Psalm 4 · KJV
Psalm 4
In Peace I Will Sleep
Psalm 4 is an evening prayer of trust that ends in rest: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4 (KJV)
1Hear 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.
2O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
What Psalm 4 means
David prays through distress, asking God to hear him and calling others to trust the LORD rather than chase empty things. He finds a gladness that outshines material plenty: "thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."
It closes with one of Scripture's most peaceful lines: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." A favourite psalm for the end of the day, anxiety, and sleepless nights.
Key verse
“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 · KJV — Lie down and sleep in peace and safety.
Share Psalm 4:8
Card Studio
Make it a card to share or print
A prayer from Psalm 4
Lord, at the end of this day I lay down my worries. Put gladness in my heart, and let me sleep in peace, for You alone make me dwell in safety. Amen.
Themes in this passage
Related passages
Frequently asked
What does Psalm 4 mean?
Psalm 4 is an evening prayer of trust that ends in rest: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."
What is Psalm 4 about?
David prays through distress, asking God to hear him and calling others to trust the LORD rather than chase empty things. He finds a gladness that outshines material plenty: "thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased."
What is the key verse in Psalm 4?
Psalm 4:8 — “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
Is Psalm 4 in the King James Version?
Yes. The full text of Psalm 4 on this page is the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain.