הָיִ֣יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
מַחְסֶ֣ה
machăçeh
H4268
"refuge"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a safe place to go, like a shelter from a storm. It appears in the Bible as a place of hope and trust, where people can find refuge from danger. In Psalm 71:3, God is called a rock of refuge.
Definition: 1) refuge, shelter 1a) from rain or storm, from danger 1b) of falsehood
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. See also: Job 24:8; Psalms 94:22; Psalms 14:6.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
מִגְדַּל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
עֹ֝֗ז
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אוֹיֵֽב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 61:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 61:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 61:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 61:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 61:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 61:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
- Sermons on Psalms 61:4
Context — You Have Heard My Vows
2From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.
4Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
5For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name. 6Increase the days of the king’s life; may his years span many generations.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 23:6 | Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. |
| 2 | Psalms 27:4 | One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. |
| 3 | Psalms 17:8 | Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings |
| 4 | Psalms 91:4 | He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. |
| 5 | Psalms 15:1 | O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? |
| 6 | Psalms 57:1 | Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. |
| 7 | Psalms 63:7 | For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. |
| 8 | Matthew 23:37 | O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! |
| 9 | Psalms 62:7 | My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. |
| 10 | Ruth 2:12 | May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.” |
Psalms 61:4 Summary
[This verse means that the psalmist wants to be close to God and feel safe with Him always, like a bird under its mother's wings. It's like when we feel scared or alone, and we want to run to a safe place, like our home or to a loved one. The psalmist is saying that God is his safe place, and he wants to stay there forever, trusting in God's power and goodness, as seen in Psalms 23:4, where God is our shepherd and guide.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to dwell in God's tent forever?
This phrase is a metaphor for being in God's presence and under His protection, as seen in Psalms 27:4-5, where David desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, gazing on His beauty.
What are the wings of God a shelter from?
The wings of God are a shelter from the storms and dangers of life, much like a mother bird protects her young, as described in Psalms 91:4, where God's faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Why does the verse end with 'Selah'?
The word 'Selah' is a Hebrew term that means to pause or reflect, indicating that the reader should stop and ponder the significance of the preceding statement, much like in Psalms 3:2, where 'Selah' is used to separate thoughts and invite meditation.
How can I, like the psalmist, take refuge in God's shelter?
To take refuge in God's shelter, we must trust in His power and goodness, as stated in Psalms 37:3-4, where we are told to trust in the Lord, do good, and dwell in the land, and He will give us the desires of our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically dwell in God's presence and take refuge in His shelter today?
- How have I experienced God's shelter and protection in my life, and how can I express gratitude for these experiences?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, cry out to God from the ends of the earth when my heart is faint, as described in Psalms 61:2?
- What are some vows or promises I have made to God, and how can I remain faithful to them, as mentioned in Psalms 61:5?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 61:4
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever,.... Under the protection of the Lord, as in a shepherd's tent, or as in one belonging to a general of an army, where are fulness and safety; [See comments on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 61:4
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
I shall, I doubt not, be restored to the tabernacle from which I am now banished, and, according to the desire of my heart, worship and enjoy thee there all my days. In the mean time, whilst I am in danger and trouble, I will cast myself upon thy protection with full confidence.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
Psalms 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.Ver. 4. I will abide in thy tabernacle] Et scribam mirabilia tua in memoriale, saith R. Obadiah by way of gloss; and I will there register up thy wonderful works. Or, I shall there worship thee, and do thee acceptable service again, though at present I am banished or bruised abroad. He saith not, I shall abide in my palace, but in thy tabernacle, which he more highly esteemed. Some render it, I shall dwell in thy tent, or pavilion royal, making it a metaphor from warfare, where those that are in the king’ s own tent must needs be in greatest safety. And this sense suiteth well with the following words, I will trust in the covert of thy wings.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
(4) I will abide.—Rather, Let me be a guest in, etc. (Comp. Psalms 15:1; Psalms 27:4.) Thy tabernacle . . .—It is difficult to decide whether this indicates. the Mosaic tabernacle, and so may be used as an index of the date of the poem; or whether the tent is a general figure for the protection of God, wherever it may be found. It certainly recalls Psalms 23:6. For ever.—Literally, for ages or æons. For the same plural, see Psalms 145:13. I will trust . . .—Rather, let me find refuge under the shelter of thy wings. (For the image, see Note Psalms 17:8.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
Verse 4. I will abide in thy tabernacle] The greater portion of those Psalms which were composed during and after the captivity, says Calmet, had Levites and priests for their authors. Hence we find the ardent desire so frequently expressed of seeing the temple; of praising God there; of spending their lives in that place, performing the functions of their sacred office. There I shall sojourn; - there I shall dwell, - be at rest, - be in safety, - be covered with thy wings, as a bird in its nest is covered with the wings of its mother. These simple comparisons, drawn from rural affairs and ordinary occurrences, are more pleasing and consolatory in the circumstances in question, than allegories derived from subjects the most noble and sublime.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 61:4
4. Let me sojourn in thy tent for ever: Let me take refuge in the hidingplace of thy wings. The words are a prayer. In his banishment he prays that he may once more be received as Jehovah’s guest, to enjoy His protection and hospitality, to dwell in the place which He has consecrated by His Presence (Psalms 15:1). In thy tent may mean no more than ‘in thy abode’: but it is natural to connect the metaphor with the ‘tent’ which David pitched for the Ark on Mount Zion (2 Samuel 6:17). Cp. Psalms 27:5-6. ‘Sojourn’ implies the relation of guest to host, and the protection which the guest in Oriental countries claims from his host. “The Arabs give the title of jâr allâh to one who resides in Mecca beside the Caaba.” Robertson Smith, Religion of the Semites, p. 77. for ever] All my life. Cp. 1 Samuel 1:22; Psalms 23:6. And the revelation of the Gospel has made it plain that life does not end with death. For the hidingplace (R.V. covert) of thy wings cp.
Psalms 57:1, note; Psalms 27:5, “in the hidingplace of his tent shall he hide me”; Psalms 31:20, “Thou shalt hide them in the hidingplace of thy presence.” So the Targ. here in the shadow of Thy Presence (lit. Shechinah).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 61:4
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever - This expresses the confident assurance that he would be restored to his home, and to the privileges of public worship.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 61:4
4. I will abide in thy tabernacle—The figure changes from a rock or fortress to a tabernacle, in itself an emblem of transitoriness and frailty; but the idea of security is still preserved.
Sermons on Psalms 61:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Not the Asking, but the Kneeling by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of abiding in God's presence, trusting in His protection, and seeking counsel from the Lord. E. P. Tenney suggests that spending time |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Goodness of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging truth that God is good, regardless of the evil and darkness present in the world. He encourages listeners to experience God's |
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(John - Part 39): The Relationship Between the Shepherd and the Sheep by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of a shepherd in taking care of his flock. He compares a mother's responsibility for her children to a shepherd's responsibility fo |
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What Child Is This? the Benedictus by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevailing conditions of desolation and darkness in the world during the time of Zechariah. He emphasizes the need for salvation from enem |
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Accepting His Love by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares the testimony of a man who was once a serial killer but has now become a Christian. The man struggled with feelings of unworthiness and questione |
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Seven Bible Valleys by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding joy and delight in life and in church. They acknowledge that suffering and loneliness are also part of life, but th |
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Gettin' Religion by Charlie Wireman | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his past experiences and the choices he has made. He mentions his admiration for a man who remained steadfast and uncompromising in his bel |