Psalms 4:7

KJV

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast put {H5414} gladness {H8057} in my heart {H3820}, more than in the time {H6256} that their corn {H1715} and their wine {H8492} increased {H7231}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have filled my heart with more joy than all their grain and new wine.

Berean Standard Bible

You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound.

American Standard Version

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More thanthey havewhen their grain and their new wine are increased.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 4:7 is a profound declaration by King David, asserting that the deep, abiding gladness God instills in the heart far surpasses any fleeting joy derived from material prosperity. It contrasts the temporary satisfaction of abundant harvests ("corn and wine") with the enduring spiritual contentment that comes directly from the divine presence, positioning God as the ultimate source of true and superior joy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 4 is a personal prayer of David, likely composed as an evening prayer (as suggested by [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Lying Down in Peace")) during a period of distress or opposition. The psalm opens with David's plea for God to hear him ([Psalm 4:1](/psalms/4-1 "Psalm 4:1 - Hear Me When I Call")), followed by a lament against those who slander him and pursue vanity ([Psalm 4:2](/psalms/4-2 "Psalm 4:2 - How Long Will You Love Vain Things?")). He then affirms God's special favor on the godly ([Psalm 4:3](/psalms/4-3 "Psalm 4:3 - The Lord Sets Apart the Godly")), calls his adversaries to self-reflection and repentance ([Psalm 4:4-5](/psalms/4-4 "Psalm 4:4-5 - Tremble and Do Not Sin")), and expresses his unwavering trust in the Lord despite external pressures. Verse 7 serves as a powerful climax to his expression of confidence, highlighting the inner peace and spiritual satisfaction that transcends worldly circumstances, culminating in the peaceful rest described in [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Lying Down in Peace").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm likely reflects a time of personal or national turmoil, perhaps during Absalom's rebellion or another period of political unrest where his enemies sought to undermine him. In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, "corn" (grain) and "wine" (new wine from grapes) were not merely commodities but fundamental indicators of God's blessing, prosperity, and the very sustenance of life. Abundant harvests signified divine favor, economic stability, and cause for celebration. Conversely, crop failure could lead to famine and hardship, seen as a sign of God's displeasure. Therefore, for David to declare that the gladness God puts in his heart is "more than" the joy associated with such material abundance is a profound statement, demonstrating a radical reorientation of values away from earthly indicators of success toward spiritual realities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, emphasizing that God is the active agent who "puts gladness" into the heart, not merely a passive observer. Secondly, it highlights the **Superiority of Spiritual Riches over Material Wealth**, asserting that true and lasting satisfaction comes from a relationship with God, rather than from fleeting earthly possessions or prosperity. This aligns with the wisdom tradition found in [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - Wisdom is More Precious Than Rubies"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Inner Peace and Contentment in God**, demonstrating that genuine peace and joy are internal states granted by God, independent of external circumstances, even when facing opposition or scarcity. This contrasts sharply with the "vain things" pursued by those mentioned earlier in [Psalm 4:2](/psalms/4-2 "Psalm 4:2 - How Long Will You Love Vain Things?").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gladness (Hebrew, שִׂמְחָה, _simchah_):** This term denotes a deep, profound, and often exuberant joy, mirth, or celebration. It is not a superficial happiness but an inner state of delight often associated with the presence of God, worship, festivals, and divine blessing. Unlike temporary pleasure, _simchah_ implies an enduring quality, a spiritual satisfaction that transcends outward circumstances. It is frequently used in contexts of rejoicing in the Lord (e.g., [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")).
* **Corn (Hebrew, דָּגָן, _dagan_):** Refers to grain, particularly wheat or barley, which were staple food crops in ancient Israel. It represents the primary source of sustenance and a fundamental indicator of agricultural prosperity and God's provision for the land and its people.
* **Wine (Hebrew, תִּירוֹשׁ, _tirosh_):** Specifically denotes new wine or fresh grape juice. Along with grain, it symbolized abundance, blessing, and often celebration. The increase of corn and wine was a tangible sign of a bountiful harvest and economic well-being, bringing natural joy and security to the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast put gladness in my heart":** This clause emphasizes the divine origin of David's joy. The verb "put" (נָתַתָּה, _natatta_) signifies an active, intentional bestowal by God. It is not a joy that David generates himself or finds in external circumstances, but a gift directly implanted by the Lord within his innermost being. This highlights God as the sovereign source of true, spiritual contentment.
* **"more than in the time [that] their corn and their wine increased":** This is a powerful comparative statement. David's divinely given gladness is not merely equal to, but qualitatively and quantitatively superior to, the joy experienced by others when their material prosperity (represented by abundant harvests of grain and new wine) flourishes. This comparison underscores that while material blessings can bring temporary delight, they cannot rival the profound, enduring, and satisfying joy that God alone provides. It shifts the focus from external abundance to internal spiritual richness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Comparison/Contrast** is central, setting the deep, God-given gladness of David's heart against the joy derived from material increase ("corn and wine"). This contrast highlights the qualitative difference between spiritual and worldly satisfaction. The phrase "more than" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the immense superiority and overwhelming nature of divine joy. It is not just a little more, but profoundly more, suggesting an incomparable measure. Furthermore, "corn and wine" serve as **Metaphors** or **Synecdoche** for all forms of material prosperity and worldly success. By using these common, vital elements of ancient life, the psalmist universalizes the comparison, making it clear that no earthly gain, however significant, can match the joy found in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 4:7 stands as a timeless theological statement on the nature of true joy and where it is ultimately found. It challenges the common human tendency to equate happiness with material acquisition or external circumstances, instead pointing to God as the sole and sufficient source of deep, abiding gladness. This divine joy is not dependent on a full granary or overflowing winepress; it is an internal spiritual reality that transcends economic prosperity or worldly success. The verse teaches that contentment is not found in what one possesses, but in the intimate relationship with the One who provides. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that spiritual blessings are infinitely more valuable and enduring than any earthly wealth, fostering a perspective that prioritizes God's presence and favor above all else. This theological truth liberates believers from the endless pursuit of fleeting pleasures, redirecting their hearts toward the inexhaustible wellspring of joy found in the Lord.

* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Paul's Secret of Contentment")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly urging us to find satisfaction in consumerism, career advancement, or social status, Psalms 4:7 serves as a radical counter-cultural declaration. It invites us to pause and honestly examine the true sources of our joy and contentment. Are we, like those David contrasts himself with, primarily seeking fulfillment in the increase of our "corn and wine"—our material possessions, financial security, or worldly achievements? Or do we cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with God, allowing His presence to be the wellspring of an inner gladness that remains steadfast regardless of external circumstances? This verse encourages a profound shift in perspective, urging us to reorient our desires and pursuits from the fleeting to the eternal. It calls us to trust that the joy God provides is not merely a temporary feeling, but a foundational state of being that sustains us through both abundance and scarcity, proving infinitely more satisfying and enduring than any earthly gain. Cultivating this God-given gladness involves prioritizing His presence, meditating on His Word, and finding our identity and security in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of joy and contentment in my life? How do they compare to the "gladness" David describes?**
* **In what ways do I, consciously or unconsciously, equate my happiness or security with material prosperity or worldly success?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate the "gladness" that God puts in the heart, even when external circumstances are challenging or uncertain?**
* **What practical steps can I take to shift my focus from external accumulation to internal spiritual transformation and reliance on God for joy?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "corn and wine" in this verse?**

Answer: "Corn and wine" (specifically grain and new wine) were the primary agricultural staples and indicators of prosperity in ancient Israel. They represented the tangible blessings of a bountiful harvest, economic well-being, and God's provision for the land and its people. The joy associated with their increase was a natural, worldly happiness tied to security and abundance. By contrasting his God-given gladness with the joy from "corn and wine," David highlights that true, deep, and lasting contentment comes from a spiritual source (God) rather than from material possessions or earthly success. It's not that material blessings are bad, but that the joy derived from them is qualitatively inferior and quantitatively less than the joy God provides.

**Is this verse suggesting that wealth or material prosperity is inherently bad?**

Answer: No, the verse is not an condemnation of wealth itself, nor does it suggest that material prosperity is inherently evil. The Bible often presents material blessings as gifts from God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Instead, Psalms 4:7 is a statement about *priorities* and the *source of true joy*. It teaches that while "corn and wine" (material blessings) can bring temporary happiness, they cannot provide the deep, abiding gladness that God alone places in the heart. The danger lies not in having wealth, but in making it the ultimate source of one's joy, security, or identity. The verse encourages us to seek our primary satisfaction in God, recognizing that His presence and favor are far more valuable than any earthly gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 4:7, with its declaration of God-given gladness surpassing worldly prosperity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's experience of a joy placed in his heart by God foreshadows the perfect and eternal joy that emanates from the person and work of Christ. Jesus himself is the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")) and the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), embodying the ultimate spiritual sustenance that far exceeds any earthly "corn and wine." The joy He offers is not contingent on outward circumstances or material increase but is an internal, spiritual reality, a fruit of the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Jesus promised His disciples a joy that no one could take from them ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Lasting Joy from Christ")), a joy that would be full and complete ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy in Believers")). Through His redemptive work on the cross, Christ has secured for believers access to the very presence of God, where "there is fullness of joy" ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")). Thus, the gladness David experienced is a foretaste of the perfect, unending joy found in knowing Christ, who is our ultimate treasure and the source of all true contentment and satisfaction, far surpassing any earthly 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

Isaiah 9:3

Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Psalms 63:2

To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Psalms 37:4

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

Psalms 43:4

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Psalms 92:4

For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Song Of Solomon 1:4

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.