Psalms 119:157
Psalms 119:157 in Multiple Translations
Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; Yet have I not swerved from thy testimonies.
Great is the number of those who are against me; but I have not been turned away from your unchanging word.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
My persecutours and mine oppressours are many: yet doe I not swarue from thy testimonies.
Many [are] my pursuers, and adversaries, From Thy testimonies I have not turned aside.
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven’t swerved from your testimonies.
Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet I do not decline from thy testimonies.
Many people are my enemies and many people ◄cause me to suffer/persecute me►, but I ◄do not turn aside from/have not stopped obeying► [LIT] ◄your requirements/what you have instructed us to do►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:157
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 119:157 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַ֭בִּים
רֹדְפַ֣/י
וְ/צָרָ֑/י
מֵ֝/עֵדְוֺתֶ֗י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
נָטִֽיתִי
רַ֭בִּים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
רֹדְפַ֣/י
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/צָרָ֑/י
tsar
H6862
narrow
Conj | N-mp | Suff
מֵ֝/עֵדְוֺתֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נָטִֽיתִי
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:157
רַ֭בִּים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
רֹדְפַ֣/י
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal | Suff
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.
וְ/צָרָ֑/י
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
מֵ֝/עֵדְוֺתֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
Prep | 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.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נָטִֽיתִי
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:157
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:157 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:157
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:157
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:157
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:157
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:157
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:157
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:157
- Sermons on Psalms 119:157
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
155Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.
156Great are Your mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your ordinances.
157Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.
158I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word. 159Consider how I love Your precepts, O LORD; give me life according to Your loving devotion.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:51 | The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law. |
| 3 | Acts 20:23–24 | I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me. But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. |
| 4 | Job 23:11 | My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. |
| 5 | Isaiah 42:4 | He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.” |
| 6 | Job 17:9 | Yet a righteous one holds to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger. |
| 7 | Matthew 24:9 | Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. |
| 8 | Psalms 118:10–12 | All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. |
| 9 | Psalms 22:16 | For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. |
| 10 | Acts 4:27 | In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. |
Psalms 119:157 Summary
[The author of Psalms 119:157 is saying that even though they have many enemies, they are still committed to following God's word. This shows that they trust in God's power and goodness, even when things seem tough, as seen in Psalms 23:4. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can, like the author, remain faithful to God's word, even in the midst of persecution or hardship. We can also find comfort in God's promises, such as Hebrews 13:5-6, which reminds us that God will never leave us or forsake us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the author's statement that they have not turned from God's testimonies despite having many persecutors?
The author's statement demonstrates their commitment to following God's word, even in the face of adversity, as seen in Psalms 119:157, and is reminiscent of the apostle Paul's resolve in Acts 20:24 to finish his course with joy, despite the many trials he faced.
How can we, like the author, remain faithful to God's word in the midst of persecution or hardship?
We can remain faithful by trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Psalms 23:4, and by recalling the many promises of God's presence and comfort in Scripture, such as Hebrews 13:5-6.
What role do God's testimonies play in the author's life, and how can they play a similar role in our own lives?
God's testimonies serve as a source of guidance, comfort, and strength for the author, as seen in Psalms 119:157, and can do the same for us if we regularly read, meditate on, and apply them to our lives, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:2-3.
How does the author's declaration of love for God's precepts in Psalms 119:159 relate to their statement in Psalms 119:157?
The author's love for God's precepts is the foundation for their ability to remain faithful to God's testimonies, even in the face of persecution, as their love for God's word gives them the strength and motivation to persevere, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul's unwavering dedication to the gospel in 2 Timothy 2:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I am currently facing persecution or hardship, and how can I, like the author, remain faithful to God's word in these situations?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God's precepts, as the author does in Psalms 119:159, and how will this love help me to persevere in the face of adversity?
- How can I, like the author, trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when surrounded by many persecutors, and what role do God's testimonies play in this trust?
- What are some promises of God's presence and comfort that I can recall when facing hardship, and how can I apply these promises to my life, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:157
Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies,.... Because they were his enemies, therefore they were his persecutors; and they became enemies to him, or hated him, because of his religion, and on that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:157
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies - (Psalms 119:51; Psalms 44:18.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:157
Ver. 157. Though they tempt me to do so, and persecute me because I will not do it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:157
Psalms 119:157 Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies; [yet] do I not decline from thy testimonies.Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors] Truth never wanted an adversary; and goes seldom without a scratched face. Yet do I not decline] But still adhere to thy word; when others fall off as fast as leaves fall from trees in autumn.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:157
153–160. Rçsh. More urgent prayers for deliverance from his persecutors. Note the thrice-repeated ‘quicken me.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:157
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies - The thought here turns on the number of his enemies, and on the effect which numbers might have in turning one from the way of truth.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:157
ø, Resh.153-160. Plead my cause—The prayer is here as if the honour of God were involved in the deliverance of those who put their trust in him. The pleading is, for that very reason, the more earnest.
Sermons on Psalms 119:157
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two lessons they have learned about making spiritual progress. The first principle they emphasize is the importance of taking a step of faith |
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(Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promi |
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"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper | This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el |
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Justification by Works by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before |
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A Voice From Heaven by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians resisting the temptations and allurements of the world. He encourages believers to have the patience and endura |
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It’s Time to Get Right With God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a response to God's call to get out of despair and captivity. He uses the example of Israel being captivated by their unbelief |
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How to Grow in Grace by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his reluctance to approach people and share the word of God. Despite his initial hesitation, he and his brother-in-law, a preacher, would g |