Psalms 119:101
Psalms 119:101 in Multiple Translations
I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word.
I have kept back my feet from all evil ways, so that I might be true to your word.
I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
I haue refrained my feete from euery euil way, that I might keepe thy word.
From every evil path I restrained my feet, So that I keep Thy word.
I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
I have avoided all evil behavior in order that I may obey ◄your words/what you have told us to do►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:101
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 119:101 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/כָּל
אֹ֣רַח
רָ֭ע
כָּלִ֣אתִי
רַגְלָ֑/י
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
אֶשְׁמֹ֥ר
דְּבָרֶֽ/ךָ
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs
רָ֭ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
כָּלִ֣אתִי
kâlâʼ
H3607
to restrain
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
רַגְלָ֑/י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
אֶשְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
דְּבָרֶֽ/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:101
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
רָ֭ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
כָּלִ֣אתִי
kâlâʼ
H3607
"to restrain"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to hold something back or restrict it, often used in the Bible to describe God's control over human actions. It appears in books like Leviticus and Psalms, where it talks about restraining evil or withholding punishment. English Bibles translate it as 'restrain' or 'withhold'.
Definition: 1) to restrict, restrain, withhold, shut up, keep back, refrain, forbid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut up 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to finish
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: finish, forbid, keep (back), refrain, restrain, retain, shut up, be stayed, withhold. See also: Genesis 8:2; Psalms 88:9; Psalms 40:10.
רַגְלָ֑/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
אֶשְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
דְּבָרֶֽ/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:101
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:101 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:101
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:101
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:101
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:101
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
- Sermons on Psalms 119:101
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
99I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.
100I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.
101I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.
102I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. 103How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:15 | my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:10–11 | For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:104 | I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:59–60 | I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies. I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments. |
| 6 | Isaiah 53:6 | We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 2:1–2 | Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, |
| 8 | Psalms 18:23 | And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity. |
| 9 | Titus 2:11–12 | For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 2:36 | How unstable you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. |
Psalms 119:101 Summary
[This verse means that the psalmist has made a choice to avoid doing wrong and instead follow God's teachings, so that he can obey God's word. By staying away from evil, he is able to keep God's commands, as seen in Psalms 119:102. This is similar to what is taught in Proverbs 4:14-15, where we are warned against walking in the ways of the wicked. By choosing to follow God's path, we can live a life that honors Him, as taught in Colossians 3:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to keep our feet from every evil path?
It means to avoid walking in ways that are contrary to God's will, as seen in Psalm 1:1, and instead follow the path of righteousness, as taught in Proverbs 12:28, so that we can obey God's word.
How can we discern what is an evil path and what is not?
We can discern by meditating on God's testimonies, as mentioned in Psalms 119:99, and obeying His precepts, which will give us insight and understanding, as seen in Psalms 119:100.
What is the relationship between keeping our feet from evil paths and keeping God's word?
Keeping our feet from evil paths is a means to keeping God's word, as stated in Psalms 119:101, because when we avoid sin, we are able to obey God's commands and follow His teachings, as seen in Psalms 119:102.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that our daily choices have consequences, and by choosing to follow God's path, we can stay on the right course, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:6, and live a life that honors God, as taught in Colossians 3:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some evil paths that I need to avoid in my own life, and how can I practically take steps to stay away from them?
- In what ways can I meditate on God's word, like the psalmist, to gain insight and understanding?
- How can I balance the desire to avoid evil with the need to engage with a fallen world, as seen in Matthew 5:13-16?
- What are some specific ways that I can keep God's word, as mentioned in this verse, in my daily life?
- How can I cultivate a heart that desires to keep God's word, like the psalmist, and what role does obedience play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:101
I have refrained my feet from every evil way,.... Of error or immorality, forbidden and condemned by the word of God; every way that is evil in itself, or leads to evil, and in which evil men walk;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:101
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
Ver. 101. Evil way; or, way of evil; which either is evil, or leads to it; sin, and the temptations or occasions of sin. That, I might keep thy word; I did this not for any carnal reasons, as some men abstain from divers sins for their credit or advantage, but out of pure respect to thy word.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
Psalms 119:101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.Ver. 101. I have refrained my feet, &c.] I have clapped up my unruly affections close prisoners, and hampered them; abandoning every error in judgment and enormity in practice. That I might keep thy word] Which I shall never do but by self-denial and mortification.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
Verse 101. I have refrained my feet] By avoiding all sin, the spirit of wisdom still continues to rest upon me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:101
101. The meaning may be either, that he has studiously avoided all places of temptation in order that he might observe the law, or, that the self-restraint which has marked his conduct has sprung from no lower aim than the desire to obey God.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:101
I have refrained my feet from every evil way - I have walked in the path which thy law marks out. I have avoided the way of wickedness, and have not yielded to the seductions of a sinful life.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:101
î, Mem.97-104. Thy law… is my meditation—A view is now given of the practical wisdom given by the word. A childlike mind, illuminated by the pure truth, sees of itself an error.
Sermons on Psalms 119:101
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 2 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a doll that was buried and how it grew into the shape of the doll. He uses this story to emphasize the message that sin will event |
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The Struggle Is Real by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the reality of the struggle to obey God's wisdom in his sermon 'The Struggle Is Real.' He discusses how wisdom, as outlined in Proverbs, is essential for m |
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A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1 by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the g |
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The Good Life by Chuck Smith | This sermon from 1 Peter chapter 3 focuses on the concept of living the 'good life' as outlined in Psalms 34 and Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the importance of refraining from evil sp |
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1 Peter 3:10 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of loving life through righteous living as outlined in 1 Peter 3:10. He explains that true love for life involves avoiding evil, doing good, and |
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Letter, 1 Timothy 4:8 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of godliness as a pathway to happiness and blessing in life, drawing from 1 Timothy 4:8 and its connection to Psalm 34. He explains th |
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Blessed Are the Peacemakers by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches on the significance of being peacemakers, who bring the peace of God into this troubled world. He emphasizes that peacemakers, like Jesus, may bring disr |