Old Testament
Psalms 16:4
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Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
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Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
What Psalms 16:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist warns that those who pursue other gods will face increased sorrow and suffering. The act of seeking after false deities leads to a life filled with pain and disappointment. The psalmist also declares a commitment to worship only the true God, refusing to participate in pagan rituals or even mention the names of these false gods. This highlights the importance of loyalty to God and the dangers of idolatry. The verse serves as a reminder that turning away from God can lead to negative consequences, while true devotion brings peace and fulfillment. The psalmist emphasizes the seriousness of worship and the need to avoid anything that detracts from a relationship with the one true God.
How to apply Psalms 16:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our priorities and ensure that we are not placing anything above our relationship with God. It reminds us to avoid distractions and false beliefs that can lead to sorrow. Instead, we should focus on true worship and devotion to God alone.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 16:4 mean?
Psalms 16:4 warns that those who chase after other gods will experience increased sorrow. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty to the true God and the negative consequences of idolatry.
What is the meaning of idolatry in Psalms 16:4?
In Psalms 16:4, idolatry refers to the act of worshiping false gods or putting anything above the true God. The verse highlights that pursuing these false deities leads to sorrow and disappointment.
How does Psalms 16:4 relate to loyalty to God?
Psalms 16:4 emphasizes loyalty to God by contrasting the sorrows of those who worship other gods with the psalmist's commitment to true worship. It serves as a reminder to prioritize one's relationship with God.
What are the consequences of sin in Psalms 16:4?
The consequences of sin in Psalms 16:4 include multiplied sorrows for those who turn to other gods. The verse warns that seeking fulfillment outside of a relationship with the true God leads to pain and disappointment.
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