Psalms 4:6

KJV

¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

KJV (with Strong's)

There be many {H7227} that say {H559}, Who will shew {H7200} us any good {H2896}? LORD {H3068}, lift thou up {H5375} the light {H216} of thy countenance {H6440} upon us.

Complete Jewish Bible

Many ask, "Who can show us some good?" ADONAI, lift the light of your face over us!

Berean Standard Bible

Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.

American Standard Version

Many there are that say, Who will show us any good? Jehovah, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 4:6 is a profound prayer from King David, masterfully contrasting the widespread human longing for transient, worldly "good" with the singular, enduring, and spiritually satisfying blessing found in the manifest presence and divine favor of God. It articulates a deep yearning for the Lord's benevolent attention, asserting that true well-being, peace, and ultimate satisfaction are derived not from external circumstances or material gains, but from the radiant light of God's countenance shining upon His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 4 is a deeply personal and theological psalm, often considered an evening prayer, serving as a counterpart to Psalm 3 (a morning prayer). David, likely facing significant distress, opposition, or false accusations, addresses both God and his adversaries. The psalm opens with a cry for deliverance and a rebuke to those who "love vanity" and "seek after leasing" ([Psalms 4:2](/psalms/4-2 "Psalm 4:2 - How Long Will You Love Vanity?")). Verse 6 marks a pivotal transition, shifting from David's admonition to his opponents to "tremble, and sin not" and to offer "sacrifices of righteousness" ([Psalms 4:4-5](/psalms/4-4-5 "Psalm 4:4-5 - Tremble, Sin Not, Trust in the Lord")) to a direct, intimate petition to the Lord. This verse encapsulates the psalm's central theme: the stark contrast between the fleeting pursuits of the world and the profound, lasting peace and security found exclusively in God's presence, culminating in David's declaration of greater joy and secure sleep in God alone ([Psalms 4:7-8](/psalms/4-7-8 "Psalm 4:7-8 - Joy and Peace in God")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As part of the Psalter, the hymnbook of ancient Israel, Psalm 4 reflects the rich tapestry of human experience within a covenant relationship with Yahweh. Attributed to David, it likely stems from a period of personal or national adversity, a common feature of his reign. In the ancient Near East, the concept of "countenance" or "face" (Hebrew: *panim*) was profoundly significant, embodying a person's presence, disposition, and authority. To "lift up" one's face upon another was a powerful gesture of favor, blessing, and benevolent attention, while hiding or turning away the face conveyed displeasure, judgment, or abandonment. The universal human quest for "good" (Hebrew: *ṭôḇ*) in this cultural context often encompassed tangible blessings such as agricultural prosperity, military victory, health, and general well-being. David's prayer, however, transcends these common aspirations, redefining "good" by prioritizing divine favor above all earthly pursuits, reflecting a mature spiritual understanding.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 4:6 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it deeply explores the **nature of true good**, contrasting the superficial, fleeting "good" sought by the world with the enduring, soul-satisfying "good" found in God's presence. Secondly, it highlights the **sovereignty of God** as the ultimate and exclusive source of blessing and well-being, emphasizing that divine favor is infinitely superior to any earthly comfort or possession. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **contrast between worldly and spiritual desires**, challenging believers to prioritize an intimate relationship with God over materialistic or ephemeral pursuits, a theme powerfully echoed in Jesus' teaching to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Ultimately, the verse points to God as the sole provider of **genuine peace and joy**, a peace that transcends circumstances and is rooted in His radiant, life-giving presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word possesses a broad semantic range, encompassing that which is pleasant, agreeable, prosperous, beneficial, or morally upright. In the context of the common human question, "Who will shew us any good?", it refers to a universal human quest for well-being, happiness, advantage, or prosperity, often understood in terms of material security or immediate gratification. David's prayer, however, profoundly reorients this search, implying that true and lasting "good" is not found in external circumstances but in God Himself.
* **Light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** Symbolically, "light" is exceptionally rich with meaning throughout Scripture, representing life, joy, blessing, divine revelation, truth, and favor. When God's "countenance" shines forth as "light," it signifies His radiant, life-giving, and approving presence. This divine illumination dispels darkness, sorrow, and confusion, bringing warmth, clarity, spiritual insight, and prosperity. It stands in stark contrast to God hiding His face, which would imply judgment, displeasure, or abandonment.
* **Countenance (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** Literally meaning "face," this term is a powerful and frequently used idiom in Hebrew, representing the personal presence, disposition, and active attention of an individual. When applied to God, His "face" signifies His active presence, His personal engagement, and His disposition towards His people. For God's face to be "lifted up" upon someone implies His benevolent gaze, His approval, intimate communion, and the pouring out of His favor and blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?":** This opening clause vividly portrays a common human lament or existential question. The "many" refers to the general populace, perhaps even David's contemporaries or adversaries, characterized by a preoccupation with the pursuit of tangible, worldly "good"—material gain, security, or superficial pleasures. Their question expresses a sense of desperation, skepticism, or a futile search for external sources of well-being, highlighting a universal human tendency to seek satisfaction apart from God or to define "good" solely in earthly terms.
* **"LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.":** In profound and striking contrast to the worldly quest described in the first clause, David turns directly to Yahweh (LORD, H3068), the covenant God of Israel. His prayer is a deeply spiritual, intimate, and singular petition for God's manifest presence, favor, and blessing. The phrase "lift thou up" implies an active, intentional act of God to reveal His benevolent presence. The "light of thy countenance" is a powerful and beautiful idiom for God's radiant, life-giving, and approving presence, which brings joy, peace, and security that far surpasses any fleeting earthly "good" the world can offer.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 4:6 employs several impactful literary devices that amplify its theological message. A prominent feature is **Contrast**, skillfully used to highlight the divergent paths of human pursuit: the "many" who seek external, often materialistic, "good" are set against the Psalmist's singular, profound desire for God's divine favor. This contrast underscores the spiritual wisdom of prioritizing God's presence as the ultimate source of blessing. The phrase "Who will shew us any good?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, posed by the "many," conveying a sense of futility, despair, or a desperate search for external solutions. David's subsequent prayer serves as the ultimate, divinely inspired answer to this profound human inquiry. Furthermore, "the light of thy countenance" is a potent **Metaphor** and **Idiom** (specifically, *or panim*). "Light" powerfully symbolizes blessing, joy, life, and divine presence, while "countenance" (face) represents God's personal disposition and favor. This evocative imagery conjures warmth, clarity, vitality, and revelation, signifying God's benevolent gaze upon His people, bringing forth life and dispelling darkness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core biblical truth: true human flourishing, often referred to as *shalom* (wholeness, peace, prosperity), comes not from worldly acquisition or fleeting pleasures but from a right relationship with God and the experience of His divine favor. It resonates deeply with the ancient priestly blessing found in [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24-26 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing"), where God's shining face is explicitly linked to grace and peace, signifying His benevolent presence and active blessing upon His people. The "light" imagery further connects to God as the ultimate source of all light and life, a theme pervasive throughout Scripture, from the very act of creation in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Creates Light") to the eschatological vision of a new heaven and earth where God Himself is the light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - No Need for Sun or Moon")). This psalm's emphasis on seeking God's face as the ultimate good aligns with the wisdom tradition that prioritizes spiritual realities over material concerns, a principle echoed in the teachings of Jesus.

