Psalms 32:4
Psalms 32:4 in Multiple Translations
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: My moisture was changed as with the drought of summer. [Selah
For the weight of your hand was on me day and night; my body became dry like the earth in summer. (Selah.)
You beat me day and night, my strength dried up as in the heat of summer. Selah.
(For thine hand is heauie vpon me, day and night: and my moysture is turned into ye drought of summer. Selah)
When by day and by night Thy hand is heavy upon me, My moisture hath been changed Into the droughts of summer. Selah.
For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer. Selah.
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drouth of summer. Selah.
For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done with faithfulness.
Day and night, Yahweh, you [SYN] punished me severely. My strength drained away like water that ◄evaporates/dries up► on a hot summer day. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 32:4
BAB
Word Study
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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 32:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
יוֹמָ֣ם
וָ/לַיְלָה֮
תִּכְבַּ֥ד
עָלַ֗/י
יָ֫דֶ֥/ךָ
נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ
לְשַׁדִּ֑/י
בְּ/חַרְבֹ֖נֵי
קַ֣יִץ
סֶֽלָה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יוֹמָ֣ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
וָ/לַיְלָה֮
layil
H3915
night
Conj | N-ms
תִּכְבַּ֥ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יָ֫דֶ֥/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לְשַׁדִּ֑/י
lᵉshad
H3955
juicy bit
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/חַרְבֹ֖נֵי
chărâbôwn
H2725
drought
Prep | N-mp
קַ֣יִץ
qayits
H7019
summer
N-ms
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 32:4
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.
יוֹמָ֣ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
וָ/לַיְלָה֮
layil
H3915
"night"
Conj | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
תִּכְבַּ֥ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
עָלַ֗/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.
יָ֫דֶ֥/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
לְשַׁדִּ֑/י
lᵉshad
H3955
"juicy bit"
N-ms | Suff
A juicy or sweet treat, like a tasty cake. In the Bible, it can also mean vigor or freshness, as seen in Proverbs 15:15.
Definition: juice, juicy bit, dainty bit
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fresh, moisture. See also: Numbers 11:8; Psalms 32:4.
בְּ/חַרְבֹ֖נֵי
chărâbôwn
H2725
"drought"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a drought or parching heat, describing a severe lack of water. It is used in the Bible to describe a time of scarcity. The KJV translates it as drought.
Definition: drought
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: drought. See also: Psalms 32:4.
קַ֣יִץ
qayits
H7019
"summer"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 32:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 32:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 32:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 32:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 32:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 32:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
- Sermons on Psalms 32:4
Context — The Joy of Forgiveness
2Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah
5Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah 6Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 5:11 | Then the Ekronites assembled all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel. It must return to its place, so that it will not kill us and our people!” For a deadly confusion had pervaded the city; the hand of God was heavy upon it. |
| 2 | Psalms 38:2–8 | For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me. There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. |
| 3 | Psalms 39:10–11 | Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand. You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. Selah |
| 4 | Psalms 22:15 | My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death. |
| 5 | Job 33:7 | Surely no fear of me should terrify you; nor will my hand be heavy upon you. |
| 6 | Psalms 90:6–7 | in the morning it springs up new, but by evening it fades and withers. For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath. |
| 7 | Psalms 102:3–4 | For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. |
| 8 | Job 30:30 | My skin grows black and peels, and my bones burn with fever. |
| 9 | Job 16:21 | Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor! |
| 10 | Lamentations 5:10 | Our skin is as hot as an oven with fever from our hunger. |
Psalms 32:4 Summary
[This verse describes a time when the psalmist felt the weight of God's presence and conviction, which was so strong that it left him feeling weak and drained, much like the physical exhaustion of working in the summer heat. This feeling was a result of unconfessed sin, and it serves as a reminder to confess our sins to God, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9. By acknowledging and confessing our sins, we can experience God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in Psalms 32:5. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if there are areas in our lives where we feel God's heavy hand, and how we can respond to His conviction, with the help of Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's hand to be 'heavy' upon someone?
This phrase suggests that God's presence and conviction are strongly felt, much like the weight of guilt and shame, as seen in Psalms 32:4, and can be compared to the discipline of the Lord in Hebrews 12:6.
How can we relate to the feeling of strength being 'drained as in the summer heat'?
This image illustrates the exhausting and draining effect of unconfessed sin, much like the physical toll of working in extreme heat, and serves as a reminder to confess our sins to God, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of Psalms 32:4?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that signals a pause or reflection, inviting the reader to stop and ponder the significance of what has just been said, much like the call to meditation in Psalms 1:2.
Can this verse be applied to our everyday lives, even if we are not struggling with a specific sin?
Yes, this verse reminds us that God is always at work in our lives, and His presence can be felt in various ways, including conviction, guidance, and comfort, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel God's heavy hand, and how can I respond to His conviction?
