The big picture
Psalms 119 opens in verse 1 with “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD .”, reaches its middle movement near verse 88 with “Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”, and closes in verse 176 with “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy…” Repeated or prominent terms include word, LORD, keep, statutes, testimonies. Together, those details trace this chapter’s own movement from its opening to its conclusion.
Scripture beside the summary
Psalms · King James Version · 176Psalms 119:1-8
1–8: Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD .
Psalms 119:1–8 opens with “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD .” and reaches “I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by keep, Blessed, heart.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD .” Naming Blessed keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:1-8
King James Version1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD .
2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Psalms 119:9-16
9–16: Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto…
Psalms 119:9–16 opens with “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” and reaches “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by word, heart, statutes.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 1 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
Psalms 119:9-16
King James Version9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12Blessed art thou, O LORD : teach me thy statutes.
13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Psalms 119:17-24
17–24: Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
Psalms 119:17–24 opens with “Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.” and reaches “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by commandments, servant, testimonies.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.” Naming Deal keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:17-24
King James Version17Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
22Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
23Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Psalms 119:25-32
25–32: My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
Psalms 119:25–32 opens with “My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.” and reaches “I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by soul, word, chosen.
Context that brings the passage to life
“My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.” The line’s distinctive content terms include cleaveth, dust, quicken. Its relationship to verses 26 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:25-32
King James Version25My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
31I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD , put me not to shame.
32I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
Psalms 119:33-40
33–40: Teach me, O LORD , the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the…
Psalms 119:33–40 opens with “Teach me, O LORD , the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.” and reaches “Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by fear, heart, keep.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Teach me, O LORD , the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.
Psalms 119:33-40
King James Version33Teach me, O LORD , the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Psalms 119:41-48
41–48: Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD , even thy salvation…
Psalms 119:41–48 opens with “Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD , even thy salvation, according to thy word.” and reaches “My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by word, commandments, loved.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD , even thy salvation, according to thy word.” The line’s distinctive content terms include LORD, mercies, salvation. Its relationship to verses 42 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:41-48
King James Version41Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD , even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
Psalms 119:49-56
49–56: Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to…
Psalms 119:49–56 opens with “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.” and reaches “This I had, because I kept thy precepts.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by kept, LORD, remembered.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.” Naming Remember keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:49-56
King James Version49Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD ; and have comforted myself.
53Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55I have remembered thy name, O LORD , in the night, and have kept thy law.
56This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
Psalms 119:57-64
57–64: Thou art my portion, O LORD : I have said that I would keep thy words.
Psalms 119:57–64 opens with “Thou art my portion, O LORD : I have said that I would keep thy words.” and reaches “The earth, O LORD , is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by keep, LORD, bands.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Thou art my portion, O LORD : I have said that I would keep thy words.” Naming Thou keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:57-64
King James Version57Thou art my portion, O LORD : I have said that I would keep thy words.
58I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64The earth, O LORD , is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
Psalms 119:65-72
65–72: Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD , according unto thy word.
Psalms 119:65–72 opens with “Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD , according unto thy word.” and reaches “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by good, afflicted, heart.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD , according unto thy word.” Naming Thou keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:65-72
King James Version65Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD , according unto thy word.
66Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
69The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
71It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Psalms 119:73-80
73–80: Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I…
Psalms 119:73–80 opens with “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy…” and reaches “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by ashamed, fear, word.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.” Naming Thy keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
“I know, O LORD , that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” The line’s distinctive content terms include afflicted, faithfulness, judgments. Its relationship to verses 74 and 76 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:73-80
King James Version73Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
75I know, O LORD , that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
76Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
78Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
79Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
Psalms 119:81-88
81–88: My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Psalms 119:81–88 opens with “My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.” and reaches “Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by persecute, word, become.
Context that brings the passage to life
This block contains 2 explicit questions. They are more than punctuation: they reveal where a voice is searching, challenging, afraid, or trying to understand.
Psalms 119:81-88
King James Version81My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
82Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
86All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
88Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Psalms 119:89-96
89–96: For ever, O LORD , thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalms 119:89–96 opens with “For ever, O LORD , thy word is settled in heaven.” and reaches “I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by precepts, abideth, affliction.
Context that brings the passage to life
“For ever, O LORD , thy word is settled in heaven.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.
Psalms 119:89-96
King James Version89For ever, O LORD , thy word is settled in heaven.
