Psalms 27:4

KJV

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} thing have I desired {H7592} of the LORD {H3068}, that will I seek {H1245} after; that I may dwell {H3427} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} all the days {H3117} of my life {H2416}, to behold {H2372} the beauty {H5278} of the LORD {H3068}, and to enquire {H1239} in his temple {H1964}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple.

Berean Standard Bible

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

American Standard Version

One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 27:4 articulates King David's singular, all-consuming desire: an unwavering, lifelong intimacy with the LORD. Amidst the turmoil of life and the threat of adversaries, David declares that his ultimate priority is not worldly success or safety, but rather an abiding presence in God's sanctuary, a continuous beholding of His divine character, and a ceaseless seeking of His wisdom and guidance. This verse stands as a profound testament to a heart wholly devoted to communion with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 27 is a psalm of confidence and prayer, often divided into two main sections. The first part (verses 1-6) expresses David's unwavering trust in God amidst danger, declaring the LORD as his light, salvation, and stronghold. Verse 4 serves as the heart of this confidence, revealing the foundational desire that undergirds his fearless declaration. The second part (verses 7-14) shifts to a fervent plea for help and deliverance, acknowledging present distress but concluding with a renewed call to wait on the LORD. Thus, [Psalm 27](/psalms/27 "Psalm 27 - A Psalm of Confidence and Prayer") acts as the central pivot, explaining *why* David possesses such confidence in the face of fear—his ultimate desire is for God's presence, which he knows is his ultimate refuge and source of strength, even when surrounded by [foes who rise against him](/psalms/27-2 "Psalm 27:2 - Foes Who Rise Against David").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, a figure whose life was a tapestry of anointing, warfare, kingship, and personal trials, Psalm 27 likely stems from a period of intense personal or national crisis. The "house of the LORD" and "temple" in this verse refer to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the focal point of Israelite worship and God's manifest presence before the permanent Temple was built by Solomon in Jerusalem. For an ancient Israelite, access to this sacred space was not merely about physical proximity but symbolized direct, privileged access to God Himself, a place of covenantal fellowship, divine revelation, and spiritual security. David, as king, would have had unique access, but his desire transcended mere privilege; it was a deep spiritual longing for the very presence of God, a concept central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, as seen in the command to [build a sanctuary for God to dwell among them](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Build a Sanctuary").
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **singular devotion**, emphasizing that amidst life's many demands, David has one supreme priority: God Himself. This resonates with the New Testament teaching on prioritizing the spiritual, as seen when [Mary chose the "good part" that would not be taken away from her](/luke/10-42 "Luke 10:42 - Mary's Choice of the Good Part"). The theme of **desire for God's presence** is paramount, expressed in the longing to "dwell in the house of the LORD," signifying an intimate, continuous fellowship that transcends physical location, echoing the promise of [abiding in God's presence forever](/psalms/23-6 "Psalm 23:6 - Dwelling in the House of the Lord Forever"). Furthermore, the desire "to behold the beauty of the LORD" speaks to an appreciation of God's inherent **splendor and character**, a transformative encounter with His holiness and grace, akin to [being transformed by beholding God's glory](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed by Beholding God's Glory"). Finally, "to enquire in his temple" underscores the theme of **seeking divine wisdom and guidance**, an active pursuit of God's will and revelation as the source of all truth, much like the wise seeking [God's counsel in Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desired (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This verb (H7592) signifies "to ask, request, petition, or inquire." It implies a fervent, earnest prayer or a deep, persistent longing. It's not a casual wish but a focused, intentional request made to God, reflecting the intensity of David's spiritual aspiration. The choice of this word emphasizes the active and intentional nature of his yearning.
* **Seek after (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This word (H1245) conveys an active, diligent, and earnest pursuit. It suggests more than just desiring; it implies a determined effort, a relentless search, and a commitment to attain what is sought. David isn't passively wishing; he is actively striving for this one thing, demonstrating an unyielding resolve to actualize his deepest spiritual longing.
* **Beauty (Hebrew, _nôʻam'_):** While often translated as "beauty," _nôʻam_ (H5278) carries a richer connotation of "pleasantness, delightfulness, graciousness, charm, or splendor." It refers not merely to aesthetic appeal but to the inherent attractiveness and delightful nature of God's character, His attributes, and the harmonious order of His presence. To behold His _nôʻam_ is to experience the captivating and satisfying essence of God Himself, finding spiritual delight in His very being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after":** This opening clause immediately establishes the singular, overriding priority of David's life. The repetition of "desired" (H7592, _shâʼal_) and "seek after" (H1245, _bâqash_) using two distinct but complementary Hebrew verbs emphasizes the intensity, focus, and active pursuit of this one aspiration. It sets the stage for what follows as the supreme goal of his existence, transcending all other concerns and highlighting an unwavering, focused devotion.
* **"that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life":** This expresses a profound yearning for continuous, intimate fellowship with God. "Dwelling" (H3427, _yâshab_) implies not just a temporary visit but a permanent, abiding presence, a sense of belonging and security within God's protective and holy sphere. "All the days of my life" (H3117, _yôwm_ and H2416, _chay_) underscores the lifelong commitment and the desire for an unbroken relationship, a spiritual home that provides ultimate refuge and peace.
* **"to behold the beauty of the LORD":** This is a desire for a contemplative and transformative experience of God. To "behold" (H2372, _châzâh_) implies a deep, meditative gaze, a spiritual seeing that apprehends God's inherent pleasantness, graciousness, and splendor (_nôʻam_, H5278). It's an aspiration to truly know and appreciate God's character, His holiness, His love, and His majesty, allowing that vision to shape and satisfy the soul, leading to profound spiritual delight.
* **"and to enquire in his temple":** This final clause signifies a desire for divine revelation, guidance, and wisdom. "Enquire" (H1239, _bâqar_) suggests a diligent investigation, a seeking of counsel, or a meditative reflection within the sacred space (H1964, _hêykâl_). It speaks to a longing for spiritual instruction, to understand God's will, and to receive clarity and direction directly from the source of all truth, in the place where His presence is uniquely manifested.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 27:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "house of the LORD" (H1004, _bayith_ and H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) and "his temple" (H1964, _hêykâl_), which are synonymous terms referring to the sanctuary where God's presence dwelt, reinforcing the singular focus of David's desire for God's presence. The phrase "One [thing] have I desired... that will I seek after" demonstrates **intensification** through the use of two verbs (H7592, _shâʼal_ and H1245, _bâqash_) that build upon each other, highlighting the earnestness and active pursuit of this central longing. The entire verse functions as a powerful **metaphor** where the physical "house" or "temple" symbolizes the spiritual reality of God's intimate presence and communion. "Behold the beauty of the LORD" uses **symbolism**, as "beauty" (H5278, _nôʻam_) represents the delightful and glorious character of God, which is not merely seen with the eyes but apprehended by the soul. The phrase "all the days of my life" is a form of **hyperbole** or **intensification**, emphasizing the enduring and lifelong nature of David's devotion. These devices combine to create a verse that is both poetically rich and spiritually impactful, clearly communicating the depth and singularity of David's devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the essence of true worship and devotion. It transcends mere ritual or obligation, pointing to a profound, relational longing for God Himself. David's "one thing" reveals that the greatest good is not found in external circumstances or material possessions, but in the intimate, continuous presence of the Divine. This desire for dwelling, beholding, and enquiring in God's presence foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers, through Christ, have direct access to God's presence and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples themselves. It underscores the biblical theme that God is the ultimate satisfaction for the human soul, and that seeking Him above all else is the pathway to true life and joy, a joy that transcends earthly circumstances and provides eternal security.