* [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The LORD make his face shine upon thee")
* [Psalm 80:3](/psalms/80-3 "Psalm 80:3 - Cause thy face to shine upon us")
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with consumerism, relentless self-promotion, and the constant pursuit of external validation, Psalm 4:6 serves as a timeless and urgent call to profound introspection. We are perpetually bombarded with messages defining "good" in terms of wealth, status, pleasure, or material possessions, often leading to a restless, unfulfilled existence. This verse challenges us to critically examine our deepest desires and the true object of our longing: do we, like the "many" described by David, chase after transient gratifications and fleeting external circumstances, or do we, like the Psalmist, yearn for the enduring, soul-satisfying presence and favor of Almighty God? It compels us to reorient our priorities, recognizing that genuine peace, profound joy, and unshakeable security are not found in what we accumulate or achieve, but in an intimate, loving, and obedient relationship with our Creator. This psalm encourages a posture of humble dependence and unwavering trust, fostering the conviction that God's approval and His radiant presence are the ultimate blessings, transcending all earthly circumstances and providing a wellspring of contentment that the world cannot offer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good" am I primarily seeking in my life right now? Is my pursuit aligned with worldly values or divine favor?**
* **How does my daily life, including my prayers, decisions, and aspirations, reflect a genuine desire for the "light of God's countenance"?**
* **In what specific ways has the "light of God's countenance" brought more joy, peace, and security into my life than any earthly success or possession could?**

### FAQ
**What does "lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us" mean?**

Answer: This is a profound ancient Hebrew idiom signifying God's favorable disposition, active presence, and benevolent blessing. The "countenance" (Hebrew: *panim*, literally "face") represents God's personal presence, His attention, and His disposition towards His people. The "light" symbolizes joy, life, divine favor, and revelation. When God "lifts up" His face, it means He is looking upon His people with approval, radiating His glory, warmth, and blessing, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual flourishing. It is the antithesis of God hiding His face, which would indicate displeasure, judgment, or absence, as seen in passages like [Psalm 27:9](/psalms/27-9 "Psalm 27:9 - Hide Not Thy Face From Me"). This powerful imagery is echoed and expounded upon in the priestly blessing found in [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The LORD make his face shine upon thee"), where God's shining face is directly linked to grace and peace.

**How does this verse relate to seeking happiness?**

Answer: Psalm 4:6 directly addresses the universal human quest for "good," which can be readily equated with the pursuit of happiness, well-being, or ultimate satisfaction. It presents a stark contrast between the common human tendency to seek this "good" in external, often material, sources and David's profound spiritual insight: true and lasting "good"—genuine happiness, deep joy, and abiding peace—comes exclusively from the direct favor and radiant presence of God. The verse teaches us to reorient our fundamental search for happiness from transient worldly pleasures and achievements to the eternal, soul-satisfying blessing of God's "light" upon us. It suggests that while the world offers fleeting highs, God offers an enduring, foundational joy that transcends circumstances, a joy that is "fullness" in His presence ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 4:6 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and perfect revelation of the "light of God's countenance" to humanity. The deep human longing for "good" and for God's "light" is perfectly and completely satisfied in Him, for He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), through whom the Father's glory, grace, and favor shine most brightly. In Christ, God's face is no longer hidden in judgment but turned towards us in reconciliation and boundless love. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose perfect sacrifice removes the veil of sin that separated humanity from God's holy countenance, granting us unprecedented access to the Father's presence. Through faith in Him, we receive the [Spirit of adoption](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption"), enabling us to cry out "Abba, Father" and to walk in the radiant light of His love and approval. The "good" we truly seek is found in His kingdom and His righteousness, for He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for His sheep, offering abundant life and a peace that surpasses all earthly understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). In Him, we experience the fullness of God's favor and the abiding joy of His presence, a reality infinitely greater than any fleeting "good" the world can ever offer.

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 80:19

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Numbers 6:26

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Psalms 80:7

Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Psalms 119:135

¶ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

Psalms 67:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; [and] cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

Psalms 89:15

¶ Blessed [is] the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

Psalms 49:16

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;