Psalm 119:78

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

Translations

Modern
May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.
Traditional
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Literal
May the arrogant ones be put to shame, for with a lie they dealt perversely with me; I will meditate on Your precepts.
Latin
Confundantur superbi, quia injuste iniquitatem fecerunt in me; ego autem exercebor in mandatis tuis.

Original

Hebrew
English
May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.

Notes

Yodh (י) is the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It marks the beginning of the next section of this psalm.

In this prayer for comfort and compassion, the psalmist commits himself to his Creator, who has afflicted him. He wants God to pay back his enemies for the wrongs they have done. He also prays to receive the gift of life. He not only prays for himself but also considers the whole community of the godly, asking that God’s answers to prayer would encourage them.

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 Minerals and Metals Music Poetry, Biblical Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Word, Word of God, Words of God

Topics

Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Meditation: General Scriptures Concerning Persecution of the Righteous Prayer: Imprecatory Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To