Psalms 16:4

KJV

Their sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their sorrows {H6094} shall be multiplied {H7235} that hasten {H4116} after another {H312} god: their drink offerings {H5262} of blood {H1818} will I not offer {H5258}, nor {H1077} take up {H5375} their names {H8034} into my lips {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who run after another god multiply their sorrows; To such gods I will not offer drink offerings of blood or take their names on my lips.

Berean Standard Bible

Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips.

American Standard Version

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that give gifts for another god: Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, Nor take their names upon my lips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 16:4 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering devotion to the one true God and his absolute rejection of idolatry and its associated pagan rituals. It starkly contrasts the multiplied sorrows that befall those who eagerly pursue false deities with the blessedness found in exclusive worship of Yahweh, emphatically stating the psalmist's refusal to participate in or even acknowledge the legitimacy of any other god.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 16 is a "Michtam of David," often interpreted as a "golden psalm" or an "epigrammatic poem," signifying its profound and enduring theological value. The psalm opens with David seeking refuge in the Lord, declaring, "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge" ([Psalm 16:1](/psalms/16-1 "Psalm 16:1 - David's Refuge in God")). Throughout the preceding verses, David expresses his deep trust and reliance on the Lord, affirming Him as his "portion and my cup" ([Psalm 16:5](/psalms/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - God, My Portion")). Verse 4 thus serves as a powerful negative affirmation of this positive commitment, articulating David's abhorrence for the false gods and their defiling rituals that stood in direct opposition to his singular devotion. It highlights the spiritual and practical dangers of turning away from the living God, setting the stage for the psalmist's subsequent expressions of joy and security found only in Yahweh, who shows him "the path of life" ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - The Path of Life")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was saturated with polytheistic religions, where various gods and goddesses were worshipped through elaborate and often gruesome rituals. Cultures surrounding Israel, such as the Canaanites, Moabites, and Ammonites, engaged in practices that included human sacrifice (particularly child sacrifice, e.g., to Molech), ritual prostitution, and "drink offerings of blood" or other illicit substances intended to appease or manipulate deities. These practices were an abomination to the God of Israel, who commanded exclusive worship and a strict moral code. David's declaration in Psalm 16:4 is therefore not merely a personal preference but a radical counter-cultural statement, aligning himself with the distinct covenantal demands of Yahweh, particularly the First Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). His refusal to "take up their names into my lips" further underscores a profound disassociation from the very existence and influence of these false deities in his life and the life of his nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Consequences of Idolatry**, explicitly stating that "Their sorrows shall be multiplied" for those who pursue other gods. This emphasizes that turning away from God does not lead to freedom or happiness but rather to increased suffering, spiritual emptiness, and divine judgment. Secondly, it highlights the **Exclusivity of True Worship**, as David's declaration, "their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips," demonstrates a radical commitment to the Lord alone, refusing to participate in or even acknowledge the legitimacy of false deities. This aligns perfectly with the foundational principle of monotheism central to Israel's identity. Lastly, the verse touches upon the **Purity and Holiness of Worship**, contrasting the defiling and often abhorrent rituals of paganism with the clean and righteous worship demanded by Yahweh, thereby emphasizing the moral and spiritual chasm between true devotion and idolatrous practices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hasten (Hebrew, _mahir'_):** The Hebrew verb _mahir_ implies an eager, fervent, or swift pursuit. It suggests not merely a passive acceptance of other gods but an active, zealous engagement in their worship. This highlights the intentionality and devoted energy that idolaters pour into their false deities, contrasting sharply with the psalmist's singular, unwavering devotion to Yahweh.
* **Sorrows (Hebrew, _'atsavim'_):** This word is significant because it is closely related to the Hebrew word for "idols" (_'etsev_ or _'atsab_). The subtle linguistic connection suggests that the very act of pursuing idols (_'atsabim_) inherently brings about pain, grief, and suffering (_'atsavim_). It's a divinely ordained consequence where the object of worship itself becomes the source of affliction.
* **Drink offerings of blood (Hebrew, _niskei damim'_):** This phrase refers to specific pagan sacrificial rites that were anathema to Israelite worship. While the Mosaic Law permitted blood sacrifices, the context here, especially the mention of "blood" in conjunction with "other gods," strongly implies the abhorrent practices of pagan religions, which often involved human sacrifice, ritual mutilation, or other violent and defiling acts that were an abomination to God. The psalmist's refusal to offer them signifies a complete rejection of such defiled worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their sorrows shall be multiplied":** This clause declares the inevitable consequence for those who abandon the true God for false deities. The pursuit of idols leads not to peace or fulfillment but to an increase in pain, grief, and spiritual emptiness. This is a divine judgment and a natural outcome of severing oneself from the source of life and blessing.
* **"[that] hasten [after] another [god]:"** This specifies *who* will experience multiplied sorrows: those who eagerly and actively pursue, chase after, or devote themselves to deities other than Yahweh. It describes a deliberate and fervent turning away from the one true God towards false objects of worship.
* **"their drink offerings of blood will I not offer":** This is the psalmist's resolute declaration of non-participation. He refuses to engage in the abhorrent, often violent, and defiling sacrificial rituals associated with pagan worship. This signifies a profound commitment to the purity and distinctiveness of Yahweh's worship, which stood in stark contrast to the practices of surrounding nations.
* **"nor take up their names into my lips."** This is an even more profound statement of absolute disassociation and contempt. The psalmist refuses to even utter the names of false gods, signifying that they hold no authority, legitimacy, or place in his life, thoughts, or speech. It is a refusal to dignify them by acknowledgment, affirming Yahweh as the sole object of his reverence and devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 16:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is central, sharply juxtaposing the multiplied sorrows of idolaters with the psalmist's blessedness in exclusive devotion to God (implied by the surrounding verses). The phrase "their sorrows shall be multiplied" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the severe and overwhelming negative consequences of idolatry. The "drink offerings of blood" function as a **Metonymy**, where a specific, abhorrent pagan ritual stands in for the entire system of idolatrous worship. Finally, the entire verse is a strong **Declarative Statement** of the psalmist's unwavering commitment and resolute rejection, underscoring his firm resolve and the clarity of his spiritual allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 16:4 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on God's exclusive claim to worship and the severe consequences of idolatry. It underscores the theological truth that God is a jealous God, who will not share His glory with another, and that turning to false gods is a form of spiritual adultery that inevitably leads to suffering and separation from the source of true life. This verse serves as a timeless warning against any allegiance that displaces God from His rightful, supreme position in our lives, whether it be to physical idols or the more subtle idols of wealth, power, self, or human philosophies.

