Psalms 119:20
Psalms 119:20 in Multiple Translations
My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times.
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times.
My soul is broken with desire for your decisions at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
Mine heart breaketh for the desire to thy iudgements alway.
Broken hath my soul for desire Unto Thy judgments at all times.
My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath to thy judgments at all times.
In my inner being I strongly desire to know ◄your regulations/the rules that you have given to us► all the time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:20
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 119:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּרְסָ֣ה
נַפְשִׁ֣/י
לְ/תַאֲבָ֑ה
אֶֽל
מִשְׁפָּטֶ֥י/ךָ
בְ/כָל
עֵֽת
גָּרְסָ֣ה
gâraç
H1638
to break
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נַפְשִׁ֣/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לְ/תַאֲבָ֑ה
taʼăbâh
H8375
longing
Prep | N-fs
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִשְׁפָּטֶ֥י/ךָ
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp | Suff
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֵֽת
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cs
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 119:20
גָּרְסָ֣ה
gâraç
H1638
"to break"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To break or crush something means to destroy it, like in the book of Psalms. This word can also mean to dissolve or lose strength. The KJV Bible translates it as break.
Definition: 1) to be crushed, be broken 1a) (Qal) to be crushed 1b) (Hiphil) to crush, break (the teeth)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: break. See also: Psalms 119:20; Lamentations 3:16.
נַפְשִׁ֣/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לְ/תַאֲבָ֑ה
taʼăbâh
H8375
"longing"
Prep | N-fs
A strong feeling of desire is what this word represents. In Psalm 38:9, David expresses his longing for God's help.
Definition: longing
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: longing. See also: Psalms 119:20.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִשְׁפָּטֶ֥י/ךָ
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-mp | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
בְ/כָל
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.
עֵֽת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
- Sermons on Psalms 119:20
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
18Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
19I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.
20My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times.
21You rebuke the arrogant— the cursed who stray from Your commandments. 22Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 84:2 | My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. |
| 2 | Psalms 42:1–2 | As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? |
| 3 | Job 23:11–12 | My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. |
| 4 | Psalms 63:1 | O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:131 | I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:174 | I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:40 | How I long for Your precepts! Revive me in Your righteousness. |
| 8 | Job 27:10 | Will he delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? |
| 9 | Proverbs 17:17 | A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. |
| 10 | Revelation 3:15–16 | I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! |
Psalms 119:20 Summary
The psalmist is expressing a deep desire to know and understand God's teachings and decrees, and to live according to them. This longing is not just a casual interest, but a deep-seated passion that consumes their soul. Just like the psalmist, we can cultivate a longing for God's judgments by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture (Psalms 1:2), and by seeking to apply its teachings to our daily lives (James 1:22). By doing so, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of purpose and direction in our lives, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the psalmist's soul to be 'consumed with longing' for God's judgments?
This phrase suggests a deep and intense desire to understand and experience God's teachings and decrees, as seen in Psalms 119:20, similar to how the apostle Paul expresses his longing to know Christ in Philippians 3:10.
How can we, like the psalmist, cultivate a longing for God's judgments in our own lives?
We can cultivate this longing by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalms 1:2, and by seeking to apply its teachings to our daily lives, as encouraged in James 1:22.
What role do God's judgments play in the life of a believer?
God's judgments, as revealed in Scripture, serve as a guide for living a righteous and obedient life, as seen in Psalms 119:20, and help us to discern right from wrong, as taught in Hebrews 5:14.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Psalms 119?
This verse is part of the larger theme of Psalms 119, which emphasizes the importance of God's Word and its role in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions, as seen in Psalms 119:11 and Psalms 119:105.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate my longing for God's judgments in my daily life?
- How do I currently prioritize God's Word and its teachings in my life, and what changes can I make to cultivate a deeper longing for them?
- In what ways do I experience a sense of 'longing' for God's presence and guidance, and how can I nurture this desire?
- What are some specific areas of my life where I need God's judgments and guidance, and how can I seek His wisdom in these areas?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:20
My soul breaketh for the longing,.... His heart was just ready to break, and his soul fainted; he was ready to die, through a vehement desire of enjoying the object longed for, after mentioned; "hope
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:20
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. "Breaketh" implies a heart full of desire, even to breaking.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
Breaketh; fainteth, as it frequently doth, when a thing vehemently desired is denied or delayed. Compare . Unto thy judgments; to a more sound knowledge and serious practice of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
Psalms 119:20 My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times.Ver. 20. My soul breaketh] The Seventy render it, My soul hath desired to desire thy judgments. How many broken spirits do even spend and exhale themselves in continual sallies, as it were, and egressions of affection to God and his judgments! Comminuitur, debilior fit. The stone will fall down to come to its own place, though it break itself in many pieces; so the good souls.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
(20) Breaketh.—The Hebrew is peculiar to this place and Lamentations 3:16. The LXX., Vulg., and Aquila have “greatly desired;” Symmachus, “was perfect;” Theodotion, “had confidence;” Jerome, “longed,” all which point either to a different reading or to a different sense from that which is given in the lexicons to the word.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
Verse 20. My soul breaketh] We have a similar expression: It broke my heart, That is heart-breaking, She died of a broken heart. It expresses excessive longing, grievous disappointment, hopeless love, accumulated sorrow. By this we may see the hungering and thirsting which the psalmist had after righteousness, often mingled with much despondency.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:20
20. A plea for an answer to the prayer of Psa 119:19. His soul breaks, lit. is crushed, overwhelmed and consumed with longing for the fuller knowledge of God’s judgements, i.e. the authoritative declaration of His Will. See above, p. 704.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:20
My soul breaketh - This word means to break; to crush; to break in pieces by scraping, rubbing, or grating.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:20
â, Gimel.17-24. Here is found a phase of experience under persecution. After a prayer for fulness of strength, comes this special petition.
Sermons on Psalms 119:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Resolutions (Reading) by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the speaker presents a series of resolutions that he has made to live a life dedicated to the glory of God. He resolves to constantly seek new ways to promote the t |
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Diary - Back at Home - 1723 by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the journey of self-reflection, repentance, and striving for holiness in various states of life. He emphasizes the importance of withdrawing worldly |
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Psalm 84-01 by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker outlines five key ingredients for a fulfilling relationship with God. The first ingredient is the recognition of God's power, as seen in verse one. The |
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The Happy Man 04 Prescription for Joy by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God in our lives. He refers to Psalm 14:1, where it says that the fool says in his heart, "there is no God." H |
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Heavenly Meditation by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of daily meditation and prayer, urging believers to retire to a private place, set aside worldly thoughts, and focus on heavenly realit |
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A Test of Assurance by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson emphasizes that true love for God is evidenced by a deep desire for His presence in all aspects of life, a genuine hatred for sin, a coolness towards worldly things, |
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Receiving and Walking by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches on the importance of walking with Christ as we first received Him, emphasizing the need to maintain a fervent spirit and constant communion with Jesus. He war |