Menu

Psalms 132:4

Psalms 132:4 in Multiple Translations

I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, Or slumber to mine eyelids;

I will not give sleep to my eyes, or rest to my eyeballs,

I will not go to sleep, I will not take a nap,

Nor suffer mine eyes to sleepe, nor mine eye lids to slumber,

If I give sleep to mine eyes, To mine eyelids — slumber,

I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids,

I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids,

I will not sleep at all

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 132:4

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 132:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אִם אֶתֵּ֣ן שְׁנַ֣ת לְ/עֵינָ֑/י לְֽ/עַפְעַפַּ֥/י תְּנוּמָֽה
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
אֶתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
שְׁנַ֣ת shᵉnâth H8153 sleep N-fs
לְ/עֵינָ֑/י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff
לְֽ/עַפְעַפַּ֥/י ʻaphʻaph H6079 eyelid Prep | N-md | Suff
תְּנוּמָֽה tᵉnûwmâh H8572 slumber N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 132:4

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
שְׁנַ֣ת shᵉnâth H8153 "sleep" N-fs
This Hebrew word simply means to sleep, like in 1 Kings 19:5 where Elijah falls asleep under a tree. It is a common term in the Bible for resting or sleeping.
Definition: sleep
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sleep. See also: Psalms 132:4.
לְ/עֵינָ֑/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לְֽ/עַפְעַפַּ֥/י ʻaphʻaph H6079 "eyelid" Prep | N-md | Suff
This word can refer to an eyelid or an eyelash, and is also used figuratively to describe the morning sun's rays. It appears in descriptions of nature and beauty.
Definition: 1) eyelid 1a) eyelid 1b) of dawn, rays of sun (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dawning, eye-lid. See also: Job 3:9; Proverbs 4:25; Psalms 11:4.
תְּנוּמָֽה tᵉnûwmâh H8572 "slumber" N-fs
This word means slumber or drowsiness, describing a state of sleep or lethargy, as seen in Proverbs. It can also imply a spiritual sleep, where one is not fully awake to God's presence. It is used to caution against spiritual laziness.
Definition: slumber, slumberings, sleep
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: slumber(-ing). See also: Job 33:15; Proverbs 6:4; Psalms 132:4.

Study Notes — Psalms 132:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 6:4 Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids.
2 Ruth 3:18 “Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today.”
3 Genesis 24:33 Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

Psalms 132:4 Summary

This verse, Psalms 132:4, is about being completely dedicated to God and putting His needs before our own, even when it's hard. It means being willing to sacrifice our own comfort and rest in order to seek Him and fulfill our spiritual pursuits, just like it says in Matthew 22:37 to love God with all our heart. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can trust that He will guide and direct us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. This kind of dedication requires perseverance and self-discipline, but it is essential for deepening our faith and walking closely with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids?

This phrase, found in Psalms 132:4, is a metaphorical expression of dedication and perseverance, similar to what is described in Proverbs 6:4, where it says to give no sleep to your eyes until you have completed your task.

Is this verse talking about literal sleep deprivation?

While the verse uses physical sleep as an example, it is not necessarily advocating for literal sleep deprivation, but rather emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's spiritual pursuits, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God.

What is the context of this verse and how does it relate to the rest of the Psalm?

This verse is part of a larger passage, Psalms 132:2-5, where David is expressing his commitment to finding a place for the Lord to dwell, and he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort and rest until this is accomplished, similar to the dedication shown by the apostle Paul in Acts 20:24.

How can I apply this verse to my own life and spiritual journey?

By applying the principle of prioritizing your spiritual pursuits, as seen in this verse, you can seek to deepen your relationship with God, just as David did, and trust in His promise to guide and direct you, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have been compromising my commitment to God, and how can I rectify this?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate my dedication to God, similar to David's vow in this passage?
  3. How can I balance my physical needs, such as rest, with my spiritual pursuits and devotion to God?
  4. What are some distractions or obstacles in my life that prevent me from seeking God with my whole heart, and how can I overcome them?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 132:4

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, [or] slumber to mine eyelids.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 132:4

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 132:4

Psalms 132:4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, [or] slumber to mine eyelids,Ver. 4. I will not give sleep to mine eyes] viz. With any good content; or, more than needs must.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 132:4

(4) I will not.—For this proverbial expression see Proverbs 6:4.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 132:4

4. A proverbial expression. Cp. Proverbs 6:4. The addition in P.B.V. “I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber, neither the temples of my head to take any rest” comes through the Vulg. from the LXX, where it is a second rendering of the preceding words, added from the version of Theodotion.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 132:4

I will not give sleep to mine eyes ... - There is no difference here between the words sleep and slumber. The meaning is, that the house of the Lord should be his first care.

Sermons on Psalms 132:4

SermonDescription
Ian Murray Survey of the Rediscovery of Reformed Truth by Ian Murray In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading from the book of Nehemiah, specifically chapter four. The speaker then discusses the importance of unity and prayer among believers in
Jerry Aman Something for Himself - Part 1 by Jerry Aman This sermon emphasizes God's desire to have a dwelling place among His people, focusing on the tabernacle and temple as representations of Christ and the church. It highlights the
Warren Wiersbe Jesus Today by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the sacrifice of Jesus. He highlights the role of Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weakn
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Ruth by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing, emphasizing that God's plans often unfold in ways we cannot immediately understand. Despite her losses, Naomi's
Chuck Smith Ruth 3:18 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith explores the story of Ruth, emphasizing her destitute condition after losing her husband and her commitment to care for Naomi. He highlights Boaz's love and protection

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate