Psalms 119:21
Psalms 119:21 in Multiple Translations
You rebuke the arrogant— the cursed who stray from Your commandments.
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.
Your hand has been against the men of pride, a curse is on those who go wandering out of your way.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
Thou hast destroied the proud: cursed are they that doe erre from thy commandements.
Thou hast rebuked the cursed proud, Who are erring from Thy commands.
You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, who do err from thy commandments.
You rebuke those who are proud; cursed are those who disobey ◄your commands/what you have commanded►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:21
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 119:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גָּ֭עַרְתָּ
זֵדִ֣ים
אֲרוּרִ֑ים
הַ֝/שֹּׁגִים
מִ/מִּצְוֺתֶֽי/ךָ
גָּ֭עַרְתָּ
gâʻar
H1605
to rebuke
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
זֵדִ֣ים
zêd
H2086
arrogant
Adj
אֲרוּרִ֑ים
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Inf-c
הַ֝/שֹּׁגִים
shâgâh
H7686
to wander
Art | V-Qal
מִ/מִּצְוֺתֶֽי/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:21
גָּ֭עַרְתָּ
gâʻar
H1605
"to rebuke"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to rebuke or reprove someone, often in a stern or corrective manner, as seen in the Bible's teachings on discipline. It can also mean to corrupt.
Definition: (Qal) to rebuke, reprove, corrupt
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, rebuke, reprove. See also: Genesis 37:10; Isaiah 17:13; Psalms 9:6.
זֵדִ֣ים
zêd
H2086
"arrogant"
Adj
This word describes someone who is arrogant or proud, like the presumptuous ones in the Bible. It is used to describe those who defy God's laws. The KJV translates it as presumptuous or proud.
Definition: 1) arrogant, proud, insolent, presumptuous 1a) the arrogant ones (as n coll pl) 1b) presumptuous (as adj)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: presumptuous, proud. See also: Psalms 19:14; Psalms 119:85; Psalms 86:14.
אֲרוּרִ֑ים
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
הַ֝/שֹּׁגִים
shâgâh
H7686
"to wander"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to wander or stray, often used to describe someone who has made a moral mistake or is drunk, like in Proverbs 5:23. It can also mean to lead someone astray.
Definition: 1) to go astray, stray, err 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to err, stray 1a2) to swerve, meander, reel, roll, be intoxicated, err (in drunkenness) 1a3) to go astray (morally) 1a4) to commit sin of ignorance or inadvertence, err (ignorantly) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lead astray 1b2) to lead astray, mislead (mentally) 1b3) to lead astray (morally)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, err, be ravished, sin through ignorance, (let, make to) wander. See also: Leviticus 4:13; Psalms 119:118; Psalms 119:10.
מִ/מִּצְוֺתֶֽי/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
- Sermons on Psalms 119:21
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
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. 23Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 5:5 | Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 2 | Psalms 119:10 | With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:118 | You reject all who stray from Your statutes, for their deceitfulness is in vain. |
| 4 | Luke 18:14 | I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 44:28–29 | Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, few in number, and the whole remnant of Judah who went to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs! This will be a sign to you that I will punish you in this place, declares the LORD, so that you may know that My threats of harm against you will surely stand. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 30:19 | I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 28:15 | If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: |
| 8 | Malachi 4:1 | “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” |
| 9 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 10 | Psalms 119:110 | The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts. |
Psalms 119:21 Summary
This verse tells us that God corrects those who are proud and disobedient, straying from His commandments. It's like when a parent disciplines a child who refuses to listen - it's done out of love and a desire to guide them back to the right path (Hebrews 12:6). We should strive to be humble and obedient, following God's commands as outlined in His word (John 14:15). By doing so, we can avoid God's rebuke and instead receive His blessing and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be arrogant in the context of Psalms 119:21?
To be arrogant in this context means to have an attitude of pride and self-sufficiency, leading one to disregard God's commandments, as seen in Proverbs 16:18 where it says, 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.'
Who are the cursed mentioned in Psalms 119:21?
The cursed are those who stray from God's commandments, as stated in Deuteronomy 27:26, 'Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.'
Why does God rebuke the arrogant?
God rebukes the arrogant because they have strayed from His commandments, showing disobedience and a lack of reverence for Him, as seen in Psalms 138:6, 'Though the Lord is exalted, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.'
How can we avoid being rebuked by God like the arrogant in Psalms 119:21?
We can avoid being rebuked by God by humbling ourselves and following His commandments, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus teaches us to love God and our neighbors.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen arrogance manifest in my own life, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
- How do I feel when I see others being rebuked by God, and what can I learn from their experiences?
- In what ways can I show humility and a willingness to follow God's commandments in my daily life?
- What are some commandments of God that I have been neglecting, and how can I make a conscious effort to obey them?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:21
Thou hast rebuked the proud,.... Which some understand of the fallen angels, who, in proud wrath, left their habitations, because they would not be subject to the Son of God in human nature;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:21
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Thou hast rebuked the proud (that are) cursed, which do err from thy commandments - a sample of the "judgments" longed for (Psalms 119:20).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
Hast rebuked, or dost rebuke, i.e. severely punish and destroy. And therefore I justly long for thy judgments, as for the love which I have to them, so for fear of those terrible judgments which thou sendest upon the despisers of them. The proud; obstinate and presumptuous sinners, who sin with a high hand, and with contempt of God, and of his laws, and of his judgment; all which is the effect of pride. That are cursed; that have the curse of God upon them, and upon all which they have or do; which is the depth of misery. Do err; or, wander; knowingly, and wilfully, and maliciously, as proud sinners use to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
Psalms 119:21 Thou hast rebuked the proud [that are] cursed, which do err from thy commandments.Ver. 21. Thou hast rebuked the proud, &c.] Thou chidest them, threatenest them, plaguest them, and so settest it on as no creature can take it off. And this is one reason why I love and observe thy laws, ne paria patiar, lest I should suffer in like sort; since men must do it or die for it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
(21) LXX. and Vulg. divide the verse: “Thou hast rebuked the proud; cursed are they,” &c. This is preferable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
Verse 21. Thou hast rebuked the proud] This was done often in the case of David; and was true also in reference to the Babylonians, who held the Israelites in subjection, and whose kings were among the proudest of human beings. Instead of זדים zedim, the proud, some MSS. read זרים zarim, strangers, and one reads גוים goyim, the heathen; and so the Syriac.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:21
21. The A.V. follows the Massoretic text; but the more obvious construction of the verse is that of the LXX, Syr., and Jer., followed by P.B.V. and R.V. marg. Thou rebukest the proud: cursed are they which do wander &c. God’s rebuke is that sentence of condemnation which carries its own execution with it (Psalms 9:5). The perfect tense (hast rebuked) states a general truth and is best translated by the present, thou rebukest. The proud (Psalms 119:51; Psalms 119:69; Psalms 119:78; Psalms 119:85; Psalms 119:122; cf. Malachi 3:15; Malachi 4:1) are those who sin wilfully and presumptuously (Psalms 19:13; Deuteronomy 17:12-13), careless or apostate Israelites. See above, p. 702.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:21
Thou hast rebuked the proud - Compare Psalms 9:5. The meaning is, that God had done this not by word but by deed. The proud were everywhere rebuked by God, alike in his law, and in his providence.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:21
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 119:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Peter - Part 32): On God's Sheep and Their Needs by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and having a charitable attitude towards others. He encourages listeners to humble themselves under the mighty ha |
|
Brokenness Study #3 - the Process by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing wit |
|
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 |
|
Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8) by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the impo |
|
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns |
|
The Perils of Pride by C.J. Mahaney | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practica |
|
God's Recipe for Revival by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and submission to God. He highlights that humility is a beautiful quality in a child of God and brings about a sw |