Psalm 16:4
New International Version
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

New Living Translation
Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.

English Standard Version
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

Berean Standard Bible
Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips.

New American Standard Bible
The pains of those who have acquired another god will be multiplied; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

NASB 1995
The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

NASB 1977
The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their libations of blood, Nor shall I take their names upon my lips.

Legacy Standard Bible
The pains of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

Amplified Bible
The sorrows [pain and suffering] of those who have chosen another god will be multiplied [because of their idolatry]; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

Christian Standard Bible
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.

American Standard Version
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that give gifts for another god: Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, Nor take their names upon my lips.

Contemporary English Version
but worshipers of other gods will have much sorrow. I refuse to offer sacrifices of blood to those gods or worship in their name.

English Revised Version
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that exchange the LORD for another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take their names upon my lips.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who quickly chase after other gods multiply their sorrows. I will not pour out their sacrificial offerings of blood or use my lips to speak their names.

Good News Translation
Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; I will not worship their gods.

International Standard Version
Those who hurry after another god will have many sorrows; I will not present their drink offerings of blood, nor will my lips speak their names.

Majority Standard Bible
Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips.

NET Bible
their troubles multiply, they desire other gods. I will not pour out drink offerings of blood to their gods, nor will I make vows in the name of their gods.

New Heart English Bible
Their sorrows will multiply who pay a dowry for another (god). Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.

Webster's Bible Translation
Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take their names into my lips.

World English Bible
Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god. Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Their griefs are multiplied, [who] have hurried backward; I do not pour out their drink-offerings of blood, "" Nor do I take up their names on my lips.

Young's Literal Translation
Multiplied are their griefs, Who have hastened backward; I pour not out their libations of blood, Nor do I take up their names on my lips.

Smith's Literal Translation
Their labors shall be multiplied after they hastened: I will not gather their libations of blood, and I will not lift up their names upon my lips.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Their infirmities were multiplied: afterwards they made haste. I will not gather together their meetings for blood offerings: nor will I be mindful of their names by my lips.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Their infirmities have been multiplied; after this, they acted more quickly. I will not gather for their convocations of blood, nor will I remember their names with my lips.

New American Bible
They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The sorrows of the wicked shall be multiplied in rapid succession that I may not pour out their libations of blood; nor will I mention their names with my lips.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sorrows of the rest will be multiplied quickly and I shall not pour their oblation of blood neither shall I remember their names on my lips.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Let the idols of them be multiplied that make suit unto another; Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, Nor take their names upon my lips.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Their weaknesses have been multiplied; afterward they hasted. I will by no means assemble their bloody meetings, neither will I make mention of their names with my lips.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Presence of God
3As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides. 4Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips. 5The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.…

Cross References
Exodus 20:3-5
You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Deuteronomy 32:16-17
They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations. / They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.

Hosea 2:13
I will punish her for the days of the Baals when she burned incense to them, when she adorned herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers. But Me she forgot,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 2:11-13
Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols. / Be stunned by this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled,” declares the LORD. / “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

Isaiah 57:13
When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”

Judges 10:13-14
But you have forsaken Me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. / Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you in your time of trouble.”

2 Kings 17:33-34
They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. / To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.

Ezekiel 20:39
And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21
No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Galatians 4:8-9
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. / But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

1 John 5:21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Revelation 9:20
Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.

Revelation 18:4
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Their

Psalm 32:10
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 97:7
Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.

Jonah 2:8
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

hasten.

Genesis 35:14
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

Leviticus 23:13
And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.

Isaiah 57:6
Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

take

Exodus 23:13
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Joshua 23:7
That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

Hosea 2:16,17
And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali…

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Backward Bartered Blood Choose Drink Drink-Offerings Gifts Gods Griefs Hasten Hastened Idols Increase Increased Lips Multiplied Multiply Names Offer Offerings Pour Run Sorrows Suit
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Backward Bartered Blood Choose Drink Drink-Offerings Gifts Gods Griefs Hasten Hastened Idols Increase Increased Lips Multiplied Multiply Names Offer Offerings Pour Run Sorrows Suit
Psalm 16
1. David, in distrust of merits, and hatred of idolatry
5. He shows the hope of his calling, of the resurrection, and life everlasting














Their sorrows
The phrase "Their sorrows" in Psalm 16:4 refers to the deep anguish and distress experienced by those who turn away from God. The Hebrew word used here is "עַצְּבוֹתָם" (atzvotam), which conveys a sense of pain, grief, or suffering. In the context of the psalm, it suggests that those who pursue other gods or idols will inevitably face emotional and spiritual turmoil. Historically, the Israelites were often tempted to worship the deities of surrounding nations, leading to consequences that distanced them from the blessings and peace found in the covenant with Yahweh.

will multiply
The Hebrew root for "will multiply" is "רָבָה" (ravah), which means to increase or become numerous. This word choice emphasizes the exponential nature of the sorrows that come from idolatry. Instead of finding fulfillment or peace, those who chase after false gods find their troubles increasing. This serves as a warning and a reminder of the futility of seeking satisfaction outside of a relationship with the one true God.

who chase after other gods
The phrase "who chase after other gods" highlights the active pursuit and devotion to deities other than Yahweh. The Hebrew word "מָהַר" (mahar) implies a sense of urgency or haste, indicating that these individuals are eagerly pursuing false gods. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this could involve worshipping gods like Baal or Asherah, which were prevalent among Israel's neighbors. Theologically, this pursuit is seen as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the exclusive relationship God desires with His people.