* [Deuteronomy 32:17](/deuteronomy/32-17 "Deuteronomy 32:17 - Sacrificing to Demons")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [1 Corinthians 10:20-21](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20-21 - Fellowship with Demons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern society may not engage in literal "drink offerings of blood" to carved images, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—be it money, power, possessions, career, relationships, self-gratification, or even noble causes—can become an idol, demanding our "hastening after" it and multiplying our sorrows. This verse challenges believers today to examine their allegiances and ensure that their devotion is singularly focused on God. It calls for a clear and active rejection of anything that competes for His rightful place in our hearts and minds, reminding us that true joy, lasting peace, and genuine fulfillment are found only in Him. Living by Psalm 16:4 means consciously choosing to honor God alone, refusing to give any attention or allegiance to the "false gods" of our age, and trusting that He alone is our portion and inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "other gods" in my life that I might be "hastening after"?**
* **In what ways do I subtly or overtly give allegiance to things that compete with God for ultimate devotion?**
* **What "sorrows" or negative consequences have I experienced when my focus has been diverted from God?**
* **How can I practically ensure that my worship and allegiance are exclusively directed towards the one true God?**

### FAQ
**What are "drink offerings of blood" and why are they so strongly rejected in this verse?**

Answer: "Drink offerings of blood" refer to specific, abhorrent sacrificial rituals practiced by pagan religions in the ancient Near East. Unlike the blood sacrifices commanded by God in the Mosaic Law, which were for atonement and purification, these pagan rites often involved the literal shedding of human or animal blood in violent, defiling ways, sometimes even involving child sacrifice or ritual mutilation, to appease or manipulate false deities. The psalmist's strong rejection signifies his absolute refusal to participate in such practices, which were an abomination to Yahweh and represented the antithesis of the pure, holy worship commanded by the true God. It underscores the vast moral and spiritual chasm between the worship of the God of Israel and the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations.

**How does Psalm 16:4 apply to Christians today who do not worship physical idols?**

Answer: While physical idol worship might be less common in many modern contexts, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Idolatry, at its core, is placing anything in God's rightful place of ultimate devotion and trust. For Christians today, "another god" can manifest as anything that consumes our time, energy, affection, and loyalty more than God does—be it wealth, career, relationships, self-image, power, pleasure, or even ideologies and causes. The verse warns that "their sorrows shall be multiplied" for those who "hasten after" these modern idols, as they inevitably lead to spiritual emptiness, dissatisfaction, and brokenness, rather than the true life and joy found in God alone. It calls believers to a singular, undivided devotion to Christ, recognizing that "no one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 16:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. David's resolute rejection of idolatry and his singular devotion to God foreshadow the perfect, unblemished allegiance of Christ to His Father. Jesus consistently demonstrated exclusive worship, famously rebuking Satan's temptation to worship him with the declaration, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve" ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation of Jesus")). He taught His disciples that "no one can serve two masters" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")), embodying this principle through His life of complete obedience and devotion. Furthermore, the "drink offerings of blood" that David refused to offer are rendered utterly obsolete by Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice. His blood, shed once for all, is the true and final offering that takes away sin and establishes an eternal covenant, making all other blood sacrifices, whether pagan or Old Covenant, unnecessary and powerless ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood, Eternal Redemption")). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reject the idols of this world and offer themselves as living sacrifices, worshipping God in spirit and truth, just as Jesus taught ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:13

And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Joshua 23:7

That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

Psalms 32:10

Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalms 97:7

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

Jonah 2:8

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

Isaiah 57:6

Among the smooth [stones] of the stream [is] thy portion; they, they [are] thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

Psalms 106:37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,