Psalms 4:3

KJV

But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} hath set apart {H6395} him that is godly {H2623} for himself: the LORD {H3068} will hear {H8085} when I call {H7121} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Understand that ADONAI sets apart the godly person for himself; ADONAI will hear when I call to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him.

American Standard Version

But know that Jehovah hath set apart for himself him that is godly: Jehovah will hear when I call unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 4:3 serves as a foundational declaration of divine sovereignty and intimate relationship, affirming that the LORD actively distinguishes and consecrates those who are godly for His own purposes. This profound truth undergirds the psalmist’s unwavering confidence that God is uniquely attentive to the prayers of His set-apart people, guaranteeing a hearing for their earnest cries amidst any adversity or opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 4 is often understood as a companion or sequel to [Psalm 3](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Morning Prayer of Trust"), both being psalms of David expressing trust in God amidst distress. While Psalm 3 is a morning prayer, Psalm 4 is widely regarded as an evening prayer, likely composed by David as he retired for the night, reflecting on the day's troubles and finding solace in God. The preceding verses ([Psalms 4:1-2](/psalms/4-1 "Psalms 4:1-2 - David's Cry for Deliverance")) feature David's direct appeal to God for deliverance and a challenge to his adversaries, rebuking them for their vanity and falsehood. Verse 3 then provides the theological bedrock for David's confidence, explaining *why* he expects God to answer: because God has a special, distinguishing relationship with the righteous. This verse sets the stage for David's subsequent exhortation to his opponents in [Psalms 4:4](/psalms/4-4 "Psalms 4:4 - Tremble and Do Not Sin") to "tremble, and sin not," inviting them to consider the truth of God's favor upon the godly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm likely reflects a period of personal or national distress, possibly during Absalom's rebellion or another time of political turmoil and opposition. In ancient Israel, the concept of "godly" (Hebrew: *chasid*) was deeply rooted in covenant faithfulness and ethical living, distinguishing those who honored Yahweh from those who pursued idolatry or injustice. Kings, as God's anointed, were expected to exemplify godliness, and David's personal walk with God was central to his identity and authority. The assurance of God hearing prayer was not merely a personal comfort but a public vindication of the king's righteousness and God's favor upon His chosen leader and His people. The temple or tabernacle served as the primary place of prayer and sacrifice, reinforcing the idea of a designated space and people for divine encounter.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Distinction and Election**, emphasizing that God sovereignly chooses and sets apart a people for Himself, not based on human merit but on His divine initiative and grace. This "setting apart" implies a unique relationship and purpose. Secondly, it highlights the **Covenantal Relationship** between God and His faithful, where godliness is both a response to God's grace and a condition for experiencing His intimate care and attentiveness. This relationship is characterized by mutual fidelity. Thirdly, the verse provides profound **Assurance of Answered Prayer**, asserting that God's distinguishing love for the godly directly translates into His readiness to hear and respond to their petitions. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the promises given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham") to the New Testament's encouragement to pray without ceasing in [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing"), reinforcing the accessibility of God to His devoted followers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set apart (Hebrew, _pālāh'_):** The verb פָּלָה (pâlâh) means "to be distinct," "to be wonderful," or "to separate." It often carries the nuance of an extraordinary or miraculous distinction made by God Himself. This is not merely a passive separation but an active, divine intervention that marks out a person or group as uniquely chosen and specially favored by God. It implies a divine act of consecration, making someone special and unique for God's own possession and purpose, often in a way that is marvelous or beyond human expectation.
* **Godly (Hebrew, _ḥāsîd'_):** The noun חָסִיד (châsîyd) refers to one who is "pious," "devout," "merciful," or "faithful." It describes a person characterized by *ḥesed* (חֶסֶד), God's covenantal love and faithfulness. Therefore, a *ḥāsîd* is someone who lives in accordance with God's covenant, demonstrating loyalty, devotion, and kindness, reflecting God's own character. This term emphasizes a life lived in active relationship with God, marked by integrity and devotion, rather than mere outward religious observance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself:"** This opening clause serves as a declarative statement, a firm assertion of divine truth. The imperative "know" (or "understand") calls for an acknowledgement of this fundamental reality. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in distinguishing the righteous. The phrase "set apart... for himself" highlights the exclusive and possessive nature of this divine act; the godly are not merely separated *from* others, but consecrated *to* God, becoming His peculiar treasure and possession. This divine election is the basis for their unique standing and privilege.
* **"the LORD will hear when I call unto him."** This second clause presents the direct consequence and assurance stemming from the first. Because God has actively distinguished and claimed the godly as His own, it logically follows that He will be attentive to their prayers. The psalmist's confidence in being heard is not based on his own merit but on God's prior act of setting him apart. This provides immense comfort and encouragement, transforming prayer from a hopeful request into a confident expectation of divine response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the second clause ("the LORD will hear when I call unto him") functions as a direct consequence and affirmation of the first ("But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself"). This creates a logical and theological flow, reinforcing the connection between divine election and answered prayer. **Declaration** is a prominent device, as the verse opens with an authoritative statement ("But know that...") that demands attention and acceptance of a fundamental truth. This declarative tone imbues the verse with certainty and conviction. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the "godly" whom the LORD sets apart and the "sons of men" (referring to the adversaries in [Psalms 4:2](/psalms/4-2 "Psalms 4:2 - David's Rebuke to His Adversaries")) who pursue vanity and falsehood. This contrast highlights the distinct favor and attention God bestows upon those who align themselves with His will, setting them apart from the ungodly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 4:3 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful, establishing a distinct and intimate relationship. It speaks to God's sovereignty in election and sanctification, where He not only chooses but also consecrates individuals for His divine purposes. This divine setting apart is the bedrock of the believer's confidence, affirming that their prayers are not uttered into a void but are received by a God who has personally claimed them. This truth empowers believers to approach God with boldness and assurance, knowing that their identity as "godly" (those devoted to Him) guarantees His attentive ear. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege and efficacy of prayer for those who walk in faithfulness to God, rooted in His prior grace and distinguishing love.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")
* [John 9:31](/john/9-31 "John 9:31 - God Hears the Godly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 4:3 offers profound comfort and a clear call to intentional living for believers today. To "know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself" is to grasp a fundamental truth about our identity in Christ and God's unwavering commitment to us. This knowledge should cultivate a deep sense of security and belonging, reminding us that our standing with God is not precarious but established by His own divine act. In a world that often measures worth by external achievements or popular opinion, this verse anchors our value in God's distinguishing love. Furthermore, the assurance that "the LORD will hear when I call unto him" transforms our prayer life from a hopeful endeavor into a confident communion. It encourages us to pray with boldness, persistence, and genuine expectation, knowing that our cries are not ignored but are heard by a God who has personally claimed us. This should motivate us to pursue godliness, not as a means to earn favor, but as a natural response to the grace by which we have been set apart, allowing our lives to reflect the holiness of the One who has called us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that God has "set apart" the godly for Himself impact your sense of identity and security in Christ?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to approach God in prayer with greater confidence and expectation?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a life that more fully reflects the "godly" character described in this Psalm?**
* **How might this truth about God's attentiveness to the godly influence your response to adversity or opposition?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for the LORD to "set apart" someone who is godly?**

