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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/56-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_056_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 56:4 - Be Merciful to Me, O God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust. I will not be afraid. 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What can mere mortals do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/56.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/56.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/56.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/56.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/56.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can <i>mere</i> mortals do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/56.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/56.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can <i>mere</i> man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/56.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can <i>mere</i> man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/56.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/56.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/56.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/56.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />In God (I will praise his word), In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can flesh do unto me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/56.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I praise your promises! I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/56.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In God I will praise his word: in God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; what can flesh do unto me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/56.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I praise the word of God. I trust God. I am not afraid. What can mere flesh [and blood] do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/56.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/56.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, in God I put my trust. I will not fear what mortal man can do to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/56.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise?in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/56.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In God--I boast in his promise--in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/56.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/56.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/56.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/56.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In God I praise His word, in God I have trusted, "" I do not fear what flesh does to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/56.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In God I praise His word, in God I have trusted, I fear not what flesh doth to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/56.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In God I will praise his word, in God I trusted; I will not fear what flesh shall do to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/56.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/56.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 55:4>From the height of the day, I will be afraid. But truly, I will hope in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/56.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I praise the word of God; I trust in God, I do not fear. What can mere flesh do to me? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/56.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/56.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In God I will be glorified, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what man can do to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/56.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In God I shall triumph; in God I have hoped; I will not be afraid what a man does to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/56.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />In God--I will praise His word-- In God do I trust, I will not be afraid; What can flesh do unto me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/56.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />In God I will praise my words; all the day have I hoped in God; I will not fear what flesh shall do to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/56-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6620" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm">Be Merciful to Me, O God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: bê·lō·hîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">In God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">whose word</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: ’ă·hal·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To shine.">I praise—</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: bê·lō·hîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">in God</a> <a href="/hebrew/982.htm" title="982: bā·ṭaḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">I trust.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: ’î·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: ḇā·śār (N-ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">can man</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me?</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/12-2.htm">Isaiah 12:2</a></span><br />Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a></span><br />So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6</a></span><br />The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-7.htm">Jeremiah 17:7</a></span><br />But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a></span><br />For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a></span><br />The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></span><br />Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a></span><br />Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a></span><br />I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.</p><p class="hdg">In God I will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/56-10.htm">Psalm 56:10,11</a></b></br> In God will I praise <i>his</i> word: in the LORD will I praise <i>his</i> word… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Psalm 12:6</a></b></br> The words of the LORD <i>are</i> pure words: <i>as</i> silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7,8</a></b></br> The law of the LORD <i>is</i> perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD <i>is</i> sure, making wise the simple… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-35.htm">John 10:35</a></b></br> If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;</p><p class="hdg">in God I have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. The LORD <i>is</i> my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD <i>is</i> the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God <i>is</i> our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/118-6.htm">Psalm 118:6</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/50-13.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/psalms/39-11.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/psalms/42-10.htm">Mortal</a> <a href="/psalms/54-6.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Trusted</a> <a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/56-11.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/psalms/56-11.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/psalms/56-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/63-1.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/psalms/56-11.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/psalms/82-7.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/psalms/90-3.htm">Mortal</a> <a href="/psalms/56-10.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/56-11.htm">Trust</a> <a href="/psalms/56-11.htm">Trusted</a> <a href="/psalms/56-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 56</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">David, praying to God in confidence of his word, complains of his enemies,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">He professes his confidence in God's word, and promises to praise him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/56.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/56.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>In God, whose word I praise</b><br>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 <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, 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.<p><b>in God I trust</b><br>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 <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, 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.<p><b>I will not be afraid</b><br>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 <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a>, 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.<p><b>What can man do to me?</b><br>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 <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31-39</a>, 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm">Psalm 56</a>, 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. David's capture by them sets the backdrop for this psalm.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_word.htm">Trust in God's Word</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/overcoming_fear.htm">Overcoming Fear</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_limitations.htm">Human Limitations</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/praise_as_a_weapon.htm">Praise as a Weapon</a></b><br>Praising God, even in difficult circumstances, shifts our focus from problems to the Provider. It is a powerful tool for maintaining faith and trust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Trusting God should lead to practical steps of faith, such as prayer, worship, and obedience, even when circumstances are challenging.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_56.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 56</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_claim_divine_protection_if_david_fled.htm">How can Psalm 56 claim divine protection (Psalm 56:4, 9) when historical sources show David repeatedly endangered and even fleeing for his life? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_face_accidents_and_anxiety.htm">Proverbs 3:23-24 speaks of safety and peaceful rest--how do we explain accidents and anxiety among believers who follow these teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_trust_god_in_psalm_56_despite_no_rescue.htm">Why does Psalm 56 emphasize trust in God for rescue (Psalm 56:3-4) when many faithful believers in history have faced death without apparent intervention?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_tim_1_7_contradict_human_fear.htm">In 2 Timothy 1:7, does 'a spirit not of fear' contradict human experiences of fear and anxiety, or is this just idealistic language?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/56.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">In God.</span>--This verse, which forms the refrain (<a href="/context/psalms/56-11.htm" title="In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do to me.">Psalm 56:11-12</a> 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 <a href="/psalms/56-11.htm" title="In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do to me.">Psalm 56:11</a>, where the first clause of the refrain is doubled. The obvious treatment of the verse is to take the construction as in <a href="/psalms/44-8.htm" title="In God we boast all the day long, and praise your name for ever. Selah.">Psalm 44:8</a>, "I praise God with my word," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>in spite of all my enemies I find words to praise God.<p><span class= "bld">I will not.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">I fear not What can flesh do?</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/56.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> ? <span class="cmt_word">In God I will praise his word;</span> rather, <span class="accented">through God; i.e.</span> "with God's help, by his grace," I am ready to praise whatever sentence he pronounces, whatever flat goes forth from him. <span class="cmt_word">In God I have put my trust</span> (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. <span class="cmt_word">I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.</span> 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" (<a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/56-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">In God,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּאלֹהִים֮</span> <span class="translit">(bê·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whose word</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבָ֫ר֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇā·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I praise,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲהַלֵּ֪ל</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·hal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in God</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּאלֹהִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(bê·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I trust;</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֭טַחְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ṭaḥ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trust, be confident, sure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be afraid.</span><br /><span class="heb">אִירָ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(’î·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can man</span><br /><span class="heb">בָשָׂ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·śār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do</span><br /><span class="heb">יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me?</span><br /><span class="heb">לִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/56-4.htm">Psalm 56:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/56-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 56:4 In God I praise his word (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 56:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 56:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/56-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 56:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 56:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>