Psalm 27:4
New International Version
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

New Living Translation
The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

English Standard Version
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

Berean Standard Bible
One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

King James Bible
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

New King James Version
One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

New American Standard Bible
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.

NASB 1995
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.

NASB 1977
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to meditate in His temple.

Legacy Standard Bible
One thing I have asked from Yahweh, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Yahweh And to inquire in His temple.

Amplified Bible
One thing I have asked of the LORD, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.

Christian Standard Bible
I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking him in his temple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking Him in His temple.

American Standard Version
One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.

Contemporary English Version
I ask only one thing, LORD: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple.

English Revised Version
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have asked one thing from the LORD. This I will seek: to remain in the LORD's house all the days of my life in order to gaze at the LORD's beauty and to search for an answer in his temple.

Good News Translation
I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance.

International Standard Version
I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I really seek: that I may remain in the LORD's Temple all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD; and to inquire in his Temple.

Majority Standard Bible
One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

NET Bible
I have asked the LORD for one thing--this is what I desire! I want to live in the LORD's house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the LORD and contemplate in his temple.

New Heart English Bible
One thing I have asked of the LORD, that I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to see the LORD's beauty, and to inquire in his temple.

Webster's Bible Translation
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

World English Bible
One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life, to see Yahweh’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
One [thing] I asked of YHWH—it I seek: My dwelling in the house of YHWH, "" All the days of my life, "" To look on the pleasantness of YHWH, "" And to inquire in His temple.

Young's Literal Translation
One thing I asked of Jehovah -- it I seek. My dwelling in the house of Jehovah, All the days of my life, To look on the pleasantness of Jehovah, And to inquire in His temple.

Smith's Literal Translation
I asked one from Jehovah, I will seek it; I sat in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to look upon the sweetness of Jehovah, and to inquire in his temple.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple.

Catholic Public Domain Version
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, so that I may behold the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple.

New American Bible
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple.

New Revised Standard Version
One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the delight of the LORD, and to be in charge of his temple.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For one thing I have requested from LORD JEHOVAH and to him I pray, that I may dwell in the House of LORD JEHOVAH all the days of my life, to see the sweetness of LORD JEHOVAH and to order his temple.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the graciousness of the LORD, and to visit early in His temple.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
One thing have I asked of the Lord, this will I earnestly seek: that I should dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, that I should behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and survey his temple.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD is My Salvation
3Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. 4One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. 5For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Luke 10:42
But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

John 15:7
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Revelation 22:4
They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 Peter 2:2-3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, / now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Ephesians 2:18-22
For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. / Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. ...

Isaiah 26:9
My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.


Treasury of Scripture

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

one

Psalm 26:8
LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Luke 10:42
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

seek

Psalm 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Jeremiah 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Daniel 9:3
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

dwell

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 26:6
I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Psalm 65:4
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

behold

Psalm 50:2
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

Psalm 63:2
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Psalm 90:17
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

beauty.

Psalm 63:2-5
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary…

enquire

1 Samuel 22:10
And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

Jump to Previous
Beauty Desire Desired Dwell Dwelling Early Enquire Gaze Getting Glory Graciousness Heart's House Inquire Life Meditate Pleasantness Prayer Seek Temple Visit Wisdom
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Beauty Desire Desired Dwell Dwelling Early Enquire Gaze Getting Glory Graciousness Heart's House Inquire Life Meditate Pleasantness Prayer Seek Temple Visit Wisdom
Psalm 27
1. David sustains his faith by prayer














One thing I have asked of the LORD
This phrase begins with a singular focus, emphasizing the psalmist's deep desire and singular pursuit. The Hebrew word for "asked" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which implies a request or petition, often used in the context of seeking guidance or favor from God. This reflects a heart that is not divided but wholly committed to seeking God's presence. Historically, this reflects the ancient Israelite practice of seeking God's will and presence, often through prayer and worship at the temple.

this is what I seek
The psalmist reiterates his desire, emphasizing the active pursuit of what he has asked. The Hebrew root "בָּקַשׁ" (baqash) means to search out or strive after, indicating a diligent and earnest pursuit. This reflects a life oriented towards God, not just in passive hope but in active seeking. In the scriptural context, this aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where seeking the Kingdom of God is paramount.