- How do I typically respond when I feel drained or exhausted, and what does this reveal about my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of confessing my sins to God, as seen in the surrounding verses, to my own life?
- What are some practical ways I can 'pause and reflect' on God's presence and work in my life, as invited by the word 'Selah'?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 32:4
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me,.... Meaning the afflicting hand of God, which is not joyous, but grievous, and heavy to be borne; especially without his gracious presence, and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 32:4
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
Thy hand; thy afflicting hand bringing my sins to remembrance, and filling me with thy terrors for them. My very radical moisture was in a manner dried up, and wasted through excessive fears and sorrows.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
Psalms 32:4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.Ver. 4. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me] See what God can do when once he taketh a man to do. Day and night he had sinned against God; therefore day and night he suffereth; and glad he may be that he so escapeth, and is not forced to undergo an eternity of extremity. Some think that this psalm and the sixth were made much about a time, when David was recently recovered of some grievous fit of sickness. It may be meant only of his inward terrors, or chiefly, at least; his body suffering by sympathy, as having shared in his sin. My moisture is turned into the drought of summer] My natural radical moisture, the oil that maintaineth the lamp of life, is dried up and become like a lump of clay; the vigour also and verdure of my soul is quelled and consumed with the fire of thy fierce wrath. God will bring his best people to this if they put him to it; that they shall find it to be the greatest folly in the world to buy the sweetest sin at so dear a rate. Selah] I speak it feelingly. O quantum tormentum, &c.
O aridum et exhaustum me prae maestitia, &c., O my pitiful condition! (Vatablus).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
(4) Thy hand was heavy.—The verb, as in “kept silence” in Psalms 32:3, is properly present—the agony is still vividly present. My moisture.—The Hebrew word is found only once besides (Numbers 11:8), where the Authorised Version has “fresh oil;” the LXX. and Vulg., “an oily cake.” Aquila has “of the breast of oil,” reading the word erroneously. Here both LXX. and Vulg. seem to have had a different reading, “I was turned to sorrow while the thorn was fixed in.” Symmachus translates somewhat similarly, but by “to destruction” instead of “to sorrow.” Aquila, “to my spoiling in summer desolation.” These readings, however, mistake the lamed, which is part of the word, for a preposition. Gesenius connects with an Arabic root, to suck, and so gets the meaning juice or moisture.Into the drought of summer.—This is the best rendering of the Hebrew, though it might be either “as in summer dryness” or “with summer heat.” Some understand literally a fever, but it is better to take it figuratively of the soul-fever which the whole passage describes.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 32:4
3, 4. The illustration of this truth from the Psalmist’s own experience. He kept silence, refusing to acknowledge his sin to himself and to God; but meanwhile God did not leave him to himself (Job 33:16 ff.); His chastening hand was heavy upon him (Psalms 38:2; Psalms 39:10), making itself felt partly by the remorse of conscience, partly perhaps by actual sickness. He suffered and complained (Psalms 22:1; Psalms 38:8); but such complaint was no prayer (Hosea 7:14), and brought no relief, while he would not confess his sin. my bones] See note on Psalms 6:2. my moisture &c.] R.V. my moisture was changed as with (marg., into) the drought of summer: the vital sap and juices of his body were dried up by the burning fever within him. Cp. Psalms 22:15; Proverbs 17:22. Selah] The musical interlude here may have expressed the Psalmist’s distress of mind, and prepared the way for the change in the next verse.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 32:4
For day and night - I found no relief even at night. The burden was constant, and was insupportable. Thy hand was heavy upon me - Thy hand seemed to press me down. It weighed upon me. See Job 13:21; Psalms 39:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 32:4
4. For day and night—Here is the reason of what is stated in Psalms 32:3. “Day and night” indicates a long continuance of these sufferings, as also that they were unintermitted.
Sermons on Psalms 32:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exposition on Psalm 39 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine delves into the Psalms, exploring the significance of being a sojourner with God and a stranger in this world, longing for the eternal home. He reflects on the challe |
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The Stroke of God by John Follette | John Wright Follette preaches about the transformative power of being struck dumb by God, emphasizing the blessings that come from surrendering to His will and experiencing the rap |
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(Genesis) - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in the life of a believer. He references the example of Paul, who worked tirelessly and faced hard |
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(Christian Leadership) the Aroma of Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving words of encouragement to our loved ones. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether they are truly living like C |
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Elihu and His Claim to Be Speaking for God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the fear that Job had towards God and how Elihu claims to be speaking for God. He emphasizes that God does not want us to be terrified |
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Col - (4) One in Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son and the impact of his discipline. He emphasizes the importance of being a good father and raising children in a go |