Psalm 40:4 NIV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 40:4

(4) Respecteth not.—Better, turneth not towards proud men and false apostates. The words are, however, somewhat obscure. The LXX. and Vulg. have “vanities and false madnesses.” The words we have rendered false apostates are by some translated “turners after idols.” Idolatry is doubtless implied, but not expressed. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 40:1-17

The Messianic Watchword Psalms 40:8 These words are quoted by the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews as a Messianic prophecy; and are used at the same time to indicate the supreme element of value in the sacrifice which redeems mankind. The words were indited in some sweet thrilling springtime of the singer's history, possibly at his anointing for the kingship, or when the Lord had given him rest from his enemies; but he fell short, and generations afterwards the ideal was fulfilled by... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:1-17

Psalms 40:1-17THE closing verses of this psalm reappear with slight changes as an independent whole in Psalms 70:1-5. The question arises whether that is a fragment or this a conglomerate. Modern opinion inclines to the latter alternative, and points in support to the obvious change of tone in the second part. But that change does not coincide with the supposed line of junction, since Psalms 70:1-5 begins with our Psalms 40:13, and the change begins with Psalms 40:12. Cheyne and others are... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 40:1-17

Psalms 40:0 Christ the Obedient One and the Fruit of His Work 1. The path of the Obedient One (Psalms 40:1-12 ) 2. His prayer and His comfort (Psalms 40:13-17 ) Psalms 40:1-12 . The Fortieth and Forty-first Psalms are Messianic. Our Redeemer and Israel’s Redeemer is blessedly revealed in them both and with the testimony to Him the first book of the Psalms closes. Psalms 40:1-17 begins with what may be termed “Christ’s resurrection song.” He came and went as the sin-bearer into the horrible... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 40:4

40:4 Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth {d} not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.(d) To follow their example, which he must do who trusts not only in the Lord. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:1-17

Psalms 38:0 An appeal to God from chastisement because of iniquity (Psalms 38:1-4 ). The mental anguish is described in figures of physical disease, and yet it is not impossible that such disease may have been part of the chastisement (Psalms 38:5-8 ). The desertion of friends and the opposition of enemies also entered into it (Psalms 38:10-17 ). There are verses susceptible of an application to Christ, but others would prevent its application as a whole to him. Psalms 40:0 Messianic (compare... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 40:4-5

What a blessed testimony is here found in the Old Testament church concerning the whole New Testament dispensation. By him, that is Christ, all that believe are justified from all things. Acts 13:39 . And who is there that doth not feel his whole soul constrained into the same acknowledgment, as is here expressed under a sense of divine mercy; who indeed is able to express the noble acts of the Lord, or show forth all his praise? Psalms 106:2 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 40:4

His bed. Literally, "on the bed of his sorrow." His, seems to have been formerly in Hebrew, (Houbigant) though it be now omitted, (Berthier) as it was in the time of Symmachus, "the bed of misery," (St. Jerome) of infirmity. --- Thou hast. Hebrew, "thou wilt make." Protestants, "turn," (marginal note; Haydock) "change, or take away." In the east, the bed was removed entirely, (John v. 8.) and this expression may denote, (Calmet) that the sick man should be cured, and no longer be confined to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 40:1-5

1-5 Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Psalms 40:1-17

Prophecy of Christ's Suffering and Prophetic Office. To the chief musician, for performance in liturgical services, a psalm of David, the Messiah Himself speaking through his mouth and pen. Cf Hebrews 10:5-Judges :. v. 1. I waited patiently for the Lord, literally, "Waiting, I waited for Jehovah," the expression denoting the long siege of patient waiting for the help which the Messiah confidently expected; and He inclined unto Me, bowing down to Him in gracious tenderness, and heard My... read more