Psalms 4:4

4 `Tremble ye, and do not sin;' Say ye [thus] in your heart on your bed, And be ye silent. Selah.

Psalms 4:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 4:4

Stand in awe, and sin not
That is, stand in awe of God, and his righteous, judgments; be afraid of him, and tremble before him; make him your fear and your dread, and go on no longer and proceed no further in sinning against him. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, render it, "be ye angry, and sin not": which are the words of the apostle, ( Ephesians 4:26 ) ; referring to this place; and which doubtless is the reason of these versions. There is an anger that is sinful, when it is without a cause, or exceeds due bounds, and is not directed to a good end, and is productive of bad effects, by words or deeds; and when it is soon raised, or long continued; and there is an anger that is not sinful; when it arises from a true zeal for God and religion; when it is kindled, not against the persons, but sins, of men; and when it is continued to answer good purposes; as the good of those with whom we are angry, and the glory of God, and the promoting of the kingdom and interest of Christ;

commune with your own heart upon your bed:
when retired from men and business, and you are at leisure to think and meditate then reflect upon your actions, seriously consider them; ask your heart some proper and close questions; examine narrowly and thoroughly the principles on which, and the views with which, you act;

and be still;
cease from all your rage and fury against me, against the Lord, and against his people; or "say in your own hearts" F17, as follows.

Selah; on this word, (See Gill on Psalms 3:2).


FOOTNOTES:

F17 (Mkbblb wrma) "dicite in corde vestro", Montanus, Cocceius, Gussetius; "loquimini", Pagninus, Piscator.

Psalms 4:4 In-Context

2 Sons of men! till when [is] my glory for shame? Ye love a vain thing, ye seek a lie. Selah.
3 And know ye that Jehovah Hath separated a saintly one to Himself. Jehovah heareth in my calling to Him.
4 `Tremble ye, and do not sin;' Say ye [thus] in your heart on your bed, And be ye silent. Selah.
5 Sacrifice ye sacrifices of righteousness, And trust ye unto Jehovah.
6 Many are saying, `Who doth show us good?' Lift on us the light of Thy face, O Jehovah,
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.