Psalms 119:78
Psalms 119:78 in Multiple Translations
May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Let the proud be put to shame; for they have overthrown me wrongfully: But I will meditate on thy precepts.
Let the men of pride be shamed; because they have falsely given decision against me; but I will give thought to your orders.
Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
Let the proude be ashamed: for they haue dealt wickedly and falsely with me: but I meditate in thy precepts.
Ashamed are the proud, For [with] falsehood they dealt perversely with me. I meditate in Thy precepts.
Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Cause the proud people who falsely accuse me to be ashamed, but as for me, I will continue ◄meditating on/thinking about► ◄your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:78
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 119:78 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
זֵ֭דִים
כִּי
שֶׁ֣קֶר
עִוְּת֑וּ/נִי
אֲ֝נִ֗י
אָשִׂ֥יחַ
בְּ/פִקּוּדֶֽי/ךָ
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
זֵ֭דִים
zêd
H2086
arrogant
Adj
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֶׁ֣קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
עִוְּת֑וּ/נִי
ʻâvath
H5791
to pervert
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
אֲ֝נִ֗י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אָשִׂ֥יחַ
sîyach
H7878
to muse
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בְּ/פִקּוּדֶֽי/ךָ
piqqûwd
H6490
precept
Prep | 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 119:78
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
זֵ֭דִים
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.
כִּי
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.
שֶׁ֣קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
עִוְּת֑וּ/נִי
ʻâvath
H5791
"to pervert"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to pervert or twist something, and it is used to describe bending or making something crooked. It can also mean to falsify or subvert something, and it is used in the book of Proverbs to describe turning away from what is right.
Definition: 1) to be bent, be crooked, bend, make crooked, pervert 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to make crooked, falsify, pervert, subvert 1a2) to bend, make crooked 1b) (Pual) thing bent (participle) 1c) (Hithpael) to bend oneself
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: bow self, (make) crooked., falsifying, overthrow, deal perversely, pervert, subvert, turn upside down. See also: Job 8:3; Ecclesiastes 1:15; Psalms 119:78.
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.
אָשִׂ֥יחַ
sîyach
H7878
"to muse"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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/פִקּוּדֶֽי/ךָ
piqqûwd
H6490
"precept"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a precept or commandment from God, like a law or statute. It appears in the Bible as a mandate or instruction, and is translated in the KJV as commandment, precept, or statute, emphasizing its importance as a divine instruction.
Definition: precept, statute
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: commandment, precept, statute. See also: Psalms 19:9; Psalms 119:87; Psalms 103:18.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:78
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:78 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:78
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:78
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:78
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:78
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
- Sermons on Psalms 119:78
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
76May Your loving devotion comfort me, I pray, according to Your promise to Your servant.
77May Your compassion come to me, that I may live, for Your law is my delight.
78May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.
79May those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies. 80May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:51 | The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:20 | How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:23 | Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes. |
| 4 | John 15:25 | But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 25:3 | Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:21 | You rebuke the arrogant— the cursed who stray from Your commandments. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 26:18 | And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? |
| 8 | Psalms 69:4 | Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me— my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:85–86 | The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law. All Your commandments are faithful; I am persecuted without cause—help me! |
| 10 | Psalms 109:3 | They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. |
Psalms 119:78 Summary
[This verse is about trusting God to take care of those who are treating us unfairly, and focusing on His teachings instead. The psalmist is asking God to humble those who are proud and lying about him, and to help him stay focused on God's commands. This is similar to what David says in Psalms 37:7, 'Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.' By meditating on God's precepts, we can find comfort and guidance in difficult times, as promised in Psalms 119:50, 'Your promise preserves my life.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'put to shame' in Psalms 119:78?
To be put to shame means to be humiliated or disgraced, often as a result of one's own actions or words, as seen in Proverbs 11:2, where it says 'When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.'
Why does the psalmist ask for the arrogant to be put to shame?
The psalmist asks for the arrogant to be put to shame because they have been subverting him with lies, and he desires justice and vindication from God, as expressed in Psalms 35:11, where David says 'False witnesses rise up, they lay to my charge things that I know not.'
What does it mean to 'meditate on Your precepts' in this verse?
To meditate on God's precepts means to thoughtfully consider and reflect on His commands and teachings, as seen in Psalms 1:2, where the blessed man 'delights in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.'
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by seeking to humble ourselves before God, trusting in His justice, and making a conscious effort to meditate on His Word, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8, where God tells Joshua to 'meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been 'subverted with a lie' by the arrogant, and how can I trust God to vindicate me?
- How can I cultivate a habit of meditating on God's precepts, and what benefits can I expect to see in my life as a result?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's comfort and compassion, as expressed in Psalms 119:76-77?
- How can I balance my desire for justice and vindication with the need to forgive and love my enemies, as taught in Matthew 5:44?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:78
Let the proud be ashamed,.... The same persons he before speaks of as accursed, who had him in derision, and forged a lie against him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:78
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
They dealt perversely with me, Heb. they have perverted me; either by their calumnies, whereby they have put false and perverse constructions upon all my words and actions; or by endeavouring to overthrow and destroy me, or to turn me out of the way of thy precepts. But all their wicked attempts against me shall never drive me from the study, and love, and practice of thy precepts.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
Psalms 119:78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: [but] I will meditate in thy precepts.Ver. 78. Let the proud be ashamed] Theoderet thinks that David here prayeth not against, but for, his enemies, quando quidem confusio et ignominia salutem procreat. But that is not likely. For they dealt perversely with me] Writhing my words and deeds to a wrong sense; or, they would pervert me. But I will meditate in thy precepts] Or, I will speak of them, and so stop their mouths, and save myself from them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
(78) Dealt.—Better, wronged me; literally, bent me.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
Verse 78. Let the proud be ashamed] To reduce a proud man to shame, is to humble him indeed. Let them be confounded. Without cause - without any colourable pretext, have they persecuted me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:78
78. for they dealt perversely with me without a cause] Better, for they have subverted me by falsehood. Cp. Lamentations 3:36.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:78
Let the proud be ashamed - Referring here to his enemies, who appear to have been in the higher ranks of life, or to have been those who prided themselves on their wealth, their station, or their influence.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:78
é, Jod.73-80. I may learn thy commandments—The psalmist considers the value of broad and truthful experiences in the word as related to his influence upon others.
Sermons on Psalms 119:78
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Handling Criticism by Neil T. Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding isolation in our spiritual journey. He warns that getting isolated and not being accountable to others can lead to |
|
Surrender or Else by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions and decisions. He challenges listeners to consider why they are in their curre |
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Is Christ All You Have by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God within believers. He quotes from 1 John 4:4, stating that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. The preac |
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The Discipline of Dependence - 7 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, David Barton emphasizes the importance of seeking God's perfect will for our lives. He encourages listeners to trust in God's thoughts and plans for them, which are |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 121 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to extraordinary messages from God. He uses the example of David going through a valley of humiliation and choos |
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That Questionable Suffering by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the nature of suffering, distinguishing between just punishments for wrongdoing and the suffering that comes from living a righteous life for Christ. He emphas |
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1 Peter 2:20 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of enduring suffering for doing good, contrasting it with the lack of honor in suffering for one's faults. He explains that true glory comes f |