to dwell in the house of the LORD
"Dwell" comes from the Hebrew "יָשַׁב" (yashab), meaning to sit, remain, or abide. This suggests a desire for permanence and stability in God's presence. The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Archaeologically, the temple was the heart of Jewish religious life, and historically, it was seen as the dwelling place of God on earth.

all the days of my life
This phrase underscores the psalmist's desire for a lifelong relationship with God. It reflects a commitment that is not temporary or conditional but enduring. The Hebrew "כָּל־יְמֵי חַיַּי" (kol-yemei chayyai) emphasizes continuity and constancy. In a broader scriptural context, this echoes the eternal nature of the relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Bible.

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
"Gaze" is translated from the Hebrew "חָזָה" (chazah), meaning to behold or perceive. This is not a casual glance but a deep, contemplative looking. The "beauty of the LORD" refers to His holiness, majesty, and glory. In the historical context of the psalm, this beauty would be experienced in the temple, through worship and the presence of God. This reflects a desire to experience God's character and presence deeply and personally.

and seek Him in His temple
The word "seek" here is again "בָּקַשׁ" (baqash), reinforcing the active pursuit of God. The "temple" was the physical place where God's presence dwelt among His people, a place of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter. Historically, the temple was central to Jewish worship and life, symbolizing God's covenant and faithfulness. In a broader theological context, this seeking is a metaphor for the spiritual pursuit of God, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ, who is the true temple.

(4) To behold the beauty.--Literally, to see into the favour--i.e., to meditate on the graciousness of God.

To enquire . . .--Literally, to look into, either judicially or critically; here, "to ponder or meditate" Ewald, however, and others add with notion of pleasure, "refresh myself," but on doubtful authority. Some Rabbis, connecting b?kar with boker, the morning, render, "to attend in the morning," while some commentators would entirely spiritualise the wish, as if the actual attendance on the House of God were not in the poet's thoughts. But the words breathe--only in even a higher key--the feeling of Milton's well-known

"But let my due feet never fail

To walk the studious cloister's pale," &c

A mere transposition of letters would give an easy sense, "to offer in thy Temple."

Verse 4. - One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after. A most emphatic introduction of the new topic! Amid all my joy and jubilation, there is still one thing which I need, which I entreat Jehovah to grant - that thing I shall continue to seek after until I obtain it, viz. that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. The psalmist is evidently debarred access to the sanctuary; he feels his exclusion from it a terrible privation; he longs to be there - to "dwell" there (comp. Psalm 26:8); to offer there "sacrifices of joy" (ver. 6); to sing there psalms of thanksgiving. He would fain also behold the beauty of the Lord - τὴν τερηνότητα, LXX. - " all that is engaging and gracious in his revelation of himself" (Kay); "not the outward beauty of the sanctuary, but the gracious attributes which its ritual symbolized" ('Speaker's Commentary'). And to inquire in his temple. It has already appeared, from Psalm 5:7, that the word "temple" or "palace" (heykal) was applied in David's time to the tabernacle.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One thing
אַחַ֤ת ׀ (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

I have asked
שָׁאַ֣לְתִּי (šā·’al·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of the LORD,
יְהוָה֮ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

this is what I desire:
אֲבַ֫קֵּ֥שׁ (’ă·ḇaq·qêš)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

to dwell
שִׁבְתִּ֣י (šiḇ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in the house
בְּבֵית־ (bə·ḇêṯ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the days
יְמֵ֣י (yə·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of my life,
חַיַּ֑י (ḥay·yay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

to gaze
לַחֲז֥וֹת (la·ḥă·zō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of

on the beauty
בְּנֹֽעַם־ (bə·nō·‘am-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5278: Agreeableness, delight, suitableness, splendor, grace

of the LORD
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and seek Him
וּלְבַקֵּ֥ר (ū·lə·ḇaq·qêr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1239: To plough, break forth, to inspect, admire, care for, consider

in His temple.
בְּהֵיכָלֽוֹ׃ (bə·hê·ḵā·lōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1964: A large public building, palace, temple


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OT Poetry: Psalm 27:4 One thing I have asked of Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 27:3
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