* [Psalms 23:6](/psalms/23-6 "Psalm 23:6 - Dwelling in the House of the Lord Forever")
* [Luke 10:42](/luke/10-42 "Luke 10:42 - Mary's Choice of the Good Part")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Pursuit of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's singular desire in Psalms 27:4 serves as a profound challenge and invitation for believers today. In a world saturated with distractions and competing priorities, this verse calls us to examine what our "one thing" truly is. For the Christian, the "house of the LORD" is no longer a physical building but the spiritual reality of God's omnipresent presence, accessible through Christ and indwelling by the Holy Spirit. To "dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life" means cultivating a continuous, conscious relationship with God through prayer, worship, meditation on His Word, and fellowship with the body of Christ. To "behold the beauty of the LORD" invites us to immerse ourselves in His attributes—His love, justice, mercy, holiness, and power—allowing His character to transform our own. To "enquire in his temple" means diligently seeking His will and wisdom through Scripture, listening to the Holy Spirit, and seeking godly counsel, making God's guidance paramount in all our decisions. This verse calls us to a life of profound, focused devotion, making God our ultimate passion and pursuit, not just in times of distress, but in every moment of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the "one thing" that truly defines and drives your life's pursuit, and how does it compare to David's desire?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of "dwelling in the house of the LORD" in your daily life, recognizing God's presence beyond a physical building?**
* **In what practical ways can you "behold the beauty of the LORD" and allow His character to transform your perspective and actions?**
* **How do you "enquire in His temple" for guidance and wisdom in your decisions and challenges, and what steps can you take to do so more diligently?**

