Psalm 119:38

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet · Psalm 119:1–176
Read Psalm 119

Translations

Modern
Establish Your word to Your servant, to produce reverence for You.
Traditional
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
Literal
Make Your word stand for Your servant, which is for the fearing of You.
Latin
Statue servo tuo eloquium tuum in timore tuo.

Original

Hebrew
English
Establish Your word to Your servant, to produce reverence for You.

Notes

He (ה) is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It marks the beginning of the next section of this psalm.

As a student, the poet asks his teacher, God, to renew life and to transform disgrace into righteousness.

This psalm blends wisdom, lament, praise, thanksgiving, and confession. It often uses eight Hebrew words translated as:

  • “Instructions”

  • “law”

  • “words”

  • “commandments”

  • “statutes”

  • “judgments”

  • “promises”

  • “precepts“

These words encourage love for and obedience to God's instructions in the Scriptures (see 2 Timothy 3:14–17). A deep commitment to these instructions unifies the psalm.

Glossary

Acrostic Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Music Poetry, Biblical Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Word, Word of God, Words of God

Topics

Decision: David Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Prayer: Pleas offered In