Psalms 119:71
Psalms 119:71 in Multiple Translations
It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes.
It is good for me to have been through trouble; so that I might come to the knowledge of your rules.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
It is good for me that I haue beene afflicted, that I may learne thy statutes.
Good for me that I have been afflicted, That I might learn Thy statutes.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
It was good for me that you afflicted/punished me, because the result was that I learned ◄your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:71
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 119:71 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טֽוֹב
לִ֥/י
כִֽי
עֻנֵּ֑יתִי
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
אֶלְמַ֥ד
חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֥/י
Prep | Suff
כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עֻנֵּ֑יתִי
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
V-Pual-Perf-1cs
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
אֶלְמַ֥ד
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ
chôq
H2706
statute
N-mp | Suff
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 119:71
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לִ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עֻנֵּ֑יתִי
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
V-Pual-Perf-1cs
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
אֶלְמַ֥ד
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ
chôq
H2706
"statute"
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 119:71
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:71 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:71
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:71
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:71
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:71
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
- Sermons on Psalms 119:71
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
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. 73Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:10–11 | Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:67 | Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 11:32 | But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. |
| 4 | Psalms 94:12–13 | Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law, to grant him relief from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. |
| 5 | Isaiah 27:9 | Therefore Jacob’s guilt will be atoned for, and the full fruit of the removal of his sin will be this: When he makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing. |
Psalms 119:71 Summary
This verse means that the Psalmist believes it was good for him to go through hard times because it helped him learn more about God's laws and commands. Even when we are facing difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is sovereign and can use those times to teach us more about Himself, as seen in Psalms 119:71 and also in Romans 8:28 where it says that all things work together for our good. By trusting in God and His sovereignty, we can learn to obey His commands and delight in His law, even in the midst of affliction, just like the Psalmist does in Psalms 119:70.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Psalmist say it was good for him to be afflicted?
The Psalmist says it was good for him to be afflicted because it taught him to learn and obey God's statutes, as seen in Psalms 119:71, which is a common theme throughout the Bible, such as in Romans 5:3-5 where suffering produces perseverance and character.
Is the Psalmist saying that God afflicts us for our own good?
While God does allow affliction in our lives, the Psalmist is not necessarily saying that God afflicts us for our own good, but rather that God can use affliction to teach us valuable lessons, as seen in Psalms 119:71 and supported by Jeremiah 29:11 which says God has plans to prosper us.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when we are going through difficult times?
We can apply this verse by trusting that God is sovereign and that He can use our difficult circumstances to teach us more about Himself and His ways, as stated in Psalms 119:71 and also in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Does this verse mean that we should seek out affliction or suffering in our lives?
No, this verse does not mean that we should seek out affliction or suffering, but rather that when we do face difficult times, we can trust that God can use them for our good and to teach us more about Himself, as seen in Psalms 119:71 and supported by 1 Peter 4:12-13 where we are called to rejoice in our sufferings.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has used affliction or difficult circumstances in my life to teach me more about Himself and His ways?
- How can I trust God more fully when I am facing difficult times, and what are some Bible verses that can help me do so?
- In what ways can I delight in God's law, even when I am going through hard times, as the Psalmist does in Psalms 119:70?
- What are some specific statutes or commands of God that I can learn and obey, even in the midst of affliction, as the Psalmist does in Psalms 119:71?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:71
[It is] good for me that I have been afflicted,.... The good and profit of which he had observed before; [See comments on Psalms 119:67].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:71
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. It is good for me that I have been afflicted - (Hebrews 12:10; John 15:2; Job 5:6 : cf. Psalms 119:67; Psalms 119:75).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
Good; necessary, and greatly beneficial. He repeats what in effect he said before, , partly to intimate the certainty and importance of this truth, and partly because it is a great paradox to worldly men, who generally esteem afflictions to be evil, yea, the worst of evils.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
Psalms 119:71 [It is] good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.Ver. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted] And thereby humbled; for else the fruit of affliction is lost, and they are always impaired that are not improved by their sufferings, as all God’ s people are sure to be at length. The Lacedemonians of old (and the same is said of the Hollanders of late) grew rich by war, and were bettered when all other kingdoms were undone by it. The saints make benefit of their crosses, which to others are destructive. That I might learn thy statutes] Luther saith of some of Saint Paul’ s Epistles, that they can never be understood but by the cross. Qui tribulantur, sacras literas melius intelligunt (saith he in another place) Through trails they better understood the Bible. securi et fortunati eas legunt sicut Ovidii carmen, that is, the afflicted do best understand the Scriptures, when the wealthy and secure read them but as one of Ovid’ s poems.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
(71) It is good . . .—See Psalms 119:67. Probably the result of discipline on the nation is intended, though the “sweet uses of adversity” were long ago a truism of moralists. See Æsch., Agam., 172: “Who guideth mortals to wisdom, maketh them grasp lore Firmly through their pain.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
Verse 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted] See on Psalms 119:67.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:71
71. Cp. Psalms 119:67.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:71
It is good for me that I have been afflicted - See the notes at Psalms 119:67. Whatever may have been the form of the affliction, it was good for me. The design was benevolent; the result has been my own benefit.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:71
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 119:71
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The God Who Devastates by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by urging the audience to humble themselves before God and seek His guidance. He mentions that his books, available in the foyer, are more compre |
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Facing Afflictions by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of curiosity and fascination with evil things. He encourages believers to be simple and ignorant about the evil in the world, as |
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The Healing Power of Afflictions by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the healing power of afflictions, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in times of suffering. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical exam |
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Joy Inexpressible and Full of Glory by Samuel Storms | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the gospels as a record of Jesus' life and teachings. He suggests that having the gospels is almost better than bein |
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A Consolation in Affliction by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about finding consolation in affliction by acknowledging God's kindness and faithfulness towards His people. Despite the challenges and heavy afflictions fac |
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Gods Faithfulness in Trials - Ps 119_65 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes God's faithfulness during trials, encouraging believers to recognize that afflictions can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. He discusse |
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Chosen in the Furnace of Affliction by Charles Mchatton | Charles Mchatton preaches about how God refines and chooses His children in the furnace of affliction, using trials, oppression, and humiliating experiences to purify their hearts |