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.

PSALMS 43:4KJV
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Psalms 43:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 43:4 mean?

Psalms 43:4 describes the psalmist’s longing to come before God with joy and worship, expressing a deep desire to return to God’s presence and offer praise with music. The verse shows the psalmist’s view of God as the source of true happiness and the focus of heartfelt worship.

The speaker is likely an individual in distress or exile, separated from the place of worship in Jerusalem. In this verse, the psalmist looks forward to approaching the altar—where sacrifices and prayers were made—and using the harp to praise God. The verse highlights both the emotional relief the psalmist expects to find in God’s presence and the personal, joyful relationship he feels toward God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 43:4

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) and "God" (אֵל, El): The verse uses two different Hebrew words for God, emphasizing both God’s power (Elohim) and a more personal, mighty aspect (El), which deepens the sense of closeness and awe.
  • "Exceeding joy" (שִׂמְחַת, simchat) and "joy" (גִּיל, gil): The Hebrew uses two words for joy, one meaning gladness and the other a more exuberant, rejoicing kind of joy, showing the intensity of the psalmist’s feelings.
  • "Praise" (יָדָה, yadah): This word often means to give thanks or confess, not just sing praise, suggesting the psalmist’s worship is both musical and deeply thankful.

Why Psalms 43:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not just ritual but deeply emotional and personal, centered on joy in God’s presence.
  • By mentioning both the altar and the harp, Psalms 43:4 connects formal worship practices with personal expression, showing both are valued.
  • The use of multiple words for God and joy highlights the richness of the psalmist’s relationship with God, inviting readers to notice the depth and variety of biblical worship language.

Where else these words appear

“joy” Hebrew H1524 · used in 10 verses

  • Job 3:22 Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
  • Proverbs 23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
  • Daniel 1:10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.

“harp” Hebrew H3658 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • Psalms 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

“exceeding” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

“praise” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!