Psalms 86:4

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Psalms 86:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

King James Version KJV

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

American Standard Version ASV

Rejoice the soul of thy servant; For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Make glad the soul of your servant; for it is lifted up to you, O Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

Make me happy, Lord, for I've dedicated my life to you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Reioyce the soule of thy seruant: for vnto thee, O Lord, doe I lift vp my soule.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Rejoice the soul of Thy servant, For unto Thee, O Lord, my soul I lift up.

World English Bible WEB

Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for to thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon knowing me. Behold the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians, these were there.

Translation for Translators T4T

Lord, cause me to be glad, because I ◄pray to/worship► [IDM] you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 86:4

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 86:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB שַׂ֭מֵּחַ נֶ֣פֶשׁ עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ כִּ֥י אֵלֶ֥י/ךָ אֲ֝דֹנָ֗/י נַפְשִׁ֥/י אֶשָּֽׂא

שַׂ֭מֵּחַ sâmach H8055 to rejoice V-Piel-Impv-2ms

נֶ֣פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs

עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֵלֶ֥י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֲ֝דֹנָ֗/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

נַפְשִׁ֥/י nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

אֶשָּֽׂא nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 86:4

שַׂ֭מֵּחַ sâmach H8055 "to rejoice" V-Piel-Impv-2ms

This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.

Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.

נֶ֣פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs

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.

עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

כִּ֥י 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.

אֵלֶ֥י/ךָ 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.

אֲ֝דֹנָ֗/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

נַפְשִׁ֥/י nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

אֶשָּֽׂא nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

Study Notes — Psalms 86:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 86:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:4
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:4
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:4
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:4
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:4
Sermons on Psalms 86:4

Context — Tried but Trusting

2Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. 3Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long.

4Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You. 6Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 143:8	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.
2	Psalms 25:1	To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
3	Psalms 51:12	Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.
4	Isaiah 66:13–14	As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.” When you see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the hand of the LORD will be revealed to His servants, but His wrath will be shown to His enemies.
5	Psalms 62:8	Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah
6	Isaiah 61:3	to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
7	Isaiah 65:18	But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight.

Psalms 86:4 Summary

This verse means that when we give our whole selves to God, He can fill us with joy. It's like saying, 'God, I trust You completely, and I want You to make me happy in You.' As it says in Psalms 16:11, God's presence is where we find fullness of joy. By lifting our souls to Him and trusting in His kindness, we can experience a deep and lasting joy that comes from knowing and loving Him, as seen in Jeremiah 33:3 and John 15:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'lift up my soul' to God?

To lift up our souls to God means to surrender our entire being, including our thoughts, emotions, and will, to Him, trusting in His goodness and mercy, as seen in Psalms 25:1 and Psalms 143:8.

How can I experience joy in my life as a servant of God?

We can experience joy by lifting our souls to God, acknowledging His kindness and forgiveness, and calling on Him in prayer, as expressed in Psalms 86:4 and supported by Psalms 16:11 and Jeremiah 33:3.

Is it selfish to ask God to bring joy to my life?

No, it's not selfish to ask God for joy, because He delights in our joy and desires for us to have fullness of joy in Him, as stated in Psalms 37:4 and John 15:11.

What is the relationship between trusting in God and experiencing joy?

Trusting in God is a key factor in experiencing joy, because when we trust in Him, we can have confidence in His love and care for us, leading to a deeper sense of joy and peace, as seen in Isaiah 26:3-4 and Psalms 86:2-4.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I lift up my soul to God today, surrendering my thoughts, emotions, and will to Him?
How does my trust in God's kindness and forgiveness impact my experience of joy in life?
What are some areas of my life where I need to call on God in prayer, seeking His mercy and joy?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of joy in my relationship with God, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant,.... With the discoveries of love, of pardoning grace, and mercy, before made sad with sin or sufferings; and with the light of God's countenance, before troubled with

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul - quoted from Psalms 25:1.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 86:4

The expression notes fervent desire joined with hope or expectation, as appears by comparing .

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 86:4

Psalms 86:4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.Ver. 4. Rejoice the soul of thy servant] True and solid joy entereth the soul by the door of fervent prayer. Pray that your joy may be full. I lift up my soul] In prayer, Psalms 25:1, and confident expectation of an unmiscarrying return thereof, as Deuteronomy 24:15.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 86:4

Verse 4. Rejoice the soul of thy servant] I want spiritual blessings; I want such consolations as thou dost impart to them that love thee; I present that soul to thee which I wish thee to console.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 86:4

4. Rejoice &c.] Cp. Psalms 90:15. for unto thee &c.] From Psalms 25:1. God alone is the object of his desires, his aspirations, his prayers. Cp. Psalms 143:8; Lamentations 3:41.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant - Cause me to rejoice; to wit, by thy gracious interposition, and by delivering me from danger and death. For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul - Compare the notes at Psalms 24:4.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 86:4

4. Thus far the psalmist’s prayer has been urged from personal considerations; he now ascends to a loftier view, and grounds his hope in the character of God.

Sermons on Psalms 86:4

	Sermon	Description
	Peaceful Time by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of prayer as a habit that deepens our connection with God, bringing peace, joy, and a sense of His presence. She encourages setting a
	(Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 134 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. He shares his personal experience of being in a season where all invitations and opportunities stopped, and
	The Lord's Times by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the beauty and majesty of God's creation in the morning, emphasizing the joy and rejoicing that comes with witnessing the dawn break and the sun ri
	Finding the Way - Part 1 by J.R. Miller	J.R. Miller emphasizes God's intimate guidance in our lives, comparing His precision in directing celestial bodies to His care for each individual. He reassures that God is deeply
	Exposition on Psalm 144 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the spiritual battles we face, drawing parallels between David's victory over Goliath and Christ's triumph over the devil. He emphasizes the importance of
	Daily Meditations and Prayers by John Bradford	John Bradford preaches about the importance of daily meditations and prayers, guiding believers to pray at various moments throughout the day, from waking up to going to bed, empha