Bible Strands
Psalms 56:4
In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist speaks to God while under daily hostility and threat of death. This declaration follows a prior statement about placing trust in God during moments of fear.
The words — The text centers on בָּ֭טַחְתִּי (Ba.tach.ti), literally "I have trusted," and אִירָ֑א ('i.Ra'), literally "I am afraid," to mark the shift from human threat to divine reliance.
The thread — The exact phrase "What can man do to me?" appears in Psalms 118:6 and is echoed in Hebrews 13:6, while the broader theme of God's favor overriding human opposition runs through Romans 8:31.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to actively reject fear-driven calculation and instead anchor confidence in God's trustworthiness when facing human opposition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
- Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
- Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
- Psalms 27:1 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Luke 12:4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
- Psalms 56:10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
- Psalms 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
- Psalms 119:89 Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.
- Isaiah 31:3 But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.