Psalm 118:4

Psalm 118:4, in plain English

Now everyone who genuinely reveres the Lord—not just the official leaders—is invited into this chorus of thanksgiving.

Why it's here

'Those who fear the LORD' is biblical language for people who live with reverence and obedience toward God. This opens the circle beyond clergy to include all faithful people.

Who's speaking

The worship leader, extending the invitation to the whole worshiping community

Where it sits in the story

In Scripture, the 'fear of the Lord' is portrayed as the beginning of wisdom and the root of genuine faith. These are the people who actually live out what they believe.

The scholarly reading

Those who reverence the LORD—whether ethnically Jewish or proselytes—are invited to join in the same confession.

Language and setting

The phrase 'those who fear the LORD' (yir'ei YHWH) appears throughout the Psalms and wisdom literature as a designation for the pious community broadly construed. By including this group alongside ethnic Israel and the Aaronic priesthood, the psalmist opens the circle of covenantal affirmation beyond genealogy. This reflects the Second Temple period's complex relationship with gentile converts and sympathizers—the 'God-fearers' (sebomenoi ton theon) mentioned in Acts.

Voice

The broader community of the pious, potentially including non-ethnically Jewish worshippers.

Significance

This expansive inclusion foreshadows the gospel's movement beyond ethnic boundaries, where Romans 10:12-13 emphasizes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the confession of God's lordship.

2Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

3Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

4Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

5In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.

6The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Read all of Psalm 118 — Open the gates of righteousness. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jesus claimed this verse for Himself.