Psalms 37:4

KJV

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

Delight {H6026} thyself also in the LORD {H3068}; and he shall give {H5414}{H8799)} thee the desires {H4862} of thine heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will delight yourself in ADONAI, and he will give you your heart's desire.

Berean Standard Bible

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

American Standard Version

Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:4 stands as a profound invitation and promise, urging believers to find their ultimate joy and satisfaction in the character and presence of the LORD. This verse reveals a transformative principle: when God becomes the supreme object of our deepest affections and desires, our own internal longings are progressively purified and conformed to His perfect will. Consequently, the promise assures us that God, in His faithfulness, will then grant these Spirit-aligned desires, leading to true fulfillment and the realization of His divine purposes in our lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, attributed to David, designed to instruct the righteous on how to live faithfully and patiently in a world where the wicked often appear to prosper. It is an acrostic psalm, though the KJV translation does not always preserve this feature, which emphasizes a systematic and comprehensive teaching. Throughout the psalm, David contrasts the fleeting success of evildoers with the enduring blessing and inheritance of the righteous. The overarching theme is to "fret not" over the apparent injustice, but instead to trust in the LORD, commit one's way to Him, and wait patiently for His justice and provision. Verse 4 serves as a pivotal instruction within this larger framework, detailing a key attitude and action ("Delight thyself") that leads directly to divine blessing and fulfillment, reinforcing the psalm's call to trust and reliance on God rather than human effort or anxiety.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during a time when the prosperity of the wicked could be a significant stumbling block for the faithful, Psalm 37 addresses a timeless human struggle with divine justice. In ancient Israel, prosperity and longevity were often seen as signs of God's favor, while suffering could imply divine displeasure. This psalm challenges that simplistic view by asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and justice, even if it is not immediately apparent. The concept of "inheriting the land," frequently mentioned in this psalm (e.g., [Psalms 37:9](/psalms/37-9 "Psalm 37:9 - The Meek Inherit the Land"), [Psalms 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")), harks back to the Abrahamic covenant and the promise of the land of Canaan, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His covenant people and their secure future under His care. The psalm's wisdom tradition reflects a deep understanding of human nature and God's character, offering timeless principles for righteous living in any generation.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes of Psalm 37, into which verse 4 seamlessly integrates, include **Trust and Patience in God's Sovereignty** (e.g., [Psalms 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord"), [Psalms 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")), emphasizing reliance on God rather than human anxiety or retaliation. Another prominent theme is the **Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked**, highlighting the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity versus the enduring inheritance and peace of the upright (e.g., [Psalms 37:16-17](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16-17 - Righteous vs. Wicked")). The psalm also underscores **God's Faithful Provision and Justice**, assuring believers that God sees, hears, and acts on behalf of His people, ultimately delivering them and punishing the unrighteous (e.g., [Psalms 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23-24 - Steps of a Good Man")). Within this tapestry, Psalms 37:4 introduces the theme of **Transformed Desires**, suggesting that true delight in God leads to a spiritual alignment where human longings begin to mirror divine purposes, thereby ensuring God's gracious fulfillment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delight (Hebrew, _‘anag'_):** This verb conveys a sense of exquisite pleasure, luxurious enjoyment, and finding supreme satisfaction. It implies a deep, intimate, and almost sensuous enjoyment. When applied to the LORD, it means to find one's deepest joy, pleasure, and contentment not in external circumstances or material possessions, but in God Himself—His character, His presence, His Word, and His will. It suggests a state of being utterly captivated by God, allowing oneself to be molded and softened by His presence, rather than being rigid or resistant.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and personal God who enters into covenant relationship with His people. When the psalm instructs us to "delight thyself in the LORD," it is not referring to a generic deity, but to the specific, relational God of Israel who has revealed Himself, made promises, and demonstrates His faithfulness throughout history. This specific name underscores the personal and intimate nature of the delight being sought.
* **Desires (Hebrew, _mish'alot'_):** This noun refers to requests, petitions, or the things one asks for or longs for. It speaks to the deep yearnings and aspirations of the heart. The promise is not that God will fulfill every fleeting whim or selfish impulse, but rather that He will grant the profound, underlying longings of a heart that has been transformed by its delight in Him. When our delight is in the LORD, our desires become purified and aligned with His will, making them worthy of His granting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Delight thyself also in the LORD;":** This is an imperative command, an active call to cultivate a profound and intentional joy in God. The word "also" connects this command to the preceding instructions in Psalm 37 (e.g., "Trust in the LORD," "Dwell in the land," "Feed on His faithfulness," "Commit thy way unto the LORD"). It suggests that delighting in God is not merely an emotional state but a deliberate choice and spiritual discipline. It means to find our supreme satisfaction, pleasure, and contentment in who God is, rather than in what He can give us or in the circumstances of life. This delight involves an intimate relationship, a love for His character, and a joy in His presence that transcends earthly concerns.
* **"and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.":** This is the divine promise, contingent upon the preceding command. It is a profound assurance of God's faithful provision. However, it is crucial to understand this promise in light of the condition. When a person truly delights in the LORD, their heart undergoes a spiritual transformation. Their desires are no longer selfish or worldly but are progressively purified and conformed to God's will and purposes. Therefore, the "desires of thine heart" that God grants are not arbitrary wishes, but rather those longings that have been shaped by His Spirit, reflecting His own good and perfect will for the believer's life. This alignment ensures that what we genuinely desire is also what God desires for us, leading to true fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 37:4 employs several potent literary devices. The primary device is an **Imperative** ("Delight thyself"), which serves as a direct command, calling the reader to an active and intentional posture of heart towards God. This command is followed by a **Conditional Clause** or a form of **Parallelism**, where the fulfillment of the promise ("he shall give thee the desires of thine heart") is directly contingent upon the obedience to the command. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the spiritual principle at play. Furthermore, the phrase "desires of thine heart" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "heart" represents the entire inner person—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and moral character. It's not just about superficial wants, but the deepest longings and aspirations of one's being. The promise itself can be seen as a form of **Divine Assurance**, a declaration of God's faithfulness to those who orient their lives around Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:4 is a cornerstone verse that beautifully intertwines several profound theological themes. It speaks directly to the nature of true worship, emphasizing that God Himself, not His blessings, should be the ultimate object of our affection and pursuit. This delight in the LORD is not a means to an end, but an end in itself, yet it paradoxically becomes the pathway to receiving God's perfect provision. The verse also highlights the transformative power of a relationship with God; as we draw near to Him and find our satisfaction in Him, our desires are sanctified and reshaped to align with His divine will. This process underscores God's sovereignty over our hearts and His desire for our holistic flourishing, ensuring that what He grants is always for our ultimate good and His glory. It connects to the broader biblical teaching on seeking God's kingdom first and trusting in His benevolent care.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 37:4 challenges us to deeply examine the true source of our joy and satisfaction. In a world constantly vying for our attention and promising fleeting happiness through possessions, achievements, or relationships, this verse redirects our gaze to the eternal, unchanging God. To "delight thyself in the LORD" means cultivating an intimate, active relationship with Him, prioritizing His presence, His Word, and His will above all else. It involves intentionally choosing to find pleasure in prayer, worship, studying Scripture, and obeying His commands, even when circumstances are difficult. As we genuinely immerse ourselves in Him, our desires naturally begin to transform, aligning with His divine purposes for our lives. This isn't about suppressing our dreams, but allowing God to refine and elevate them, ensuring that what we long for is also what He is pleased to grant, leading to a profound sense of peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my delight and satisfaction in life? Is it truly in the LORD, or in other things?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper delight in God?**
* **How have I seen my desires change or align with God's will as I've grown in my relationship with Him?**
* **Am I willing to surrender my current desires to God, trusting that His transformed desires for me are ultimately better?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God will give me anything I want?**

