Psalms 119:144
Psalms 119:144 in Multiple Translations
Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live. ק QOPH.
The righteousness of your unchanging word is eternal; give me wisdom so that I may have life. KOPH
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live. Qoph
The righteousnes of thy testimonies is euerlasting: graunt me vnderstanding, and I shall liue.
The righteousness of Thy testimonies [is] to Cause me to understand, and I live!
Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live. QOPH
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
◄Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are► always fair; help me to understand them in order that I may continue to live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:144
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 119:144 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צֶ֖דֶק
עֵדְוֺתֶ֥י/ךָ
לְ/עוֹלָ֗ם
הֲבִינֵ֥/נִי
וְ/אֶחְיֶֽה
צֶ֖דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
עֵדְוֺתֶ֥י/ךָ
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
N-fp | Suff
לְ/עוֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
הֲבִינֵ֥/נִי
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/אֶחְיֶֽה
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:144
צֶ֖דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
עֵדְוֺתֶ֥י/ךָ
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
N-fp | Suff
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.
לְ/עוֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
הֲבִינֵ֥/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.
וְ/אֶחְיֶֽה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:144
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:144 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:144
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:144
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:144
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:144
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
- Sermons on Psalms 119:144
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
142Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.
143Trouble and distress have found me, but Your commandments are my delight.
144Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
145I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will obey Your statutes. 146I call to You; save me, that I may keep Your testimonies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 1:23–25 | For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you. |
| 2 | Daniel 12:10 | Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 4:6 | For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:169 | May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word. |
| 6 | 1 John 5:20–21 | And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:73 | Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments. |
| 8 | Proverbs 10:21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 9 | Isaiah 27:11 | When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:138 | The testimonies You have laid down are righteous and altogether faithful. |
Psalms 119:144 Summary
[This verse means that God's Word is always true and right, and it will last forever. The psalmist is asking God to help him understand His Word so that he can live a life that is pleasing to Him. This is similar to what is taught in John 17:17, where Jesus says 'Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth'. By seeking to understand and obey God's Word, we can live a life that is guided by His truth and wisdom, as stated in Psalms 119:105, which says 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's testimonies are righteous forever?
This means that God's Word is always true and just, and it will stand forever, as stated in Psalms 119:160, which says 'The entirety of Your word is truth'
How can we ask for understanding like the psalmist does in this verse?
We can ask for understanding by praying to God, just as the psalmist does, and by seeking to know and obey His commandments, as taught in Proverbs 2:6, which says 'For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding'
What is the connection between understanding and living?
The connection is that true understanding of God's Word leads to a life that is pleasing to Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:3, which says 'man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD'
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?
This verse is part of a larger section where the psalmist is expressing his love for God's Word and his desire to obey it, even in the midst of trouble and distress, as seen in Psalms 119:143
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my love for God's Word in my daily life?
- How do I currently respond to trouble and distress, and how can I learn to find delight in God's commandments like the psalmist?
- What are some areas where I need greater understanding of God's Word, and how can I seek that understanding?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking understanding in order to live a life that is pleasing to God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:144
The righteousness of thy testimonies [is] everlasting,.... Or, "for ever" (b).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:144
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
Ver. 144. I shall be kept from those sins which deserve and bring death.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
Psalms 119:144 The righteousness of thy testimonies [is] everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.Ver. 144. The righteousness of thy testimonies, &c.] This is the same with Psalms 119:142. Give me understanding] An ignorant life is a lifeless life. Fuit non vixit. The life of God is the only life. But from this men are alienated by the ignorance that is in them, Ephesians 4:18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
Verse 144. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting] Thy moral law was not made for one people, or for one particular time; it is as imperishable as thy nature, and of endless obligation. It is that law by which all the children of Adam shall be judged. Give me understanding] To know and practise it. And I shall live.] Shall glorify thee, and live eternally; not for the merit of having done it, but because thou didst fulfil the work of the law in my heart, having saved me from condemnation by it. ANALYSIS OF LETTER TSADDI. - Eighteenth Division In this division the psalmist - I. Commends the law of God, from its Author, its equity, its purity, and its perpetuity. II. A consideration of which led him to love and delight in it, though opposed by many enemies. I. 1.
"Righteous art thou." Thou alterest not with times, thou changest not with persons, thou art ever the same. 2. Thy judgments, in giving rewards and dispensing punishments, are upright. 3. Thy testimonies, that declare this, are righteous and faithful. He consequently felt an ardent zeal for God's glory. 1. This "zeal consumed him," and he expresses the cause. 2. Men "forgot God's words." He pined away for grief on this account. He turns to another character of God's law. "Thy word is very pure." 1. It is pure in itself, and the purifier of the heart. 2. On this account he loved it; and we know that "love is the fulfilling of the law." A third effect was a careful remembrance of it, though tried by his enemies. 1.
"I am small." Of no weight nor authority; have no secular power. 2. "Despised." Have no credit nor respect. 3. "Yet do I not forget thy precepts." Nothing can move me while upheld by thee; and thou wilt uphold me while I cleave unto thee. A fourth commendation of God's law is its immutability. 1. It is immutable, and can never be dispensed with. It is a righteousness that is everlasting. 2. It is the truth: 1. It has priority of all laws; 2. Contains no falsehood. 3. Its promises and threatenings shall all be punctually fulfilled.
II. He loved and delighted in it, notwithstanding he had trouble and anguish. 1. Trouble and anguish. The righteous are often under the cross. 2. Yet "thy commandments are my delights." While faithful to thee, all my afflictions are sanctified to me, so that I can rejoice while I suffer. He speaks again about the immutability of God's word. 1. "The righteousness of thy testimonies," Thy word is like thyself, for it comes from thee. 2. "Give me understanding." I always stand in need of teaching. 3. "And I shall live." All is death without thee. Live in me, that I may live by thee.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:144
144. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting] Righteous (lit. righteousness) are thy testimonies for ever, reflecting Thine own eternal righteousness. They are neither imperfect nor temporary. Cp. Matthew 5:17 ff. give me understanding &c.] He ends this contemplation of the character of God’s law with a prayer for fuller understanding of it, for through knowledge of it and obedience to it man really lives, truly realises the purpose of his being. Cp. Psalms 119:17; Psalms 119:77; Psalms 119:116; Proverbs 4:4; Proverbs 4:13; Deuteronomy 32:47.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:144
The righteousness of thy testimonies - The principles of righteousness on which they are founded. Those testimonies - those laws - are not arbitrary, or the mere expressions of will.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:144
ö, Tsade.137-144. Thy law is the truth—This division, more than any other, tells us of a heart to which the eternal God was a living power.
Sermons on Psalms 119:144
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Get Understanding by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders |
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(1 Peter - Part 3): Begotten Again Unto a Living Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a young lady eagerly preparing for a long-awaited reunion with her loved one. However, unbeknownst to her, the ship he was on has |
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Faith to Leave the Gas Station by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he came to have faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of mixing the truth of God's word with faith in order to exper |
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Ye Must Be Born Again - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being born again, arguing that mere morality is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. He critiques the modern church's focus |
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(Basics) 11. God's Word Helps Us Overcome Satan by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God no |
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(Basics) 10. God's Word Is Our Food by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the word of God. He refers to Genesis chapter 1, where the earth responded to the word of God and something h |
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Americas Only Hope by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep concern and sorrow for the state of the country and the erosion of freedom of speech. He recounts a powerful experience where he witness |