CINXE.COM

<!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 21:4 He asked You for life, and You granted it--length of days, forever and ever.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/21-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_021_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 21:4 - After the Battle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He asked You for life, and You granted it--length of days, forever and ever." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/21-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/21-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/21-3.htm" title="Psalm 21:3">◄</a> Psalm 21:4 <a href="/psalms/21-5.htm" title="Psalm 21:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He asked you for life, and you gave it to him— length of days, for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of thee, <i>and</i> thou gavest <i>it</i> him, <i>even</i> length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He asked life from You, <i>and</i> You gave <i>it</i> to him— Length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked for life from You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He asked life of Thee, Thou didst give it to him, Length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of You, And You gave it to him, Long life forever and evermore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked you for life, and you gave it to him — length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked You for life, and You gave it to him— length of days forever and ever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him, Even length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He asked to live a long time, and you promised him life that never ends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him; even length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He asked you for life. You gave him a long life, forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He asked for life, and you gave it, a long and lasting life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He asked life from you, and you gave it to him— a long life for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He asked You for life, and You granted it?length of days, forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He asked you to sustain his life, and you have granted him long life and an enduring dynasty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of you, you gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it to him, even length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of you and you gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He has asked for life from You, "" You have given length of days to him, "" For all time and forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Life he hath asked from Thee, Thou hast given to him -- length of days, Age-during -- and for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He asked life from thee; thou gavest to him length of days forever and ever.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of thee: and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 20:5>He petitioned you for life, and you have granted him length of days, in the present time, and forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He asked you for life; you gave it to him— length of days forever and ever.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He asked you for life and you have given him the length of days to an eternity of eternities.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He asked life of Thee, Thou gavest it him; Even length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He asked life of thee, and thou gavest him length of days for ever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/21-4.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=2075" 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/21.htm">After the Battle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>For You welcomed him with rich blessings; You placed on his head a crown of pure gold. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: šā·’al (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">He asked You for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·mə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯat·tāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and You granted it—</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/753.htm" title="753: ’ō·reḵ (N-msc) -- Length. From 'arak; length.">length</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">of days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: ‘ō·w·lām (N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. ">forever</a> <a href="/hebrew/5703.htm" title="5703: wā·‘eḏ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Perpetuity. From adah; properly, a terminus, i.e. duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity.">and ever.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Great is his glory in Your salvation; You bestow on him splendor and majesty.…<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="/1_kings/3-14.htm">1 Kings 3:14</a></span><br />So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16</a></span><br />Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">1 Kings 3:11-13</a></span><br />So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— / behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-28.htm">1 Chronicles 29:28</a></span><br />He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-19.htm">2 Samuel 7:19</a></span><br />And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">1 Kings 1:31</a></span><br />Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Isaiah 53:10</a></span><br />Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-16.htm">2 Samuel 7:16</a></span><br />Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-45.htm">1 Kings 2:45</a></span><br />But King Solomon will be blessed and David’s throne will remain secure before the LORD forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">1 Kings 3:5</a></span><br />One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28</a></span><br />I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-18.htm">Revelation 1:18</a></span><br />the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a></span><br />Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Hebrews 7:16</a></span><br />one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a></span><br />Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He asked life of you, and you gave it him, even length of days for ever and ever.</p><p class="hdg">asked</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/13-3.htm">Psalm 13:3</a></b></br> Consider <i>and</i> hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the <i>sleep of</i> death;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Psalm 16:10,11</a></b></br> For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/61-5.htm">Psalm 61:5,6</a></b></br> For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given <i>me</i> the heritage of those that fear thy name… </p><p class="hdg">length</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/72-17.htm">Psalm 72:17</a></b></br> His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and <i>men</i> shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-29.htm">Psalm 89:29,36,37</a></b></br> His seed also will I make <i>to endure</i> for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-16.htm">Psalm 91:16</a></b></br> With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/41-4.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/psalms/19-9.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/psalms/21-2.htm">Gavest</a> <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/21-2.htm">Request</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/24-7.htm">Age-During</a> <a href="/psalms/21-6.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/psalms/74-14.htm">Gavest</a> <a href="/psalms/22-9.