Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options
Close CEV

Psalm 4
Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.)

An Evening Prayer

1 You are my God and protector.
    Please answer my prayer.
I was in terrible distress,
    but you set me free.
Now have pity and listen
    as I pray.

2 How long will you people
    refuse to respect me?[a]
You love foolish things,
and you run after
    what is worthless.[b]

3 The Lord has chosen
    everyone who is faithful
to be his very own,[c]
    and he answers my prayers.
4 (A) But each of you
had better tremble
    and turn from your sins.
Silently search your heart
    as you lie in bed.
5 Offer the proper sacrifices
    and trust the Lord.

6 There are some who ask,
    “Who will be good to us?”
Let your kindness, Lord,
    shine brightly on us.
7 You brought me more happiness
than a rich harvest
    of grain and grapes.
8 I can lie down
    and sleep soundly
because you, Lord,
    will keep me safe.

Footnotes

  1. 4.2 me: Or “my God.”
  2. 4.2 foolish … worthless: This may refer to idols and false gods.
  3. 4.3 has chosen … very own: Some Hebrew manuscripts have “work miracles for his faithful people.”
Listen to Psalm 4
Close NIV

Psalm 4
New International Version

Psalm 4[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me(A) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(B)
    have mercy(C) on me and hear my prayer.(D)

2 How long will you people turn my glory(E) into shame?(F)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c](G)
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(H) for himself;
    the Lord hears(I) when I call to him.

4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;(J)
    when you are on your beds,(K)
    search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(L)

6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(M)
7 Fill my heart(N) with joy(O)
    when their grain and new wine(P) abound.

8 In peace(Q) I will lie down and sleep,(R)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(S)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
Next
Psalm 3
Psalm 5
Next
dropdown
Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society For more information about CEV, visit www.bibles.com and www.cev.bible.

CEV Resources
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

July Summer Surge

More on the NIV