Psalms 16:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist rejects idolatry and warns that those who pursue false gods will face multiplied sorrow.
The Context of Psalms 16:4
The psalmist contrasts the consequences of idol worship with his own commitment to serve God alone.
What Does Psalms 16:4 Mean?
The contrast is now explicit: those who chase after other gods will see their sorrows multiply. This is not merely law or punishment imposed arbitrarily, but the natural consequence of pursuing false sources of security and meaning. The psalmist refuses such a path and will not participate in idol worship—neither through ritual sacrifice nor even by speaking the names of other gods.
This refusal has practical boundaries: the psalmist will not offer blood sacrifices at idol altars, and will not even speak the names of false gods. This was a common Jewish practice—avoiding utterance of idol-names as a way of not giving them power or attention in one's speech and life.
Psalms 16:4 in the Original Language
elohim acherim (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים), 'another god' — literally 'other gods,' emphasizing the exclusivity of loyalty to the true God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 16:4
What does Psalms 16:4 mean?
The psalmist rejects idolatry and warns that those who pursue false gods will face multiplied sorrow.
What is the context of Psalms 16:4?
The psalmist contrasts the consequences of idol worship with his own commitment to serve God alone.