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Request</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/21-1.htm">A thanksgiving for victory</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/21-7.htm">with confidence of further success</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/21.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/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He asked You for life</b><br>In this phrase, the psalmist refers to King David's request for life, which can be understood both literally and spiritually. In the historical context, David often faced threats to his life, whether from enemies or during battles. His plea for life reflects a dependence on God for protection and sustenance. Biblically, asking for life can also symbolize a deeper yearning for spiritual vitality and a relationship with God, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>, where life is associated with joy and eternal pleasures in God's presence.<p><b>and You granted it—</b><br>This part of the verse highlights God's faithfulness in responding to the prayers of His anointed. The granting of life signifies God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises. In the broader biblical narrative, God's granting of life can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ, as referenced in <a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28</a>, where Jesus speaks of giving eternal life to His followers.<p><b>length of days,</b><br>The phrase "length of days" is often used in the Old Testament to denote a long and prosperous life, a common blessing in ancient Israelite culture. It reflects the covenantal promises found in <a href="/deuteronomy/5-33.htm">Deuteronomy 5:33</a>, where obedience to God's commandments is linked to prolonged life in the land. This concept is also echoed in <a href="/proverbs/3-2.htm">Proverbs 3:2</a>, which associates wisdom and understanding with long life and peace.<p><b>forever and ever.</b><br>This expression extends the promise of life beyond temporal existence, suggesting an eternal dimension. In the context of the Davidic covenant, it points to the everlasting kingdom promised to David's lineage, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the eternal King. The phrase "forever and ever" is a common biblical motif that underscores God's eternal nature and His unending reign, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/145-13.htm">Psalm 145:13</a> and <a href="/revelation/11-15.htm">Revelation 11:15</a>, where God's kingdom is described as everlasting.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, King David, is traditionally understood to be the speaker. He is expressing gratitude for God's blessings and protection.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The recipient of David's praise and the one who grants life and blessings. God is portrayed as the sovereign provider and sustainer.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>While David is the immediate subject, the psalm also prophetically points to the Messiah, the ultimate King, who is granted eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_gift_of_life.htm">The Gift of Life</a></b><br>Recognize that life is a gift from God. Just as David acknowledges God's granting of life, we should be thankful for each day and the eternal life offered through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Understand that the "length of days forever and ever" points to an eternal perspective. As believers, our hope is not just in this life but in the eternal life promised through Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_petition.htm">Prayer and Petition</a></b><br>David's request for life was granted by God. This teaches us the importance of bringing our desires and needs before God in prayer, trusting in His provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/messianic_fulfillment.htm">Messianic Fulfillment</a></b><br>See the fulfillment of this psalm in Jesus Christ, the eternal King. This encourages us to place our faith in Him, who conquered death and offers us eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_'eternal_life'_for_kings_explained.htm">Psalm 21:4: How can the promise of “length of days forever and ever” be reconciled with the mortality of Israel’s monarchs? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_23.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 23?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'heaven_and_earth_will_pass'.htm">What does 'Heaven and Earth will pass away' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_temple's_ruin_with_psalm_27_4.htm">(Psalm 27:4) How can one reconcile the desire to 'dwell in the house of the LORD' forever with the archaeological record of the ancient temple's destruction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">For ever</span> <span class= "bld">and ever.</span>--This is merely a term for indefinite length. (Comp. the common salutation of a king: <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm" title="Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.">1Kings 1:31</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm" title="And said to the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchers, lies waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?">Nehemiah 2:3</a>; <a href="/daniel/3-9.htm" title="They spoke and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.">Daniel 3:9</a>.) An allusion to the eternal kingdom of the Messiah is not to be forced on the passage.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.</span> The "life" intended cannot be ordinary human life, since in David' s case this certainly did not continue "for ever and ever." We must understand the psalmist to have asked for continuance <span class="accented">in his posterity</span>, and this was guaranteed him in the message which God sent him by Nathan (<a href="/2_samuel/7-13.htm">2 Samuel 7:13, 16</a>). In the full sense the promise was, of course, Messianic, being fulfilled only in Christ, the God-Man, who alone of David' s posterity "liveth for ever." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/21-4.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">He asked You for</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life,</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיִּ֤ים ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and You granted it—</span><br /><span class="heb">נָתַ֣תָּה</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯat·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">length</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹ֥רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_753.htm">Strong's 753: </a> </span><span class="str2">Length</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝מִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forever</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹלָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5769.htm">Strong's 5769: </a> </span><span class="str2">Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ever.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָעֶֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·‘eḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5703.htm">Strong's 5703: </a> </span><span class="str2">A, terminus, duration, advance, perpetuity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/21-4.htm">Psalm 21:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/21-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 21:4 He asked life of you you gave (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/21-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 21:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 21:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/21-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 21:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 21:5" /></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>