Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

PSALMS 60:4KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 60:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 60:4 mean?

Psalms 60:4 presents God as giving his people a visible sign around which they can gather. In the KJV, the banner is for those who fear God, and its display is connected with truth. The verse speaks of God’s provision during a time of national trouble.

The speaker addresses God directly. A banner could mark a place where people could assemble, especially in a time of conflict. After the hardship described in verse 3, the image gives the people a focal point in the midst of their distress.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 60:4

  • “banner” — נֵס (nēs): The word means a signal or standard raised where people can see it. The image suggests something lifted high enough to draw people together.
  • “fear” — יָרֵא (yārēʾ): Here the word describes those who fear or stand in awe of God. It identifies the people who receive the banner by their regard for him.
  • “truth” — קֹשֶׁט (qōsheṭ): The word can carry the sense of truth or reliability. The KJV connects the banner’s display with truth by saying “because of the truth.”

Why Psalms 60:4 matters

  • The banner is given by God rather than presented as a sign the people made for themselves. The speaker says, “Thou hast given,” placing the act in God’s hands.
  • The verse sits within a plea for help, not a description of a completed victory. The next verse asks God to save and answer so that those dear to him may be delivered.
  • “Selah” marks a pause or musical direction in the psalm. Its exact use is uncertain, but it separates this statement from the plea that follows.

Where else these words appear

“truth” Hebrew H7189 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

“banner” Hebrew H5251 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
  • Isaiah 13:2 Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.
  • Isaiah 62:10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“Selah” Hebrew H5542 · used in 74 verses

  • Psalms 3:2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
  • Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
  • Psalms 76:9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.