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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Psalms 119  › Psalms 119:23

Psalms 119:23

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Psalms 119:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

King James Version KJV

Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

American Standard Version ASV

Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Rulers make evil designs against me; but your servant gives thought to your rules.

Free Bible Version FBV

Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Princes also did sit, and speake against me: but thy seruant did meditate in thy statutes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Princes also sat — against me they spoke, Thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes,

World English Bible WEB

Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

Translation for Translators T4T

Rulers gather together and plan ways to harm me, but I will ◄meditate on/study► ◄your statutes/what you have decreed►.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:23

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 119:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB גַּ֤ם יָֽשְׁב֣וּ שָׂ֭רִים בִּ֣/י נִדְבָּ֑רוּ עַ֝בְדְּ/ךָ֗ יָשִׂ֥יחַ בְּ/חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ
גַּ֤ם gam H1571 also DirObjM
יָֽשְׁב֣וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָׂ֭רִים sar H8269 ruler N-mp
בִּ֣/י Prep | Suff
נִדְבָּ֑רוּ dâbar H1696 to speak V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
עַ֝בְדְּ/ךָ֗ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff
יָשִׂ֥יחַ sîyach H7878 to muse V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ chôq H2706 statute Prep | N-mp | 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 119:23

גַּ֤ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
יָֽשְׁב֣וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
שָׂ֭רִים sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
בִּ֣/י "" Prep | Suff
נִדְבָּ֑רוּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עַ֝בְדְּ/ךָ֗ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
יָשִׂ֥יחַ sîyach H7878 "to muse" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to think deeply about something, like a problem or an idea, and to talk to oneself or others about it, as seen in the book of Psalms where David ponders God's creation.
Definition: 1) to put forth, mediate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder, sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to complain 1a2) to muse, meditate upon, study, ponder 1a3) to talk, sing, speak 1b) (Polel) to meditate, consider, put forth thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with). See also: Judges 5:10; Psalms 119:15; Psalms 55:18.
בְּ/חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ chôq H2706 "statute" Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 2:1–2 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
2 1 Samuel 22:7–13 Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” Then the king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests at Nob. And all of them came to the king. “Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied. And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”
3 Luke 23:10–11 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.
4 Luke 22:66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said,
5 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingship shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”
6 Luke 23:1–2 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

Psalms 119:23 Summary

[Psalms 119:23 teaches us that even when we face opposition or slander from others, we can find comfort and strength in meditating on God's Word, just like the psalmist did. This means taking time to think deeply about what God has said and how it applies to our lives, as seen in Psalms 1:2. By doing so, we can remain focused on what truly matters and trust in God's goodness, as promised in Romans 8:28. As we prioritize God's Word, we can experience the delight and counsel mentioned in Psalms 119:24, guiding us through life's challenges.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to meditate on God's statutes?

Meditating on God's statutes means to thoughtfully consider and reflect on His laws and teachings, as seen in Psalms 119:23, and to apply them to our lives, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:2.

Why does the psalmist mention rulers sitting and slandering him?

The psalmist mentions rulers sitting and slandering him to highlight the contrast between the world's opposition and his own devotion to God's Word, as also seen in John 15:18-20 where Jesus warns His followers of similar persecution.

How can we, like the psalmist, remain focused on God's Word despite opposition?

We can remain focused on God's Word by prioritizing our relationship with Him, as in Matthew 6:33, and by seeking to understand and apply His teachings, as in Psalms 119:34 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

What is the significance of the psalmist calling himself 'Your servant'?

The psalmist calling himself 'Your servant' signifies his humility and recognition of his position before God, similar to Moses in Exodus 4:10 and Paul in Romans 1:1, emphasizing his dependence on God and commitment to obeying His will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when faced with opposition or slander, and what can I learn from the psalmist's example in Psalms 119:23?
  2. In what ways can I prioritize meditating on God's statutes in my daily life, and what benefits can I expect from this practice, as hinted in Psalms 119:24?
  3. What are some statutes or teachings of God that I have been neglecting or need to revisit, and how can I apply them to my life, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 30:19-20?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper delight in God's testimonies, as expressed by the psalmist in Psalms 119:24, and what role does this play in my spiritual growth?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:23

Princes also did sit [and] speak against me,.... The princes in the court of Saul, who suggested to him that David sought his hurt; the princes of his own court, Absalom, his own son, a prince of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:23

Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:23

Did sit and speak; did speak against me continually, (for sitting notes continuance,) and when they sat upon their seats of judicature, and when they sat together in companies, entertaining one another with discourses. Did meditate in thy statutes; all their contumelies and reproaches did not discourage nor divert me from the study, belief, and practice of thy word.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:23

Psalms 119:23 Princes also did sit [and] speak against me: [but] thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.Ver. 23. Princes also did sit, &c.] By public invectives; such as were those of our Henry VIII, and of Lewis, king of Hungary and Bohemia (two very potent princes), against Luther. ùñâäí Denotat continuum clamorem (Kimchi).

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:23

(23) Speak.—Comp. Psalms 50:20 for the same implied sense in this verb. This verse reads as if Israel, and not a mere individual, were the subject of the psalms.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:23

Verse 23. Princes also did sit] It is very likely that the nobles of Babylon did often, by wicked misrepresentations, render the minds of the kings of the empire evil affected towards the Jews.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:23

23. A further proof of his fidelity. Though those in authority sit in council and devise plans for his ruin, he continues to meditate on Jehovah’s statutes. Cp. Daniel 6:4 ff. It has been maintained that foreign princes must be meant, and consequently that the Psalmist must be speaking in the name of the nation, and not as an individual. But princes was the title commonly given to the Israelite nobles in post-exilic times, and the Psalmist was evidently persecuted by wealthy and powerful countrymen. Cp. Psalms 119:161, and see above, p. 702.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:23

Princes also did sit and speak against me - This would have been applicable to David many times in his life, but it was also applicable to many others, and there is nothing in the language which would limit it to David.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:23

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 119:23

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe How to Be Blessable by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of sin and the importance of reaching out to those who are perishing. He uses Psalm 1 to illustrate the contrast betwe
Samuel Logan Brengle King David's Use of His Bible by Samuel Logan Brengle Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes King David's profound engagement with the Scriptures, illustrating how, despite facing adversaries, David found wisdom, joy, hope, and comfort throu
George Mueller Helpful Hints in the Study of God's Word by George Mueller George Mueller emphasizes the importance of meditation on God's Word as a means to nourish the inner man and strengthen prayer. He encourages believers to seek wisdom from God and
A.W. Tozer (Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can
Carter Conlon Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a c
Sundar Krishnan Pray Big and Pray Bold by Sundar Krishnan This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing i
Darrell Champlin Articles of Engagement for Spiritual Warfare by Darrell Champlin In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a witch doctor and witnessing the power of God. The speaker describes how the witch doctor attempted to har
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