Answer: No, this is a common misunderstanding. The promise "he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" is conditional upon the preceding command: "Delight thyself also in the LORD." When a person genuinely delights in the LORD, their heart and its desires are progressively transformed and purified to align with God's will and purposes. Therefore, the desires God grants are not selfish whims, but those longings that have been shaped by His Spirit, reflecting His own good and perfect will for the believer's life. It's about God fulfilling desires *He has placed within you* as you draw closer to Him, not about Him acting as a cosmic vending machine for unexamined wants. This principle is echoed in passages like [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14 - Confidence in Prayer"), where our confidence in prayer comes from asking "according to his will."

**How do I 'delight myself in the LORD'?**

Answer: Delighting in the LORD is an active, ongoing process of cultivating an intimate relationship with God. It involves intentionally seeking Him and finding your deepest joy and satisfaction in Him. Practically, this can include:
* **Spending consistent time in His Word:** Meditating on Scripture allows you to know His character, promises, and will (as seen in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")).
* **Engaging in heartfelt prayer and worship:** Pouring out your heart to Him and expressing adoration cultivates intimacy.
* **Obeying His commands:** As Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience")). Obedience is an act of delight.
* **Trusting His sovereignty and goodness:** Even in difficult circumstances, choosing to rest in His plan and believe in His unfailing love (as exhorted throughout [Psalm 37](/psalms/37 "Psalm 37 - Do Not Fret")).
* **Seeking His presence in all areas of life:** Recognizing that He is with you and finding joy in His nearness, whether in work, relationships, or leisure. It's about making God the supreme object of your affections and pursuits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent object of delight for the Father, and through Him, we are enabled to truly delight in the LORD. In Christ, our hearts are transformed, making it possible for our desires to align with God's perfect will. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this principle, always seeking to do the will of His Father, stating, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is God's Will")). He is the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). When we are "in Christ," our deepest desires are increasingly for His glory, for the advancement of His kingdom, and for conformity to His image. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, works within us to sanctify our desires, interceding for us "according to the will of God" ([Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit's Intercession")), ensuring that the desires He places in our hearts are truly those that God is pleased to grant. Thus, the ultimate "desire of thine heart" for the believer is Christ Himself, and in possessing Him, we possess all things, finding our complete satisfaction and eternal delight in His glorious presence ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Knowing Christ is Gain")).

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

John 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Isaiah 58:14

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Psalms 21:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!