Psalms 43:4
Psalms 43:4 in Multiple Translations
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Then will I go unto the altar of God, Unto God my exceeding joy; And upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.
Then I will go up to the altar of God, to the God of my joy; I will be glad and give praise to you on an instrument of music, O God, my God.
I will go to God's altar, to God who makes me truly happy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God.
Then wil I go vnto the altar of God, euen vnto the God of my ioy and gladnes: and vpon the harpe wil I giue thanks vnto thee, O God, my God.
And I go in unto the altar of God, Unto God, the joy of my rejoicing. And I thank Thee with a harp, O God, my God.
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God.
Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy: yes, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
For they got not the possession of the land by their own sword: neither did their own arm save them. But thy right hand and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance: because thou wast pleased with them.
When you do that, I will go to your altar, to worship you, my God, who causes me to be extremely joyful. There I will praise you, the God whom I worship, while I play my harp.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 43:4
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 43:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָב֤וֹאָה
אֶל
מִזְבַּ֬ח
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
אֶל
אֵל֮
שִׂמְחַ֪ת
גִּ֫ילִ֥/י
וְ/אוֹדְ/ךָ֥
בְ/כִנּ֗וֹר
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
וְ/אָב֤וֹאָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִזְבַּ֬ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵל֮
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
שִׂמְחַ֪ת
simchâh
H8057
joy
N-fs
גִּ֫ילִ֥/י
gîyl
H1524
rejoicing
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אוֹדְ/ךָ֥
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
בְ/כִנּ֗וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
Prep | N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 43:4
וְ/אָב֤וֹאָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
מִזְבַּ֬ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אֵל֮
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
שִׂמְחַ֪ת
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
גִּ֫ילִ֥/י
gîyl
H1524
"rejoicing"
N-ms | Suff
This word can mean youth or a period of time, but also joy, as in a sense of gladness or rejoicing, used in various KJV translations.
Definition: a rejoicing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceedingly, gladness, [idiom] greatly, joy, rejoice(-ing), sort. See also: Job 3:22; Isaiah 16:10; Psalms 43:4.
וְ/אוֹדְ/ךָ֥
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
בְ/כִנּ֗וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
Prep | N-ms
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 43:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 43:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 43:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 43:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 43:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 43:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
- Sermons on Psalms 43:4
Context — Send Out Your Light
2For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
3Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain and to the place where You dwell.
4Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.
5Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 61:10 | I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 3:17–18 | Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! |
| 3 | Psalms 66:13–15 | I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. I will offer You fatlings as burnt offerings, with the fragrant smoke of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah |
| 4 | Psalms 57:8 | Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. |
| 5 | Psalms 116:12–19 | How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds. I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the LORD’s house, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah! |
| 6 | Psalms 71:22–23 | So I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. When I sing praise to You my lips will shout for joy, along with my soul, which You have redeemed. |
| 7 | Psalms 33:2 | Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. |
| 8 | Psalms 42:6 | O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon— even from Mount Mizar. |
| 9 | Psalms 81:2 | Lift up a song, strike the tambourine, play the sweet-sounding harp and lyre. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 6:5 | David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. |
Psalms 43:4 Summary
Psalms 43:4 is a beautiful expression of the psalmist's desire to worship and praise God. The psalmist wants to go to the altar of God, which is a place of worship, and praise God with music, because God is the source of all joy and happiness (Psalms 16:11). Just like the psalmist, we can express our gratitude and worship to God through music and other forms of praise (Ephesians 5:19). By making God the center of our joy, we can find true happiness and fulfillment in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the altar of God represent in Psalms 43:4?
The altar of God in Psalms 43:4 symbolizes a place of worship and sacrifice, where the psalmist can offer praise and thanks to God, similar to the altar in the Temple (2 Chronicles 4:1, Exodus 30:1-10).
Why does the psalmist call God 'my greatest joy'?
The psalmist calls God 'my greatest joy' because God is the source of all joy and happiness, as expressed in Psalms 16:11, which says 'in Your presence is fullness of joy'.
What is the significance of the harp in Psalms 43:4?
The harp in Psalms 43:4 represents a musical instrument used in worship to express praise and adoration to God, similar to the use of the harp in Psalms 33:2 and 1 Samuel 10:5.
How can we apply the concept of praising God with music in our own lives?
We can apply this concept by using music to express our gratitude and worship to God, as seen in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, which encourage believers to sing psalms and hymns to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my joy and gratitude to God in my daily life?
- How can I use music to enhance my worship and praise to God?
- In what ways can I make God the center of my joy and happiness, as the psalmist does in Psalms 43:4?
- What are some things that bring me joy, and how can I use those things to worship and praise God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 43:4
Then will I go unto the altar of God,.... Which was in the tabernacle, either of burnt offerings, or of incense, there to offer up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for mercies received.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 43:4
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
Then will I go unto the altar of God, to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving for my deliverance. My exceeding joy; the principal author and matter of all my joy and comfort.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
Psalms 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.Ver. 4. Then will I go unto the altar of God] Not without store of sacrifices. God’ s service is now nothing so costly; and should, therefore, be more cheerfully performed. Heathens had their altars, &c., all save the Persians.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
(4) God my God.—An expression used in this collection instead of the more usual “Jehovah my God.” (Comp. Psalms 45:7, and for its import see General Introduction, and Psalms 50:7, Note.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
Verse 4. Then will I go unto the altar] When thy light - a favourable turn on our affairs, leads us to the land of our fathers, and thy truth - the fulfillment of thy gracious promises, has placed us again at the door of thy tabernacles, then will we go to thy altar, and joyfully offer those sacrifices and offerings which thy law requires, and rejoice in thee with exceeding great joy.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 43:4
4. Then will I go] Or, That I may come (Psalms 42:2). unto God my exceeding joy] Even unto the God of my gladsome rejoicing. God Himself is the goal of pilgrimage: the altar is but the means of approaching Him and realising His presence. Yea, upon the harp will I praise thee) And give thanks unto thee upon the harp, as of old (Psalms 42:4). O God my God] A phrase found only in the Elohistic Psalms, and clearly the equivalent of Jehovah my God, due, not to the original Psalmist, but to the Elohistic editor. See Introd. p. lvi.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 43:4
Then will I go unto the altar of God - The altar on Mount Zion, where sacrifices were offered: 2 Samuel 6:17. The meaning is, that he would again unite with others in the public and customary worship of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 43:4
4. Then will I go unto the altar— “Then,” is emphatic. When God’s “light and truth,” which he shall “send forth” with authority, shall have executed the divine plan of judgment and mercy, “then” he
Sermons on Psalms 43:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exultant Joy by Joy Dawson | Joy Dawson emphasizes the significance of exultant joy in the life of a Christian, highlighting that true joy comes from knowing God intimately and fulfilling His conditions for jo |
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Of Spiritual Joy. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that spiritual joy is a fruit of the Spirit, deeply rooted in the believer's relationship with God, rather than in worldly pleasures or achievements. He explai |
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1 Corinthians 1:4-5 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of giving thanks to God always, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the Corinthians. He emphasizes that true grace from |
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Weariness Into Joy by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the transformation of prayer from a burden to a source of boundless joy, emphasizing the importance of rejoicing in seeking God and His salvatio |
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(The Church in the Last Days) Personal Testimony by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a time when he made a mistake and was punished for it. He recalls the fear and trembling he felt when he believed he woul |
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Jehovah Tsidkenu - the Lord Our Righteousness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the various Hebrew names of God and how they reveal his character and nature. Specifically, he focuses on the name Jehovah Sid Kenyu, which m |
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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |