In God, whose word I praise
This phrase emphasizes the psalmist's deep reverence and trust in God's word. The "word" here can be understood as God's promises, commands, and revelations found in the Scriptures. The psalmist's praise of God's word reflects a belief in its truth and reliability. This aligns with other biblical passages that highlight the power and importance of God's word, such as Psalm 119:105, which describes it as a lamp to one's feet and a light to one's path. The act of praising God's word suggests a heart posture of worship and acknowledgment of its divine authority.

in God I trust
Trust in God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and this phrase underscores the psalmist's reliance on God rather than human strength or wisdom. Trusting in God implies a relationship built on faith and confidence in His character and promises. This trust is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises believers to trust in the Lord with all their heart. The historical context of David's life, often marked by trials and threats, provides a backdrop for understanding the depth of this trust. Despite his circumstances, David consistently turned to God as his refuge and strength.

I will not be afraid
The declaration of fearlessness is a result of the psalmist's trust in God. Fear is a natural human response to danger or uncertainty, but the psalmist's confidence in God's protection and sovereignty dispels fear. This sentiment is mirrored in Isaiah 41:10, where God reassures His people not to fear because He is with them. The cultural context of ancient Israel, surrounded by hostile nations and internal strife, would have made fear a common experience, yet the psalmist chooses faith over fear.

What can man do to me?
This rhetorical question highlights the psalmist's belief in God's ultimate power and protection. While humans can cause physical harm or distress, they cannot thwart God's plans or separate the believer from His love. This perspective is reinforced in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 8:31-39, where Paul asserts that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The psalmist's question reflects a profound understanding of God's sovereignty and the limitations of human power in comparison to divine authority.

1. David
The author of Psalm 56, David wrote this psalm during a time of great distress when he was seized by the Philistines in Gath. His trust in God amidst fear is a central theme.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. David's capture by them sets the backdrop for this psalm.

3. Gath
A Philistine city where David was taken. It represents a place of danger and fear for David, yet also a place where he expressed profound trust in God.Trust in God's Word
The phrase "whose word I praise" emphasizes the importance of valuing and trusting in God's promises. In times of fear, believers are encouraged to turn to Scripture for reassurance and strength.

Overcoming Fear
David's declaration, "I will not be afraid," serves as a model for believers to confront fear with faith. Trusting in God diminishes the power of fear over our lives.

Human Limitations
The rhetorical question, "What can man do to me?" reminds us of the limitations of human power compared to God's sovereignty. It encourages believers to focus on God's omnipotence rather than human threats.

Praise as a Weapon
Praising God, even in difficult circumstances, shifts our focus from problems to the Provider. It is a powerful tool for maintaining faith and trust.

Faith in Action
Trusting God should lead to practical steps of faith, such as prayer, worship, and obedience, even when circumstances are challenging.(4) In God.--This verse, which forms the refrain (Psalm 56:11-12 are wrongly separated), is as it stands hardly intelligible, and the text is rendered suspicious by the fact that the LXX. read "my words," instead of "his word," and by the omission of the suffix altogether in Psalm 56:11, where the first clause of the refrain is doubled. The obvious treatment of the verse is to take the construction as in Psalm 44:8, "I praise God with my word," i.e., in spite of all my enemies I find words to praise God.

I will not.--Rather, I fear not What can flesh do?

Verse 4. ? In God I will praise his word; rather, through God; i.e. "with God's help, by his grace," I am ready to praise whatever sentence he pronounces, whatever flat goes forth from him. In God I have put my trust (so again, ver. 11). This is at once the refrain and the keynote of the psalm. In all dangers, in all troubles, whatever happens, whatever seems to be impending, the psalmist will never relinquish his trust in the Almighty. I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. This is the true martyr spirit. Compare our Lord's words, "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28).

Parallel Commentaries ...


In God,
בֵּאלֹהִים֮ (bê·lō·hîm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

whose word
דְּבָ֫ר֥וֹ (də·ḇā·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

I praise,
אֲהַלֵּ֪ל (’ă·hal·lêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1984: To shine

in God
בֵּאלֹהִ֣ים (bê·lō·hîm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

I trust;
בָּ֭טַחְתִּי (bā·ṭaḥ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

I will not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be afraid.
אִירָ֑א (’î·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

can man
בָשָׂ֣ר (ḇā·śār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man

do
יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

to me?
לִֽי׃ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew


Psalm 56:4 NIV
Psalm 56:4 NLT
Psalm 56:4 ESV
Psalm 56:4 NASB
Psalm 56:4 KJV

Psalm 56:4 BibleApps.com
Psalm 56:4 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 56:4 Chinese Bible
Psalm 56:4 French Bible
Psalm 56:4 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 56:4 In God I praise his word (Psalm Ps Psa.)