Psalm 21:4
New International Version
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him— length of days, for ever and ever.

New Living Translation
He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever.

English Standard Version
He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible
He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.

Berean Literal Bible
Life he has asked from You, and You gave it to him—length of days, forever and ever.

King James Bible
He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

New King James Version
He asked life from You, and You gave it to him— Length of days forever and ever.

New American Standard Bible
He asked for life from You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.

NASB 1995
He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.

NASB 1977
He asked life of Thee, Thou didst give it to him, Length of days forever and ever.

Legacy Standard Bible
He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever.

Amplified Bible
He asked life of You, And You gave it to him, Long life forever and evermore.

Berean Annotated Bible
He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.

Christian Standard Bible
He asked you for life, and you gave it to him — length of days forever and ever.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He asked You for life, and You gave it to him— length of days forever and ever.

American Standard Version
He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him, Even length of days for ever and ever.

Contemporary English Version
He asked to live a long time, and you promised him life that never ends.

English Revised Version
He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him; even length of days for ever and ever.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He asked you for life. You gave him a long life, forever and ever.

Good News Translation
He asked for life, and you gave it, a long and lasting life.

International Standard Version
He asked life from you, and you gave it to him— a long life for ever and ever.

NET Bible
He asked you to sustain his life, and you have granted him long life and an enduring dynasty.

New Heart English Bible
He asked life of you, you gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever.

Webster's Bible Translation
He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it to him, even length of days for ever and ever.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.

World English Bible
He asked life of you and you gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has asked for life from You, "" You have given length of days to him, "" For all time and forever.

Berean Literal Bible
Life he has asked from You, and You gave it to him—length of days, forever and ever.

Young's Literal Translation
Life he hath asked from Thee, Thou hast given to him -- length of days, Age-during -- and for ever.

Smith's Literal Translation
He asked life from thee; thou gavest to him length of days forever and ever.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He asked life of thee: and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He petitioned you for life, and you have granted him length of days, in the present time, and forever and ever.

New American Bible
He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever.

New Revised Standard Version
He asked you for life; you gave it to him— length of days forever and ever.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He asked you for life and you have given him the length of days to an eternity of eternities.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He asked life of Thee, Thou gavest it him; Even length of days for ever and ever.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He asked life of thee, and thou gavest him length of days for ever and ever.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
After the Battle
3For You welcomed him with rich blessings; You placed on his head a crown of pure gold. 4He asked You for life, and You granted it— length of days, forever and ever. 5Great is his glory in Your salvation; You bestow on him splendor and majesty.…

Cross References
He asked You for life,

2 Kings 20:2-3
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, / “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Isaiah 38:2-3
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, / saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Psalm 61:6-7
Increase the days of the king’s life; may his years span many generations. / May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.
and You granted it—

2 Kings 20:4-6
Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, / “Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. / I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”

Isaiah 38:4-5
And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, / “Go and tell Hezekiah that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.

Psalm 30:1-3
A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David. I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me. / O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. / O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit.
length of days,

Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.

Proverbs 9:10-11
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. / For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

Psalm 91:16
With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”
forever and ever.

Psalm 45:6-7
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. / You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.

Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”

Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.
1 Kings 3:14
So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.”

Proverbs 3:16
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

1 Kings 3:11-13
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.

1 Chronicles 29:28
He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.


Treasury of Scripture

He asked life of you, and you gave it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

asked

Psalm 13:3
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Psalm 16:10,11
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption…

Psalm 61:5,6
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name…

length

Psalm 72:17
His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

Psalm 89:29,36,37
His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven…

Psalm 91:16
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

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Psalm 21
1. A thanksgiving for victory
7. with confidence of further success












He asked You for life
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 Psalm 16:11, where life is associated with joy and eternal pleasures in God's presence.

and You granted it—
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 John 10:28, where Jesus speaks of giving eternal life to His followers.

length of days,
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 Deuteronomy 5:33, where obedience to God's commandments is linked to prolonged life in the land. This concept is also echoed in Proverbs 3:2, which associates wisdom and understanding with long life and peace.

forever and ever.
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 Psalm 145:13 and Revelation 11:15, where God's kingdom is described as everlasting.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of the psalm, King David, is traditionally understood to be the speaker. He is expressing gratitude for God's blessings and protection.

