Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
NIV · New International Version
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
WEB · World English Bible
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.
What does Psalms 4:8 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep,.... Signifying, that he had such a calmness and serenity of mind, amidst all his troubles, that he could not only lay himself down in great peace, and much composure of mind, but sleep also, and that as soon as laid down almost; some lay themselves down, but cannot sleep, through the anxiety of their minds; but the psalmist could do both: or the word rendered "both" may he translated "together" (u); and the sense be either that he would lie down and sleep together with his friends, committing himself and them to the care and protection of God; or that he should lie down and sleep together with his enemies; meaning that he was assured that there…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 4:8
8. I will lay me down, and will sleep together in peace; for thou, Lord, hast placed me alone [63] in safety. He concludes, by stating, that as he is protected by the power of God, he enjoys as much security and quiet as if he had been defended by all the garrisons on earth. Now, we know, that to be free from all fear, and from the torment and vexation of care, is a blessing to be desired above all other things.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 4:5–8 (WEB)
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD. 6Many say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, let the light of your face shine on us. 7You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. 8In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.
Cross references
- Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
- Psalms 3:5
- Job 11:18–19
You will be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you will search, and will take your rest in safety.
- Psalms 16:8–9
- 1 Thessalonians 5:10
who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
- Deuteronomy 12:10
But when you go over the Jordan and dwell in the land which the LORD your God causes you to inherit, and he gives you rest from all your enemies around you, so that you dwell in safety,
- Leviticus 25:18–19
“‘Therefore you shall do my statutes, and keep my ordinances and do them; and you shall dwell in the land in safety.
- Hosea 2:18
In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field, and with the birds of the sky, and with the creeping things of the ground. I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down safely.