Psalms 119:70
Psalms 119:70 in Multiple Translations
Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law.
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law.
Their hearts are shut up with fat; but my delight is in your law.
They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
Their heart is fatte as grease: but my delite is in thy Lawe.
Insensate as fat hath been their heart, I — in Thy law I have delighted.
Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.
Their heart is as gross as fat; but I delight in thy law.
Those proud people ◄are stupid/do not understand your laws► [IDM], but as for me, I am delighted with your laws.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:70
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 119:70 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טָפַ֣שׁ
כַּ/חֵ֣לֶב
לִבָּ֑/ם
אֲ֝נִ֗י
תּוֹרָתְ/ךָ֥
שִֽׁעֲשָֽׁעְתִּי
טָפַ֣שׁ
ṭâphash
H2954
be insensitive
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כַּ/חֵ֣לֶב
cheleb
H2459
fat
Prep | N-ms
לִבָּ֑/ם
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
אֲ֝נִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
תּוֹרָתְ/ךָ֥
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
שִֽׁעֲשָֽׁעְתִּי
shâʻaʻ
H8173
to smear
V-l-Perf-1cs
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 119:70
טָפַ֣שׁ
ṭâphash
H2954
"be insensitive"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be insensitive or stupid, like being thick-headed. It is used to describe someone who lacks understanding. In the Bible, it is translated as 'be fat' in the KJV.
Definition: (Qal) to be gross, be insensitive, be fat
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be fat. See also: Psalms 119:70.
כַּ/חֵ֣לֶב
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
לִבָּ֑/ם
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אֲ֝נִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
תּוֹרָתְ/ךָ֥
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.
שִֽׁעֲשָֽׁעְתִּי
shâʻaʻ
H8173
"to smear"
V-l-Perf-1cs
To delight means to take pleasure or find joy in something. In the Bible, it can describe a positive emotion, like enjoying God's creation, or a negative one, like staring at something in confusion or dismay, as seen in Psalm 119:16.
Definition: 1) to be smeared over, be blinded 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be smeared over, be blinded 1a2) to smear eyes shut 1b) (Hiphil) to besmear (of eyes), smear over eyes 1c) (Hithpalpel) to blind oneself, be blinded
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: cry (out) (by confusion with H7768 (שָׁוַע)), dandle, delight (self), play, shut. See also: Psalms 94:19; Isaiah 6:10; Psalms 119:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:70
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:70 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:70
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:70
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:70
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:70
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
- Sermons on Psalms 119:70
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
68You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.
69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep Your precepts with all my heart.
70Their hearts are callous and insensitive, but I delight in Your law.
71It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. 72The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 17:10 | They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. |
| 2 | Acts 28:27 | For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ |
| 3 | Psalms 73:7 | From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. |
| 4 | Isaiah 6:10 | Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ” |
| 5 | Psalms 119:16 | I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. |
| 6 | Psalms 40:8 | I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” |
| 7 | Psalms 119:35 | Direct me in the path of Your commandments, for there I find delight. |
| 8 | Romans 7:22 | For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. |
Psalms 119:70 Summary
[This verse contrasts the hard and callous hearts of some people with the delight that the psalmist finds in God's law. The psalmist is saying that even though some people may be stubborn and unresponsive to God's Word, he finds great joy in following God's commands, as expressed in Psalms 119:47. This is similar to what is described in Matthew 5:6, where Jesus teaches that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. By delighting in God's law, the psalmist is able to maintain a heart that is soft and receptive to God's will, and he encourages us to do the same.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for hearts to be 'hard and callous'?
This phrase describes a heart that has become stubborn and unresponsive to God's Word, similar to the condition described in Ezekiel 36:26, where God promises to give His people a new heart, one that is responsive to His will.
How can I delight in God's law when it seems restrictive?
Delighting in God's law means finding joy in following His commands, as expressed in Psalms 1:2, which says that the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night, recognizing that God's laws are for our good, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:13.
Is it possible for my heart to become hard and callous?
Yes, it is possible for anyone's heart to become hardened, as warned in Hebrews 3:8, where the author encourages believers to beware of hardening their hearts against God, and instead, to cultivate a heart that is soft and receptive to His Word, as encouraged in Psalms 51:17.
How can I maintain a heart that delights in God's law?
To maintain a heart that delights in God's law, it's essential to regularly read and meditate on Scripture, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8, and to seek a deep, personal relationship with God, as described in John 15:7, where Jesus promises that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a heart that delights in God's law, even when those around me do not?
- How do I respond when I see others with hard and callous hearts, and what can I do to help them?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my delight in God's law to those around me, and how can I share this joy with others?
- What are some potential consequences of having a hard and callous heart, and how can I avoid this condition in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:70
Their heart is as fat as grease,.... Or tallow, a lump of it, fat or grease congealed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:70
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. Their heart is as fat as grease - as obese as fat (Deuteronomy 32:15): a mind reprobate [incapable of judging and appreciating, noun (G3563)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
Their heart is as fat as grease; the sense is either, 1. They are stupid, and insensible, and past feeling, not affected either with the terrors or comforts of God’ s word. So the like phrase is used , compared with . Or, 2. They prosper exceedingly, and are even glutted with the wealth and comforts of this life. But I delight in thy law; but I do not envy them their jollity, and I have as much delight in God’ s law as they have in worldly things.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
Psalms 119:70 Their heart is as fat as grease; [but] I delight in thy law.Ver. 70. Their heart is as fat as grease] Gross as grease; curdled as milk or cheese, say the Septuagint, congealed and baked as it were in their sins. Obtusum et quasi adipe obductum; fat things are less sensible, and fat-hearted people are noted by Aristotle for dull and stupid. But I delight in thy law] Illa me pasco et sagino, therewith I feed and fat myself.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
(70) As fat as grease.—For this emblem of pride and insensibility, see Psalms 17:10; Psalms 73:7; Isaiah 6:10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
Verse 70. Their heart is as fat as grease] They are egregiously stupid, they have fed themselves without fear; they are become flesh-brutalized, and given over to vile affections, and have no kind of spiritual relish: but I delight in thy law - I have, through thy goodness, a spiritual feeling and a spiritual appetite.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:70
70. Gross is their heart as fat (lit. the fat of the midriff), as insensible and incapable of receiving any spiritual impression as the fat near it (Psalms 17:10; Psalms 73:7; Isaiah 6:10); as for me, in thy law do I delight.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:70
Their heart is as fat as grease - They are prospered. They have health, property, influence, comforts of all kinds.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:70
ùׂ, Teth.65-72. Thou hast dealt well—This declaration clearly refers to deliverance; and this goodness, which the insensible proud, with hearts as fat as grease, never appreciate, leads the grateful
Sermons on Psalms 119:70
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Church in the Last Days) 09 - Babylon by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers of living according to the flesh and being drawn into sensuality. He warns against false security and the teachings that promote |
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Epistle 35 by George Fox | George Fox calls upon the prophets of the Lord to stand firm in their calling and not to be discouraged by the world's disdain for prophecy. He emphasizes the importance of remaini |
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Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif |
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1 Corinthians 3:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches to the Corinthians about the dangers of being carnal and not spiritual, highlighting the need to grow in faith and knowledge of God's wisdom. He emphasizes |
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Prepared Instrument by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of being a prepared soul and instrument for God's message. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Word of God |
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(Christ in Isaiah) Part 4 by Tom Orr | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the servant in the book of Isaiah, specifically in chapters 52 and 53. The preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading th |
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John's Gospel - Understanding Unbelief by John Vissers | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of parables in the Bible, specifically in Mark chapter 4 and verse 12. He explains that parables are not meant to make things cle |