Answer: To "set apart" (Hebrew: *pālāh*) means that God actively distinguishes, consecrates, or makes someone unique and special for His own purposes. It's an act of divine election and sanctification, not merely a recognition of human righteousness. For the godly (Hebrew: *ḥāsîd*, one who is devout and faithful to God's covenant), it means they are chosen and owned by God in a unique way. This implies a special relationship, divine favor, and a specific purpose in God's plan. It's a declaration of God's sovereign grace, marking out His faithful ones as His peculiar treasure, distinct from the world. This concept is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people, as seen in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - God's Covenant with Israel").

**Does this verse imply that God only hears the prayers of "godly" people?**

Answer: The verse states that "the LORD will hear when I call unto him," specifically in the context of being "set apart him that is godly for himself." While God is sovereign and hears all cries for mercy, this verse emphasizes a particular privilege and assurance for those who are in a covenant relationship with Him and walk in faithfulness. It highlights the *intimacy* and *attentiveness* God has for His devoted followers. The Bible teaches that God invites all to call upon Him ([Isaiah 55:6](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the LORD While He May Be Found")), and even hears the cries of the unrighteous in their distress ([Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster")). However, for the *godly*, there is a guaranteed hearing, rooted in their established relationship and God's commitment to His own. This does not exclude God's general mercy but underscores His special responsiveness to His children. [John 9:31](/john/9-31 "John 9:31 - God Hears the Godly") further elaborates on this, stating, "We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 4:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His work. He is the preeminent "godly" one, the perfectly righteous Son whom the Father eternally "set apart" for Himself, even before the foundation of the world, for the purpose of redemption ([1 Peter 1:20](/1_peter/1-20 "1 Peter 1:20 - Christ Foreknown Before the Foundation of the World")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has not only exemplified true godliness but has also become the means by which all believers are "set apart" for God. We are made godly not by our own efforts, but by being united with Him, sanctified by His Spirit, and declared righteous in Him ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). As the ultimate High Priest, Jesus perpetually intercedes for those whom the Father has given Him, ensuring that the "LORD will hear when I call unto him" is a living reality for every believer in Christ ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Make Intercession")). Thus, the confidence of answered prayer in Psalms 4:3 is not merely based on our personal godliness, but on the perfect godliness of Christ, in whom we are chosen, set apart, and eternally heard by the Father ([Ephesians 1:4-6](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4-6 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")).

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 15:16

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.

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

2 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2 Thessalonians 2:14

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Psalms 91:14

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.