Psalms 119:125
Psalms 119:125 in Multiple Translations
I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies.
I am your servant; give me wisdom, so that I may have knowledge of your unchanging word.
I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
I am thy seruant: graunt mee therefore vnderstanding, that I may knowe thy testimonies.
Thy servant [am] I — cause me to understand, And I know Thy testimonies.
I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
I am one who serves you; enable me to understand what you want me to know in order that I will know ◄your requirements/what you have instructed us to do►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:125
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 119:125 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַבְדְּ/ךָ
אָ֥נִי
הֲבִינֵ֑/נִי
וְ֝/אֵדְעָ֗ה
עֵדֹתֶֽי/ךָ
עַבְדְּ/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אָ֥נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
הֲבִינֵ֑/נִי
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ֝/אֵדְעָ֗ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
עֵדֹתֶֽי/ךָ
ʻêdâh
H5713
witness
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:125
עַבְדְּ/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אָ֥נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
הֲבִינֵ֑/נִי
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וְ֝/אֵדְעָ֗ה
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
עֵדֹתֶֽי/ךָ
ʻêdâh
H5713
"witness"
N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a divine testimony or witness, always in the plural form, and is used to describe God's laws. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's instructions. The word is about God's guidance.
Definition: testimony, witness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. Compare H5712 (עֵדָה). See also: Genesis 21:30; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 25:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:125
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:125 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:125
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:125
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:125
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:125
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:125
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:125
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:125
- Sermons on Psalms 119:125
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
123My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise.
124Deal with Your servant according to Your loving devotion, and teach me Your statutes.
125I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.
126It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law. 127Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:13–17 | Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
| 2 | James 1:5 | Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:34 | Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:8 | The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. |
| 5 | Psalms 116:16 | Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:29 | Remove me from the path of deceit and graciously grant me Your law. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:11 | I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 8 | Proverbs 9:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. |
| 9 | Romans 6:22 | But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:18–19 | Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. |
Psalms 119:125 Summary
[Psalms 119:125 is a prayer where the psalmist asks God to give him understanding so he can know and obey God's commands. This verse reminds us that we need God's help to understand and follow His will, just like the psalmist. As we seek to follow God, we can ask Him for understanding, just as the psalmist does, and trust that He will guide us, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5. By seeking God's understanding, we can deepen our relationship with Him and live a life that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a servant of the Lord in Psalms 119:125?
Being a servant of the Lord means surrendering our will to His, and seeking to obey and please Him in all things, as seen in Psalms 119:125 and supported by verses like Romans 6:22 and 1 Corinthians 7:22-23.
Why does the psalmist ask for understanding in this verse?
The psalmist asks for understanding so that he may know and obey God's testimonies, which is a theme repeated throughout Psalms 119, and is also reflected in Proverbs 9:10, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
How does this verse relate to our daily walk with God?
This verse reminds us that our relationship with God is one of servant and Master, and that we should seek to understand and obey His commands, just as the psalmist does, and as Jesus teaches in John 15:14-15.
What is the significance of the word 'testimonies' in this verse?
The word 'testimonies' refers to God's laws and commands, which are a witness to His character and will, as seen in Psalms 119:125 and supported by verses like Psalms 19:7-11 and Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to consider myself a servant of the Lord, and how does that impact my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I seek understanding from God, and how can I apply that understanding to my life?
- How can I balance my desire for God's guidance with my own limited understanding and abilities?
- What are some specific 'testimonies' or commands of God that I struggle to understand or obey, and how can I seek God's help in those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:125
I [am] thy servant,.... Not only by creation, but by grace; and as he had a work to do, he desires to know what it was; and as it was proper he should know his Master's will, he applies to him for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:125
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:125
Psalms 119:125 I [am] thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.Ver. 125. I am thy servant, give me understanding] I have voluntarily hired myself unto thee, chosen the things that please thee, and taken hold of the covenant, loving to be thy servant, Isaiah 56:4; Isaiah 56:6. Now, this is all the wages I crave of thee, "Give me understanding," &c. This David speaketh, saith one, in a real and heavenly complement with his Maker. That I may know thy testimonies] Work done in the dark must be undone again; David, therefore, would fully know his Master’ s mind, that he might acceptably do it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:125
Verse 125. I am thy servant] See on Psalms 119:94.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:125
121–128. Ayin. It is time for Jehovah to interpose on behalf of His servant, but the faithlessness of men only confirms his love for the law.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:125
I am thy servant - See the notes at Psalms 116:16. Give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies - Since I am thy servant, instruct me in the knowledge of thy will.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:125
ò, Ayin.121-128. Leave me not to mine oppressors—Let “him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” Such is the line of thought in this division. In the pressure of evil the strongest has feelings of weakness.
Sermons on Psalms 119:125
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When We Need Revival: Barrenness of Soul by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of seeking God's word and rest when we become exhausted in our ministry. Using the example of Elijah, who ran away in fear, th |
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What Is Worldliness? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the question of what worldliness is according to the book of James. He compares the epistle to God's University, with James as the Dean |
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The Revolution of Love (Reading) by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of distributing Christian leaflets in a one-day campaign. Despite already distributing a large number of leaflets, the spea |
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Worldly Wisdom vs. Diving Wisdom by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the stark contrast between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, as outlined in James 3:13-18. He explains that worldly wisdom is earthly, sensual, and devilish, |
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Beautiful Attitudes by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation in our lives. He uses the illustration of a house being built on a rock to illustrate the need |
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Who Is a Wise Man? by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny welcomes the listeners to Charity Ministries and emphasizes that the message is not copyrighted and can be freely shared. He encourages the audience t |
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The Wisdom From Heaven by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Christian life as a journey of growth and learning. He compares it to a marriage, acknowledging that challenges and di |