I will not pour out their libations of blood
The psalmist declares, "I will not pour out their libations of blood," distancing himself from the practices associated with idol worship. Libations, or drink offerings, were common in ancient religious rituals, often involving the pouring out of wine or other liquids. The mention of "blood" suggests particularly abhorrent practices, possibly even human sacrifice, which were strictly forbidden in Israelite worship. By refusing to participate, the psalmist reaffirms his commitment to the purity of worship prescribed by God.

or speak their names with my lips
Finally, the phrase "or speak their names with my lips" underscores a complete rejection of idolatry. In Hebrew culture, names held significant power and meaning. To speak the name of a deity was to acknowledge its existence and influence. By refusing to even utter the names of other gods, the psalmist demonstrates a profound allegiance to Yahweh alone. This reflects the biblical principle of exclusive devotion to God, as seen in the First Commandment, and serves as a model for believers to guard their hearts and speech from any form of idolatry.

(4) Their sorrows.--This verse offers also great variation in the ancient versions. The literal text runs Their sorrows [or, idols] (fem.) are multiplied (masc); another they hasten [or, change]. I will not pour out their libations from blood, and will not take their names upon my lips, which, with one or two slight changes in the punctuation, becomes--

"They shall multiply their sorrows

Who change to another god:

I will not pour out their bloody libations,

Nor take their names on my lips."

At the same time, from the evident allusion to the curse on Eve in Genesis 3:16, and the fact that the verb rendered "hasten" (comp. margin) means to buy a wife, it seems that the psalmist had the common prophetical figure for idolatry, viz., adultery, in his mind; but as he is not speaking of the Church as a whole, he does not work it out as the prophets do, by representing the idolaters as adulteresses.

The "libations of blood" seem to refer to the ghastly rites of Moloch and Chemosh. For the last clause comp. Exodus 23:13. To the Hebrews the very name of a god included a predication of his power. Hence the avoidance of even mentioning baal, but substituting bosheth, i.e., shameful thing, for it, even in proper names.

Verse 4. - Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god. This is the only note of sadness in the entire psalm, and it is inserted to add force by contrast to the joyous outburst in ver. 5. If men would not cleave to Jehovah, but would "hasten after" - or perhaps it should be translated "wed themselves to" - another god (see Exodus 2:16, the only other place where the word occurs), then they must not expect "prosperity," or joy of any kind. Their "sorrows will be multiplied;" distress and anguish will come upon them (Proverbs 1:27); they will have to pay dear for their apostasy. Their drink offerings of blood will I not offer. Drink offerings of actual blood are not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture, and there is very little evidence of their having been offered by any of the heathen nations, though it is conjectured that they may have been employed in the worship of Moloch. It is therefore best to explain the expression, as here used, metaphorically, as drink offerings as hateful as if they had been of blood (comp. Isaiah 66:3). Nor take up their names into my lips. By "their names" we must understand the names which they used - those by which they called their gods. The Law forbade the mention of these names by Israelites (Exodus 23:13; Deuteronomy 12:3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Sorrows
עַצְּבוֹתָם֮ (‘aṣ·ṣə·ḇō·w·ṯām)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6094: A idol, a pain, wound

will multiply
יִרְבּ֥וּ (yir·bū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

to those who chase
מָ֫הָ֥רוּ (mā·hā·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4116: To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly

other gods.
אַחֵ֪ר (’a·ḥêr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other

I will not
בַּל־ (bal-)
Adverb
Strong's 1077: A failure, nothing, not at all, lest

pour out
אַסִּ֣יךְ (’as·sîḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5258: To pour out, a libation, to cast, to anoint a, king

their libations
נִסְכֵּיהֶ֣ם (nis·kê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5262: A libation, a cast idol

of blood,
מִדָּ֑ם (mid·dām)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

or
וּֽבַל־ (ū·ḇal-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 1077: A failure, nothing, not at all, lest

speak
אֶשָּׂ֥א (’eś·śā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

their names
שְׁ֝מוֹתָ֗ם (mō·w·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8034: A name

with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

my lips.
שְׂפָתָֽי׃ (śə·p̄ā·ṯāy)
Noun - fdc | first person common singular
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin


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OT Poetry: Psalm 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 16:3
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