Psalms 119:55
Psalms 119:55 in Multiple Translations
In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law.
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law.
I have given thought to your name in the night, O Lord, and have kept your law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
I haue remembred thy Name, O Lord, in the night, and haue kept thy Lawe.
I have remembered in the night Thy name, O Jehovah, And I do keep Thy law.
I have remembered your name, LORD, in the night, and I obey your law.
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
Yahweh, during the night I think about you [MTY], and so I obey your laws.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:55
BAB
Word Study
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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 119:55 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
בַ/לַּ֣יְלָה
שִׁמְ/ךָ֣
יְהוָ֑ה
וָֽ֝/אֶשְׁמְרָ֗/ה
תּוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בַ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
שִׁמְ/ךָ֣
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וָֽ֝/אֶשְׁמְרָ֗/ה
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
תּוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:55
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
בַ/לַּ֣יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
שִׁמְ/ךָ֣
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וָֽ֝/אֶשְׁמְרָ֗/ה
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
תּוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:55
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:55 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:55
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:55
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:55
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:55
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
- Sermons on Psalms 119:55
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
53Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.
54Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage.
55In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law.
56This is my practice, for I obey Your precepts. 57The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 63:6 | When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night. |
| 2 | Psalms 42:8 | The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:9 | My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. |
| 4 | Psalms 139:18 | If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You. |
| 5 | Acts 16:25 | About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. |
| 6 | Job 35:9–10 | Men cry out under great oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the mighty. But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night, |
| 7 | Psalms 119:17 | Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. |
| 8 | Genesis 32:24–28 | So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” |
| 9 | John 15:10 | If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:34 | Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart. |
Psalms 119:55 Summary
Psalms 119:55 means that even when it's dark and hard, we can remember who God is and what He's like, and that helps us to want to obey Him. It's like when we're scared or unsure, but we remember that God is with us and loves us, and that gives us the strength to do what's right (Psalms 63:6, Deuteronomy 8:2). Remembering God's name is like having a special reminder of His love and promises, and it helps us to trust Him and follow His ways. By remembering God's name, we can keep His law and live a life that pleases Him, just like the psalmist wanted to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to remember God's name in the night?
Remembering God's name in the night, as mentioned in Psalms 119:55, means to recall and reflect on God's character, attributes, and promises, which brings comfort and guidance, similar to what is expressed in Psalms 63:6, where the psalmist remembers God on his bed and meditates on Him in the night watches.
How can remembering God's name help us keep His law?
Remembering God's name and His character helps us keep His law because it reminds us of our relationship with Him and our commitment to obey Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2, where remembering God's ways and works in the wilderness helped the Israelites to trust and obey Him.
What is the significance of the night in this verse?
The night in Psalms 119:55 may symbolize a time of darkness, uncertainty, or difficulty, but even in such times, the psalmist finds comfort and guidance in remembering God's name, much like what is expressed in Psalms 23:4, where the psalmist fears no evil even in the valley of the shadow of death because God is with him.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply Psalms 119:55 to our lives by making it a habit to reflect on God's character and promises, especially during difficult or uncertain times, and trusting that He will guide and empower us to obey His law, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13, where we are told that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you can remember God's name and character in the midst of challenging circumstances?
- How does reflecting on God's promises and attributes help you to trust and obey Him?
- What are some specific laws or commands of God that you struggle to keep, and how can remembering God's name and character help you to obey them?
- In what ways can you prioritize remembering God's name and character in your daily life, whether in the day or in the night?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:55
I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night,.... In the night of distress and affliction, as Jarchi; or rather literally, in the night season, when on his bed and awake: while others were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:55
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
Thy name; thy holy nature and attributes, thy blessed word, and thy wonderful works; all which come under the title of God’ s name. In the night, when darkness causeth fear in others, I took pleasure in remembering thee; and when others abandon all business, and wholly give themselves up to rest and sleep, my thoughts and affections were working towards thee. And have kept thy law; this was the fruit of my serious remembrance of thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
Psalms 119:55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.Ver. 55. I remembered thy name, &c.] Breaking my sleep for the purpose, to meditate on thy holy attributes, word, and works. And have kept thy law] Which could not have been kept, if not kept in firm and fresh memory. See 1 Corinthians 15:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
Verse 55. I have remembered thy name] Thou art Jehovah; and as our God thou hast made thyself known unto us. In the deepest night of our affliction this has consoled me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:55
55. The constant recollection of the Lawgiver and all that He has revealed Himself to be, is the most powerful motive to observance of His laws. in the night] Cp. Psalms 119:62; Psalms 1:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:55
I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night ... - I have thought on thee in the night, when on my bed; I have done it in the night of calamity and sorrow. See the notes at Psalms 63:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:55
æ, Zain.49-56. The word… upon which thou hast caused me to hope—In a time of derision and apostasy the psalmist finds strength and delight in the word. Times of persecution and contempt are always times of apostasy.
Sermons on Psalms 119:55
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hebrews 8:1-13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the superiority of Jesus as the High Priest who sits at the right hand of God, emphasizing His role as the Minister of the sanctuary and the true Tab |
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Singing Before Suffering. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of singing in the face of suffering, highlighting that Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples just before His impending crucifixion, demonstr |
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Lxi. to Mr James Wilson by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of encouragement and exhortation to a struggling believer, addressing doubts about being in Christ and feeling lost in spiritual exercises. He |
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Fill the Night With Song by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding solace and songs in the night through God, our Maker. He encourages seeking God's presence during sleepless nights, times of bereavement, a |
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The Cellars of Affliction by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of finding spiritual deliverance and strength in the midst of afflictions by seeking the promises of God and experiencing His vitalizing |
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None Saith, Where Is God My Maker, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God during our darkest nights, whether they be filled with doubt, bereavement, or discouragement. He encourages believers to turn th |
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Yet the Lord Will Command His Loving-Kindness by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes that despite life's trials, God commands His loving-kindness, providing comfort and songs in the night. He illustrates how true joy and peace can exist |