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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say sorrows will multiply for idolaters; it declares their sorrows are the very thing that multiplies when they "hasten after another god." This isn't just a consequence; it's the nature of their pursuit – a desperate, self-inflicted increase of pain that the psalmist refuses to participate in.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm begins with the psalmist's declaration of trust in God and his devotion to the faithful. This leads to a strong contrast: the fate of those who chase after false gods is one of multiplied sorrows, and the psalmist rejects their practices entirely, refusing to participate in their blood-soaked rituals or even utter the names of their deities.
Ever feel like you're chasing something that just leaves you empty? This verse speaks to that deep ache, but with a divine perspective.
This verse paints a stark picture of what happens when people turn away from the true God. It's not just a minor slip; it's a 'hastening after another god.' Think of it like running headlong into something without looking.
Multiplying Sorrows
The original Hebrew word here can mean 'sorrows' or 'idols.' The commentators suggest that when people multiply their idols, their sorrows inevitably multiply too. It's a cause and effect – chasing after fleeting, false things leads to a deepening pain and emptiness.
The Futility of Their Worship
The psalmist declares, 'their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.' This isn't just personal preference; it's a divine declaration of severance.
There's a profound statement of divine exclusivity here that guards our hearts and minds.
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This verse isn't just about the sorrows people bring upon themselves; it's about God's firm stance against idolatry and His exclusive claim on our worship.
The Rejection of Abominable Practices
The phrases 'their drink offerings of blood' and 'nor take their names on my lips' are declarations of God's absolute refusal to associate with or condone false worship.
The Essence of Exclusive Devotion
This highlights the core of true faith: an unwavering, exclusive devotion to the Lord. It's a reminder that God demands our all, and He will not share our worship with anything or anyone else. This exclusivity isn't about God being selfish; it's about Him knowing what is truly best for us and protecting us from destructive illusions.
Understand the original words
itstsabon · Hebrew Noun (plural)
Pains, pangs, or distress. Biblically, it describes the emotional or physical suffering and severe consequences that result from rebellion against God and pursuit of idols.
el acher · Hebrew Noun phrase
Something that takes the place of God as the ultimate object of worship, trust, or devotion. Biblically, any entity or value that displaces God is considered an idol, leading to spiritual ruin.
This verse speaks powerfully from a time when the threat of idolatry and syncretism was ever-present, whether through foreign conquest or internal straying. The psalmist's firm declaration against 'another god' underscores the absolute commitment required for true worship, especially as Israel navigated periods of exile and restoration.
c. 9th-7th centuries BC
Rise of Idolatry and Foreign Worship
During the divided monarchy and later periods of Israel's history, many kings and people adopted the worship of foreign gods, often influenced by surrounding nations like Phoenicia and Assyria. This involved various rituals and sacrifices.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel led to the deportation of many Israelites and the settlement of foreign peoples in their land. This further increased the presence and influence of foreign religious practices.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians resulted in a mass deportation of Judeans. This exile profoundly impacted Israelite identity and religious practice, leading to a strong rejection of idolatry upon their return.
c. 539 BC onwards— this verse
Return from Exile and Temple Restoration
Following the Persian conquest of Babylon, many Judeans returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and their community. This period solidified a commitment to monotheism and strict adherence to Mosaic Law, making idolatry a grave offense.
c. 2nd century BC
Hellenistic Influence and Antiochus IV Epiphanes
The Seleucid Empire's influence brought increased pressure to adopt Greek culture and religion, culminating in Antiochus IV's persecution of Judaism and desecration of the Temple, leading to the Maccabean Revolt.
This passage directly parallels the theme of forsaking the true God for other gods, highlighting the foolishness and futility of such a choice.
Hosea 2:17This verse illustrates God's judgment on Israel for their idolatry, showing how their devotion to false gods leads to destruction, reinforcing the 'sorrows multiplied' idea.
Acts 15:20This New Testament passage, stemming from early church discussions, reiterates the prohibition against 'idols' and 'things sacrificed to idols,' echoing the psalmist's refusal to engage with or even name them.
Romans 1:21-23This passage explains the spiritual decay that results from turning away from God, showing how the rejection of true worship leads to foolishness and ultimately, sorrow.
1 Corinthians 10:20This verse explicitly states that sacrifices made to idols are sacrifices made to demons, explaining why a believer would refuse to participate in or acknowledge such practices.
clarkePsalms 16:4: "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 sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god - The Chaldee has: "They multiply their idols, and afterwards hasten that they may offer their gifts." In the Hebrew text there is no word for God, and therefore Messiah or Savior might be as well substituted; and then the whole will refer to the unbelieving Jews. The…
pulpitPsalms 16:4: "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."
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" - anot…
The verse doesn't just say sorrows will multiply for idolaters; it declares their sorrows are the very thing that multiplies when they "hasten after another god." This isn't just a consequence; it's the nature of their pursuit – a desperate, self-inflicted increase of pain that the psalmist refuses to participate in.
This psalm begins with the psalmist's declaration of trust in God and his devotion to the faithful. This leads to a strong contrast: the fate of those who chase after false gods is one of multiplied sorrows, and the psalmist rejects their practices entirely, refusing to participate in their blood-soaked rituals or even utter the names of their deities.
This psalm begins with the psalmist's declaration of trust in God and his devotion to the faithful. This leads to a strong contrast: the fate of those who chase after false gods is one of multiplied sorrows, and the psalmist rejects their practices entirely, refusing to participate in their blood-soaked rituals or even utter the names of their deities.
"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." — The verse doesn't just say sorrows will multiply for idolaters; it declares their sorrows are the very thing that multiplies when they "hasten after another god." This isn't just a consequence; i…
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Last reviewed October 2026