Psalm 4:1
New International Version
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

New Living Translation
Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

English Standard Version
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

Berean Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

King James Bible
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

New King James Version
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

New American Standard Bible
For the music director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

NASB 1995
For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

NASB 1977
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the choir director. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

Amplified Bible
To the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress; Be gracious to me and hear [and respond to] my prayer.

Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. † A psalm of David. Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Davidic psalm. Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; Thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Contemporary English Version
You are my God and protector. Please answer my prayer. I was in terrible distress, but you set me free. Now have pity and listen as I pray.

English Revised Version
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[For the choir director; with stringed instruments; a psalm by David.] Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness. You have freed me from my troubles. Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!

Good News Translation
Answer me when I pray, O God, my defender! When I was in trouble, you helped me. Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

International Standard Version
When I call, answer me, my righteous God! When I was in distress, you set me free. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

Majority Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer.

NET Bible
For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm of David. When I call out, answer me, O God who vindicates me! Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer!

New Heart English Bible
[For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David.] Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. You set me free in my distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

Webster's Bible Translation
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

World English Bible
For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
TO THE OVERSEER. WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. A PSALM OF DAVID. In my calling answer me, "" O God of my righteousness. In adversity You gave enlargement to me; Favor me, and hear my prayer.

Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer with Stringed Instruments. -- A Psalm of David. In my calling answer Thou me, O God of my righteousness. In adversity Thou gavest enlargement to me; Favour me, and hear my prayer.

Smith's Literal Translation
To the overseer upon the stringed instruments; chanting of David. In my calling, answer me, O God of my justice: in straits thou didst enlarge me; compassionate me and hear my prayer.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto the end, in verses. A psalm of David. When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me. Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In parts according to verses. A Psalm of David. When I called upon him, the God of my justice heeded me. In tribulation, you have enlarged me. Have mercy on me, and heed my prayer.

New American Bible
For the leader; with stringed instruments. A psalm of David. [2] Answer me when I call, my saving God. When troubles hem me in, set me free; take pity on me, hear my prayer.

New Revised Standard Version
Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
WHEN I have called thee, thou hast answered me, O my God and Saviour of my righteousness; thou hast comforted me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
When I called you, you answered me, my God, and the Savior of my righteousness; in my sufferings you inspired me; show mercy upon me and hear my prayer.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader; with string-music. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness, Thou who didst set me free when I was in distress; Be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the End, a Song of David among the Psalms. When I called upon him, the God of my righteousness heard me: thou hast made room for me in tribulation; pity me, and hearken to my prayer.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Answer Me When I Call!
1For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer. 2How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah…

Cross References
Philippians 4:6-7
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.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.

Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. / And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 11:9-10
So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Isaiah 41:10
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.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.

Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles.

Psalm 50:15
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”


Treasury of Scripture

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

(Title) chief Musician.

Psalm 22:1
To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

Psalm 42:1
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Psalm 45:1
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Neginoth

Psalm 6:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalm 67:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

Psalm 76:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.

O

Psalm 11:7
For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Psalm 24:5
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalm 41:12
And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

thou

Psalm 18:18,19
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay…

Psalm 31:8
And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

Psalm 40:1-3
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry…

have mercy upon me.

Psalm 56:1
To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

Psalm 57:1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

Psalm 86:3-5
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily…

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Chief Corded David Director Distress Ear Enlarged Free Gracious Hear Instruments Leader Merciful Mercy Music Musician Music-Maker Neginoth Prayer Psalm Relief Relieved Right Righteous Righteousness Room Stringed String-Music Troubles
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Chief Corded David Director Distress Ear Enlarged Free Gracious Hear Instruments Leader Merciful Mercy Music Musician Music-Maker Neginoth Prayer Psalm Relief Relieved Right Righteous Righteousness Room Stringed String-Music Troubles
Psalm 4
1. David prays for audience
2. He reproves and exhorts his enemies
6. Man's happiness is in God's favor














Answer me when I call
The psalmist begins with a direct plea to God, emphasizing the urgency and personal nature of his request. The Hebrew word for "answer" is "עָנָה" (anah), which implies a response or reply. This reflects a deep relationship where the psalmist expects God to hear and respond. The phrase "when I call" suggests a habitual action, indicating that the psalmist regularly seeks God's presence and intervention. Historically, calling upon God was a common practice in ancient Israel, reflecting trust and dependence on divine aid.

O God of my righteousness!
Here, the psalmist acknowledges God as the source of his righteousness. The Hebrew term "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah) can mean righteousness, justice, or deliverance. This phrase underscores the belief that any righteousness the psalmist possesses is derived from God. In a historical context, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is seen as the ultimate judge and source of moral order.

You have relieved my distress
The psalmist recalls past instances of divine intervention, using the Hebrew word "רָחַב" (rachab), meaning to broaden or make room. This suggests that God has previously expanded the psalmist's circumstances, alleviating his troubles. This remembrance of past deliverance serves to bolster the psalmist's faith in God's continued faithfulness. Historically, this reflects the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God, where periods of distress are followed by divine rescue.

show me grace and hear my prayer
The plea for grace, or "חָנַן" (chanan) in Hebrew, is a request for unmerited favor. The psalmist seeks God's kindness and mercy, recognizing his own inability to resolve his plight without divine assistance. The phrase "hear my prayer" reiterates the desire for God's attentive listening. In the scriptural context, prayer is a vital means of communication with God, reflecting humility and dependence on His will. This closing appeal encapsulates the psalmist's trust in God's character as gracious and attentive.

(1) Hear me.--Better, In my crying hear me, God of my righteousness.

The conception of God as supremely just, and the assertor of justice, is one of the noblest legacies from the Hebrew faith to the world. It is summed up in the question, "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" The strength of the innocent in the face of calumny or oppression lies in the appeal to the eternal source of righteousness.

Thou hast enlarged.--Better, in my straitness Thou (or, Thou who) hast made room for me. This is a thought very common in the Psalter, and apparently was a favourite phrase of David's, occurring in Psalm 18:19 (comp. Psa. 4:36), and in other psalms attributed to him.

Verse 1. - Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness. Not "the God who imputes to me righteousness," as some render, but "the God who sees that I and my cause are righteous," and who wilt therefore certainly lend me aid. Thou hast enlarged me; or, made room for me - "set me at ease" In the language of the Old Testament, "straits" and "narrowness" mean trouble and affliction; "room," "space," "enlargement," mean prosperity. David has experienced God's mercies in the past, and therefore looks for them in the future (comp. Psalm 3:7). When I woe in distress; literally, in [my] distress. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. This is David's usual cry, repeated in a hundred varied forms throughout the Psalms (see Psalm 5:2; Psalm 6:2; Psalm 9:13; Psalm 27:7; Psalm 30:10, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

With stringed instruments.
בִּנְגִינ֗וֹת (bin·ḡî·nō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5058: Instrumental music, a stringed instrument, a poem set to music, an epigram

A Psalm
מִזְמ֥וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

Answer
עֲנֵ֤נִי ׀ (‘ă·nê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

me when I call,
בְּקָרְאִ֡י (bə·qā·rə·’î)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

O God
אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of my righteousness!
צִדְקִ֗י (ṣiḏ·qî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

You have relieved
הִרְחַ֣בְתָּ (hir·ḥaḇ·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7337: To be or grow wide or large

my distress;
בַּ֭צָּר (baṣ·ṣār)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6862: Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent

show me grace
חָ֝נֵּ֗נִי (ḥān·nê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

and hear
וּשְׁמַ֥ע (ū·šə·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

my prayer.
תְּפִלָּתִֽי׃ (tə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8605: Intercession, supplication, a hymn


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OT Poetry: Psalm 4:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 3:8
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