90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Psalms 119:97-104
97–104: O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Psalms 119:97–104 opens with “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” and reaches “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by keep, meditation, precepts.
Context that brings the passage to life
“O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” The line’s distinctive content terms include love, meditation. Its relationship to verses 98 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:97-104
King James Version97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Psalms 119:105-112
105–112: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:105–112 opens with “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” and reaches “I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by heart, judgments, LORD.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Naming Thy keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:105-112
King James Version105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD , according unto thy word.
108Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD , and teach me thy judgments.
109My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
Psalms 119:113-120
113–120: I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:113–120 opens with “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.” and reaches “My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by hope, love, statutes.
Context that brings the passage to life
“I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.” The line’s distinctive content terms include hate, love, thoughts. Its relationship to verses 114 shows what work it does in this passage.
“Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.” Naming Depart keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:113-120
King James Version113I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
114Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Psalms 119:121-128
121–128: I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Psalms 119:121–128 opens with “I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.” and reaches “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false…” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by servant, gold, commandments.
Context that brings the passage to life
“I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.” The line’s distinctive content terms include judgment, justice, leave. Its relationship to verses 122 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:121-128
King James Version121I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126It is time for thee, LORD , to work: for they have made void thy law.
127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
Psalms 119:129-136
129–136: Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
Psalms 119:129–136 opens with “Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.” and reaches “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by keep, giveth, commandments.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.” Naming Thy keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:129-136
King James Version129Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Psalms 119:137-144
137–144: Righteous art thou, O LORD , and upright are thy judgments.
Psalms 119:137–144 opens with “Righteous art thou, O LORD , and upright are thy judgments.” and reaches “The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by righteousness, everlasting, righteous.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Righteous art thou, O LORD , and upright are thy judgments.” Naming Righteous keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:137-144
King James Version137Righteous art thou, O LORD , and upright are thy judgments.
138Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
141I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
143Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
144The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Psalms 119:145-152
145–152: I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD : I will keep thy statutes.
Psalms 119:145–152 opens with “I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD : I will keep thy statutes.” and reaches “Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by cried, LORD, hear.
Context that brings the passage to life
“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD : I will keep thy statutes.” The line’s distinctive content terms include cried, hear, heart. Its relationship to verses 146 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:145-152
King James Version145I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD : I will keep thy statutes.
146I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
149Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD , quicken me according to thy judgment.
150They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151Thou art near, O LORD ; and all thy commandments are truth.
152Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Psalms 119:153-160
153–160: Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
Psalms 119:153–160 opens with “Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.” and reaches “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by quicken, word, Consider.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.” Naming Consider keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:153-160
King James Version153Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD : quicken me according to thy judgments.
157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD , according to thy lovingkindness.
160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Psalms 119:161-168
161–168: Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe…
Psalms 119:161–168 opens with “Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.” and reaches “I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by love, kept, testimonies.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.” Naming Princes keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.
Psalms 119:161-168
King James Version161Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
164Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
166LORD , I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Psalms 119:169-176
169–176: Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD : give me understanding…
Psalms 119:169–176 opens with “Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD : give me understanding according to thy word.” and reaches “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.” by its final verse. That movement develops the focus on A learner reading, memorizing, walking, suffering, and returning to the law across changing times of day, with particular weight carried by word, commandments, help.
Context that brings the passage to life
“Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD : give me understanding according to thy word.” The line’s distinctive content terms include LORD, near, understanding. Its relationship to verses 170 shows what work it does in this passage.
Psalms 119:169-176
King James Version169Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD : give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD ; and thy law is my delight.
175Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
Psalms 119:1 begins with “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD .”
Where the chapter turns
Psalms 119:84 forms a natural hinge: “How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?”
The final note
Psalms 119:176 leaves the reader with “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words word, LORD, keep, statutes, testimonies, commandments help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- dominion
- responsibility or rule
- behold
- look, or pay close attention
- unto
- to
- thee
- you
- thou
- you
Text first
Where readers differ
The chapter summary begins with what the passage says and how its parts fit together. It does not assume one denomination has already settled every question. Where a conclusion depends on a tradition, literary theory, or historical reconstruction, that dependence is named openly.
The KJV text is presented first. Interpretive conclusions are labeled, and differences are introduced only when they help a reader understand why serious communities do not always reach the same answer.
Comparative interpretive notes for this chapter are in preparation. Until reviewed notes are ready, this page separates the KJV text from summary and application without claiming that serious readers agree on every question.