2. God
The recipient of David's praise and the one who grants life and blessings. God is portrayed as the sovereign provider and sustainer.

3. The King
While David is the immediate subject, the psalm also prophetically points to the Messiah, the ultimate King, who is granted eternal life.
Teaching Points
The Gift of Life
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.

Eternal Perspective
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.

Prayer and Petition
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.

Messianic Fulfillment
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.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 21:4?

2. How does Psalm 21:4 reflect God's sovereignty in granting life and blessings?

3. What does "length of days forever and ever" symbolize in Psalm 21:4?

4. How can we seek God's will in our desires, as seen in Psalm 21:4?

5. Which other scriptures emphasize God's role in granting life and blessings?

6. How can we apply the promise of life in Psalm 21:4 to our faith?

7. How does Psalm 21:4 reflect God's promise of eternal life to believers?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 21:4?

9. How does Psalm 21:4 align with the overall theme of divine kingship in the Psalms?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 21?

11. Psalm 21:4: How can the promise of “length of days forever and ever” be reconciled with the mortality of Israel’s monarchs?

12. What is the meaning of Psalm 23?

13. What does 'Heaven and Earth will pass away' mean?

14. (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?
What Does Psalm 21:4 Mean
He asked You for life

- King David’s first instinct is prayer; he recognizes that every heartbeat is in God’s hands (Psalm 3:5; Acts 17:25).

- The request is literal: protection on the battlefield and preservation on the throne (2 Samuel 5:10; Psalm 20:1).

- It is also prophetic. The Messianic King, Jesus, petitions the Father and is heard “because of His reverence” (Hebrews 5:7; Psalm 16:10–11).

- When we echo this prayer, we confess that life—physical and eternal—comes only from the LORD (John 10:10; John 11:25–26).


and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever

- God answers abundantly: David’s dynasty is promised an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 89:29).

- The resurrection of Christ fulfills the promise perfectly; He now “lives forever and ever” (Revelation 1:18; Acts 2:31).

- Because the King lives, He can share His “unfading crown of glory” with all who trust Him (1 Peter 5:4; John 3:16).

- Eternity is not poetic exaggeration; it is God’s literal guarantee to His people (Psalm 23:6; 1 John 5:11–12).


summary

Psalm 21:4 celebrates a prayer answered beyond measure. The King asks for life; God grants everlasting life. Historically, David tasted a long, secure reign. Prophetically, Jesus secures unending life through His resurrection. Personally, everyone united to this King shares the same sure promise: days without end in the presence of the Lord.

(4) For ever and ever.--This is merely a term for indefinite length. (Comp. the common salutation of a king: 1Kings 1:31; Nehemiah 2:3; Daniel 3:9.) An allusion to the eternal kingdom of the Messiah is not to be forced on the passage.

Verse 4. - He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. 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 in his posterity, and this was guaranteed him in the message which God sent him by Nathan (2 Samuel 7:13, 16). 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."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He asked You for
שָׁאַ֣ל (šā·’al)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

life,
חַיִּ֤ים ׀ (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

and You granted it—
נָתַ֣תָּה (nā·ṯat·tāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

length
אֹ֥רֶךְ (’ō·reḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 753: Length

of days,
יָ֝מִ֗ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

forever
עוֹלָ֥ם (‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

and ever.
וָעֶֽד׃ (wā·‘eḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5703: A, terminus, duration, advance, perpetuity


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OT Poetry: Psalm 21:4 He asked life of you you gave (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 21:3
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