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I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/43.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/43.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/43.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/43.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/43.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/43.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And I will praise You on the lyre, God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/43.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/43.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise Thee, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/43.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/43.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, To God, my exceeding joy; With the lyre I will praise You, O God, my God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/43.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/43.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will come to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the lyre, God, my God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/43.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then will I go unto the altar of God, Unto God my exceeding joy; And upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/43.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then I will worship at your altar because you make me joyful. You are my God, and I will praise you. Yes, I will praise you as I play my harp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/43.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: and upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/43.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then let me go to the altar of God, to God my [highest] joy, and I will give thanks to you on the lyre, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/43.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then I will go to your altar, O God; you are the source of my happiness. I will play my harp and sing praise to you, O God, my God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/43.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I will approach the altar of God, even to God in whom my joy finds its source. Then I will praise you with the lyre, God, my God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/43.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/43.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to the God who gives me ecstatic joy, so that I express my thanks to you, O God, my God, with a harp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/43.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/43.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy: yes, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/43.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/43.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I go to the altar of God, "" To God, the joy of my rejoicing. And I thank You with a harp, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/43.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I go in unto the altar of God, Unto God, the joy of my rejoicing. And I thank Thee with a harp, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/43.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I will come to the altar of God, to God the gladness of my joy: and I will praise thee upon the harp, O God, my God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/43.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I will go in to the altar of God : to God who giveth joy to my youth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/43.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 42:4>And I will enter, up to the altar of God, to God who enlivens my youthfulness. To you, O God, my God, I will confess upon a stringed instrument.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/43.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Why are you downcast, my soul? Why do you groan within me? Wait for God, for I shall again praise him, my savior and my God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/43.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/43.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then will I go before the altar of God, to God who makes me joyful with the joy of youth; yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/43.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I shall come to the altar of God, and to God who gladdens my youth. I shall praise you on the harp, oh, God, my God.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/43.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God, my exceeding joy; And praise Thee upon the harp, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/43.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I will go in to the altar of God, to God who gladdens my youth: I will give thanks to thee on the harp, O God, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/43-4.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=5093" 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/43.htm">Send Out Your Light</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to the place where You dwell. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wə·’ā·ḇō·w·’āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">Then I will go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: miz·baḥ (N-msc) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altar</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: ’êl (N-msc) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty.">God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥaṯ (N-fsc) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">my greatest joy.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1524.htm" title="1524: gî·lî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A revolution, joy. From giyl; a revolution; also joy."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3034.htm" title="3034: wə·’ō·wḏ·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.h-1cs:: 2ms) -- To throw, cast. ">I will praise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3658.htm" title="3658: ḇə·ḵin·nō·wr (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A lyre. From a unused root meaning to twang; a harp.">You with the harp,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">my God.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.…<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="/psalms/42-2.htm">Psalm 42:2</a></span><br />My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/84-2.htm">Psalm 84:2</a></span><br />My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a></span><br />You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-6.htm">Psalm 27:6</a></span><br />Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/122-1.htm">Psalm 122:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Psalm 26:6-7</a></span><br />I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, / to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-2.htm">Psalm 63:2-5</a></span><br />So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. / Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. / So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-8.htm">Psalm 36:8</a></span><br />They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/65-4.htm">Psalm 65:4</a></span><br />Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/100-4.htm">Psalm 100:4</a></span><br />Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-10.htm">Isaiah 35:10</a></span><br />So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-11.htm">Isaiah 51:11</a></span><br />So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></span><br />I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-14.htm">2 Samuel 6:14</a></span><br />And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: yes, on the harp will I praise you, O God my God.</p><p class="hdg">Then</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-13.htm">Psalm 66:13-15</a></b></br> I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/116-12.htm">Psalm 116:12-19</a></b></br> What shall I render unto the LORD <i>for</i> all his benefits toward me? … </p><p class="hdg">my exceeding joy [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/71-23.htm">Psalm 71:23</a></b></br> My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a></b></br> I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh <i>himself</i> with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth <i>herself</i> with her jewels.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/3-17.htm">Habakkuk 3:17,18</a></b></br> Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither <i>shall</i> fruit <i>be</i> in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and <i>there shall be</i> no herd in the stalls: … </p><p class="hdg">upon</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-8.htm">Psalm 57:8</a></b></br> Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I <i>myself</i> will awake early.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/71-22.htm">Psalm 71:22</a></b></br> I will also praise thee with the psaltery, <i>even</i> thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/81-2.htm">Psalm 81:2</a></b></br> Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.</p><p class="hdg">O God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/42-6.htm">Psalm 42:6</a></b></br> O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/psalms/41-11.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/psalms/21-6.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/42-11.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Rejoicing</a> <a href="/psalms/35-18.htm">Thank</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/51-19.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/psalms/105-24.htm">Exceeding</a> <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/psalms/44-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/43-5.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/45-15.htm">Rejoicing</a> <a href="/psalms/44-8.htm">Thank</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 43</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">David, praying to be restored to the temple, promises to serve God joyfully</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/43-5.htm">He encourages his soul to trust in God</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/43.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/43.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then I will go to the altar of God</b><br>The altar in ancient Israel was central to worship and sacrifice, symbolizing a place of meeting between God and His people. It was where offerings were made to atone for sin and express devotion. The psalmist's intention to go to the altar signifies a desire for reconciliation and communion with God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking God's presence, as seen in the tabernacle and temple practices (<a href="/exodus/27.htm">Exodus 27:1-8</a>, <a href="/1_kings/8-22.htm">1 Kings 8:22-61</a>). The altar also foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, as He is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system (<a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Hebrews 9:11-14</a>).<p><b>to God, my greatest joy</b><br>The psalmist identifies God as the source of his deepest joy, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the character and presence of God. The phrase echoes the sentiments found in other psalms, such as <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a>, which speaks of the fullness of joy in God's presence. It highlights the biblical truth that true joy is found in God alone, surpassing all earthly pleasures and achievements.<p><b>I will praise You with the harp</b><br>The use of the harp in worship was common in ancient Israel, as seen in the practices of King David, who was known for his musical skills (<a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23</a>, <a href="/2_samuel/6-5.htm">2 Samuel 6:5</a>). Music played a significant role in expressing worship and adoration to God. The harp, a stringed instrument, was often used in temple worship and personal devotion. This phrase underscores the importance of music in worship and the expression of praise, as seen throughout the Psalms (<a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Psalm 33:2</a>, <a href="/psalms/150-3.htm">Psalm 150:3</a>).<p><b>O God, my God</b><br>The repetition of "God" emphasizes the personal relationship and covenantal bond between the psalmist and the Lord. It reflects a deep sense of belonging and trust in God as a personal deity, not just a distant or abstract being. This personal address is a common feature in the Psalms, illustrating the intimate connection believers are invited to have with God (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>, <a href="/psalms/63.htm">Psalm 63:1</a>). It also points to the New Testament revelation of God as Father, with whom believers have a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (<a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/43.htm">Psalm 43</a>, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses a deep longing for God's presence and deliverance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_altar_of_god.htm">The Altar of God</a></b><br>A sacred place where sacrifices and offerings were made, symbolizing communion with God and His presence.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Referred to as the source of the psalmist's greatest joy, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_harp.htm">The Harp</a></b><br>A musical instrument used in worship, symbolizing praise and celebration of God's goodness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a></b><br>Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is implied as the place where the altar resides, representing God's dwelling place among His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_altar_as_a_place_of_encounter.htm">The Altar as a Place of Encounter</a></b><br>The altar represents a place where we meet God, offering our lives as living sacrifices in worship and devotion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_our_greatest_joy.htm">God as Our Greatest Joy</a></b><br>True joy is found in a relationship with God, surpassing all earthly pleasures and circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_music_in_worship.htm">The Role of Music in Worship</a></b><br>Music, like the harp, is a powerful tool for expressing praise and adoration to God, enhancing our worship experience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_relationship_with_god.htm">Personal Relationship with God</a></b><br>The psalmist's use of "my God" emphasizes the importance of a personal and intimate relationship with the Creator.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/longing_for_god's_presence.htm">Longing for God's Presence</a></b><br>Just as the psalmist longs to be at the altar, believers should cultivate a deep desire for God's presence in their daily lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_43.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 43</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_worship_in_psalm_43_4.htm">What archaeological evidence, if any, supports the psalmist’s depiction of worship in Psalm 43:4? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_bible_verses_ease_anxiety.htm">What brings true joy according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_brings_true_joy_in_the_bible.htm">What brings true joy according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_43_2_imply_god_forsakes.htm">Why does Psalm 43:2 suggest God has forsaken the writer, when other passages emphasize God’s constant presence? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/43.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">God my God.</span>--An expression used in this collection instead of the more usual "Jehovah my God." (Comp. <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm" title="You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.">Psalm 45:7</a>, and for its import see <span class= "ital">General Introduction, </span>and <a href="/psalms/50-7.htm" title="Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, even your God.">Psalm 50:7</a>, Note.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/43.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then will I go unto the altar Of God</span>. As the special place where thanksgiving ought to be made, and sacrifice offered (see <a href="/2_samuel/6-17.htm">2 Samuel 6:17</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/16-1.htm">1 Chronicles 16:1</a>). Unto God my exceeding Joy; literally, <span class="accented">unto God the gladness of my exultation. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Yea</span>, <span class="cmt_word">upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.</span> The psalmist has before him some such scene as that depicted in <a href="/2_samuel/6.htm">2 Samuel 6</a>. and <a href="/1_chronicles/15-25.htm">1 Chronicles 15:25-29</a>, where, amid shouts and singing and dancing, and "with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, with psalteries and harps," a joyful procession approached the tabernacle, David himself taking part in it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/43-4.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">Then I will go</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָב֤וֹאָה ׀</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·ḇō·w·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the altar</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְבַּ֬ח</span> <span class="translit">(miz·baḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> </span><span class="str2">An altar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵל֮</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my greatest joy.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחַ֪ת</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will praise</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאוֹדְךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ō·wḏ·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3034.htm">Strong's 3034: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You with the harp,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְכִנּ֗וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḵin·nō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3658.htm">Strong's 3658: </a> </span><span class="str2">A harp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">my God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/43-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 43:4 Then I will go to the altar (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/43-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 43:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 43:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/43-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 43:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 43:5" /></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>