### FAQ

**What does "the house of the LORD" and "his temple" refer to for David, and for us today?**

Answer: For David, "the house of the LORD" and "his temple" primarily referred to the Tabernacle, the portable tent of meeting where God's presence dwelt among His people before the permanent Temple was built in Jerusalem by his son Solomon. It was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine revelation. For believers today under the New Covenant, the understanding of God's "house" expands significantly. While physical churches are places of gathering and worship, the ultimate "house of the LORD" is no longer confined to a building. It refers to the spiritual reality of God's presence, accessible through Jesus Christ. Individually, believers are called the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"), and corporately, the Church is built together as a [dwelling place for God by the Spirit](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God"). Thus, to "dwell in the house of the LORD" today means to live in continuous, intimate fellowship with God through Christ, recognizing His indwelling presence within us and among His people.

**How can we "behold the beauty of the LORD" in a practical sense?**

Answer: Beholding the beauty of the LORD involves a spiritual gaze upon His character and attributes. Practically, this can be done by diligently reading and meditating on His Word, the Bible, where His nature is revealed. It also involves observing His glory in creation, engaging in heartfelt worship and prayer, and recognizing His hand at work in our lives and in the world around us. As we fix our gaze upon His holiness, love, justice, mercy, and power, we are progressively transformed into His likeness, as described in [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed by Beholding God's Glory"). It's a continuous process of delighting in who God is and allowing His inherent goodness to captivate our hearts and minds.

**Is this verse only for times of distress, given the context of Psalm 27?**

Answer: While Psalm 27 is indeed set against a backdrop of distress and fear, David's desire in verse 4 is presented as a foundational, lifelong longing ("all the days of my life"), not merely a situational plea. It is the core desire that *enables* his confidence in the face of trouble. His longing for God's presence is intensified and highlighted by the trials, but it is not created by them. This verse teaches us that a deep, abiding desire for God's presence, beauty, and wisdom should be the constant, supreme priority for believers in all seasons of life—in joy and sorrow, peace and conflict—because it is the source of ultimate security, satisfaction, and guidance, as God's [steadfast love endures forever](/psalms/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound longing in Psalms 27:4 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David desired to "dwell in the house of the LORD," and in Christ, God literally "tabernacled among us," becoming the ultimate [dwelling place of God with humanity](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus is the true Temple, the very locus of God's presence, through whom we now have [access to the Father by one Spirit](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father"). David yearned "to behold the beauty of the LORD," and Christ is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature," the perfect revelation of God's character and splendor ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). In Him, we truly behold the delightful _no'am_ of God. Furthermore, David desired "to enquire in his temple" for wisdom and guidance, and Christ Himself is [God's wisdom personified](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom"), the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Through Christ, we not only gain access to God's presence and behold His beauty, but we also receive His divine wisdom and guidance, living in an intimate, abiding relationship with Him where He dwells in us and we in Him ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")). Ultimately, the New Jerusalem, where the [Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem"), represents the eternal fulfillment of David's desire to dwell in God's presence forever, a promise secured by Christ's finished work.

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

Psalms 26:8

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalms 65:4

Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.

Psalms 84:4

Blessed [are] they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Psalms 27:8

[When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.