What does Psalm 128:4 mean?
ESV: Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
NIV: Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.
NASB: Behold, for so shall a man Who fears the Lord be blessed.
CSB: In this very way the man who fears the Lord will be blessed.
NLT: That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
KJV: Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
NKJV: Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.
Verse Commentary:
In the ancient world, prosperity was seen as a sign of divine approval, and nearly all hardship was interpreted as divine punishment (John 9:1–2). That interpretation is not true (John 9:3). However, those who follow the instructions given by their own Creator are much more likely to experience success (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27). Israel—as a nation—was given a unique promise of blessings in response to their obedience to the Lord (Deuteronomy 30:15–18). In this psalm, the writer has celebrated the good things which come from a proper reverence of God (Psalm 128:1–3).
Proverbs emphasizes that godly wisdom leads to happiness, while disobedience creates disaster (Proverbs 3:5–8; 8:33–36).
Verse Context:
Psalm 128:3–4 continues to list the benefits of a worshipful, obedient "fear" of God (Proverbs 9:10–11). Hardships can come to anyone, no matter how pious (John 16:33; Psalm 90:10). But the Lord's path brings much less risk of disaster (Proverbs 14:27). These benefits extend to one's marriage and family.
Chapter Summary:
Those who properly honor and follow the Lord are said to "fear" Him (Proverbs 9:10–11). This results in being blessed. The psalm does not guarantee prosperity, but Scripture indicates that the Lord's commands offer greater chance of success and less chance of negative consequences (Proverbs 8:33–36). Godly living benefits one's marriage, children, and life in general. The psalm ends with a prayer of blessing which refers to Zion, the location of Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:1).
Chapter Context:
This is one of fifteen songs labeled "of ascents" (Psalms 120—134). These were used when traveling "up" the hills to Jerusalem for various festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Themes in this psalm echo lessons from the book of Proverbs regarding the benefits of godly wisdom (Proverbs 9:10–11; 11:3–8; 14:27). Other psalms make similar remarks (Psalm 112:1; 119:1).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 3/31/2025 12:05:55 AM
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