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Psalms 119:150

Psalms 119:150 in Multiple Translations

Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law.

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law.

Those who have evil designs against me come near; they are far from your law.

Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.

They drawe neere, that follow after malice, and are farre from thy Lawe.

Near have been my wicked pursuers, From Thy law they have been far off.

They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

Those evil people who oppress/persecute me are coming closer to me; they do not pay any attention to your laws.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:150

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 119:150 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB קָ֭רְבוּ רֹדְפֵ֣י זִמָּ֑ה מִ/תּוֹרָתְ/ךָ֥ רָחָֽקוּ
קָ֭רְבוּ qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רֹדְפֵ֣י râdaph H7291 to pursue V-Qal
זִמָּ֑ה zimmâh H2154 wickedness N-fs
מִ/תּוֹרָתְ/ךָ֥ tôwrâh H8451 instruction Prep | N-fs | Suff
רָחָֽקוּ râchaq H7368 to remove V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:150

קָ֭רְבוּ qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
רֹדְפֵ֣י râdaph H7291 "to pursue" V-Qal
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
זִמָּ֑ה zimmâh H2154 "wickedness" N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a wicked or evil plan, and can include things like adultery, incest, and idolatry. It is used to describe the bad intentions or schemes of people in the Bible.
Definition: 1) plan, device, wickedness, evil plan, mischievous purpose 1a) plan, purpose 1b) evil device, wickedness 1c) not chaste, incest, licentiousness, adultery, idolatry, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). See also: Leviticus 18:17; Ezekiel 16:27; Psalms 26:10.
מִ/תּוֹרָתְ/ךָ֥ tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
רָחָֽקוּ râchaq H7368 "to remove" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:150

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 27:2 When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
2 Proverbs 28:9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
3 2 Samuel 17:16 Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’”
4 Job 21:14 Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways.
5 Psalms 22:11–13 Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.
6 1 Samuel 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
7 Psalms 22:16 For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
8 Psalms 50:17 For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you.
9 Ephesians 2:13–14 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility
10 Proverbs 1:22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?

Psalms 119:150 Summary

This verse means that people who choose to do wrong and disobey God's law are moving away from Him, as seen in Psalms 119:150. God's law is like a roadmap that shows us how to live a good life and please God, as mentioned in Psalms 119:142 and Romans 7:12. When we follow after wickedness, we are going in the opposite direction of God's law, but when we turn to God and follow His law, we can experience His love and forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19. By studying and obeying God's law, we can draw near to Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as mentioned in Psalms 119:18 and 2 Peter 3:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to follow after wickedness in Psalms 119:150?

Following after wickedness means to pursue or chase after things that are contrary to God's law and will, as seen in Psalms 119:150, and is warned against in Proverbs 21:16 and Romans 6:16.

How can someone be far from God's law?

Someone can be far from God's law by not knowing or obeying it, as mentioned in Psalms 119:150, and also by not having a personal relationship with God, as seen in Romans 3:23 and 1 John 2:3-4.

What is the significance of God's law in this verse?

God's law is significant because it represents God's character and will, and being far from it means being separated from God's goodness and righteousness, as seen in Psalms 119:142 and Romans 7:12.

Can a person who follows after wickedness still come to God?

Yes, a person who follows after wickedness can still come to God through repentance and faith, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19, and it is God's desire for all people to come to Him and know His law, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9 and Psalms 119:18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I might be following after wickedness in my own life, and how can I turn away from them?
  2. How can I draw near to God's law and make it a part of my daily life, as mentioned in Psalms 119:97 and Joshua 1:8?
  3. What are some consequences of being far from God's law, and how can I avoid them, as seen in Romans 6:23 and Galatians 6:7-8?
  4. How can I use God's law to guide my decisions and actions, and what role should it play in my relationship with God, as mentioned in Psalms 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:150

They draw nigh that follow after mischief,.... Or "evil" (c); that which is sinful in itself, and injurious to others.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:150

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:150

Ver. 150. They draw nigh, to wit, to me, or against me, as ; they are at hand, and ready to seize upon me. They are far from thy law; they cast away far from them all thoughts of and respect to thy law, which forbids such wicked practices.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:150

Psalms 119:150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.Ver. 150. They draw nigh that follow after mischief] Those scelerum assidui sectatores prompti sunt ac parati. They are far from thy law] And so having nothing to restrain their rage; since they have cast their cords from them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:150

(150, 151) Near.—Notice the antithesis. They, the wicked, are near with their temptation to sin and their hindrances to virtue. Thou art near with the aid and support of Thy law.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:150

Verse 150. They draw nigh] They are just at hand who seek to destroy me. They are far from thy law.] They are near to all evil, but far from thee.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:150

145–152. Qôph. Unceasing prayer to be kept faithful in the midst of faithlessness is the rule of the Psalmist’s life.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:150

They draw nigh - They follow me; they press hard upon me. That follow after mischief - That seek to do me wrong. They are far from thy law - They yield no obedience to it; they are not influenced by it in their conduct toward me.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:150

÷, Koph.145-152. I cried with my whole heart—Here we see the spirit of Samuel among them that called upon God.

Sermons on Psalms 119:150

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson I Pray You Are Enjoying the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the assurance of God's presence in times of trouble, drawing from David's testimony in Psalms 119:150-151. He highlights that even when faced with overwh
David Wilkerson The Lord Is Near by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is always nearer to us than our enemies, providing defense and support in times of trouble. He highlights the assurance found in Scripture that
David Wilkerson He Will Act for You! by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is not passive and will act on our behalf against the devil's schemes. He draws parallels to Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, i
Hans R. Waldvogel The Lord’s Perfect Provision for His Own Masterpiece by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through trials and testing in order to truly know and experience Jesus. He shares a personal story of being surrounde
T. Austin-Sparks "Loose Him, and Let Him Go!" by T. Austin-Sparks James emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, highlighting the significance of approaching Him in worship and communion, seeking to enter into a close relationship with H
Lou Sutera Three Priorities for Revival by Lou Sutera The video discussed the three priorities for revival. The first priority is to recognize that revival itself must be a priority and that there is no other hope. The second priority
Joshua Daniel "Be Ye Doers of the Word" Part 2 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the consequences of despising the Word of God, warning against trusting in oppression and perverseness. It highlights the importance of humbling oneself befo

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