Psalms 112:4

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 112:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [He is] gracious, and merciful, and righteous.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [He is] gracious, and merciful, and righteous.
Psalms 112:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 112

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [He is] gracious, and merciful, and righteous.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness, etc.] Upright ones are sometimes in the darkness of affliction, under divine desertions, without spiritual joy, and in an uncomfortable condition; when on a sudden light arises to them, like break of day, or the morning light: they have deliverance from affliction, and enjoy prosperity; the light of God’s countenance is lifted up on them; the sun of righteousness arises upon them with healing in his wings; and spiritual joy and comfort are communicated unto them. It may denote the comforts the people of God have amidst their afflictions and troubles, even while they are in them; and the light they enjoy, while darkness is round about…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Unto the upright - The just; the pious; the man who fears God. There ariseth light in the darkness - This is a new form of the blessing which follows the fear of the Lord, or another of the benefits which spring from true religion, and by which the pious man is distinguished from other people. The distinction is not that days of darkness will not come upon him as well as upon others, for he may be sick as others are, he may be bereaved as others are, he may lose his property as others do - since there are general laws that affect mankind in these respects. God has not promised that he will interpose to save his people from these things, but that he will save them in them. The peculiarity in…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Darkness - In the troubles and calamities of life. He - The upright man. Psalms 112:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“112:4-5 The godly imitate God by being generous, compassionate, and righteous (51:1; 111:1-10; 2 Cor 9:9). They lend money to the poor without charging interest (Pss 15:5; 112:9; Exod 22:25).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“there ariseth: Psa 37:6, Psa 97:11; Job 11:17; Isa 50:10, Isa 58:10; Mic 7:8, Mic 7:9; Mal 4:2; Joh 12:46 he is gracious: Psa 106:1; Luk 6:36; Co2 8:8, Co2 8:9; Eph 4:32, Eph 5:1, Eph 5:2, Eph 5:9, Eph 5:15; Col 3:12, Col 3:13 righteous: Tit 2:11, Tit 2:12; Jo1 2:29, Jo1 3:7, Jo1 3:10 Psalms 112:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification