Menu

Psalms 119:85

Psalms 119:85 in Multiple Translations

The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.

The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law.

The men of pride, who are turned away from your law, have put nets for me.

These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.

The proude haue digged pittes for mee, which is not after thy Lawe.

The proud have digged for me pits, That [are] not according to Thy law.

The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.

The proud have digged pits for me, which are not according to thy law.

It is as though proud people have dug deep pits for me to fall into, people who do not obey your laws.

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.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:85

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 119:85 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כָּֽרוּ לִ֣/י זֵדִ֣ים שִׁיח֑וֹת אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר לֹ֣א כְ/תוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
כָּֽרוּ kârâh H3738 to dig V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ֣/י Prep | Suff
זֵדִ֣ים zêd H2086 arrogant Adj
שִׁיח֑וֹת shîychâh H7882 pit N-fp
אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
כְ/תוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ tôwrâh H8451 instruction Prep | N-fs | 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 119:85

כָּֽרוּ kârâh H3738 "to dig" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to dig or pierce, and is used in various contexts, including excavating the earth or plotting against someone, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to dig, excavate, dig through, cut 1a) (Qal) to dig
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. See also: Genesis 26:25; Psalms 22:17; Psalms 7:16.
לִ֣/י "" Prep | Suff
זֵדִ֣ים 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.
שִׁיח֑וֹת shîychâh H7882 "pit" N-fp
This Hebrew word means a pit or hole, often used to describe a trap or a deep well. It appears in the Bible to describe physical pits. In some cases, it can also refer to a low or sunken place.
Definition: pit
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: pit. See also: Psalms 57:7; Psalms 119:85; Jeremiah 18:22.
אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כְ/תוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Prep | 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 119:85

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 35:7 For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.
2 Proverbs 16:27 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
3 Jeremiah 18:20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
4 Psalms 119:78 May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.
5 Psalms 7:15 He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making.
6 Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of the proud come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
7 Jeremiah 18:22 Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet.
8 Psalms 58:1–2 Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

Psalms 119:85 Summary

The Psalmist is saying that there are people who are trying to hurt him, but they are doing it in a way that is against God's laws. This means that they are not only being mean, but they are also sinning against God. The Psalmist is trusting that God will protect him and be faithful to him, even when others are trying to harm him (as seen in Psalms 37:5-6 and Romans 8:28). We can learn from the Psalmist's example and trust in God's protection and faithfulness in our own lives, even when we face challenges or opposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the arrogant to dig pits for the Psalmist?

The arrogant are plotting against the Psalmist, trying to trap or harm him, as seen in Psalms 119:85, which is a common metaphor in the Bible, such as in Psalms 35:7 and Jeremiah 18:20.

How does the Psalmist's statement relate to God's law?

The Psalmist says the arrogant have dug pits for him 'in violation of Your law', indicating that their actions are not only hurtful but also sinful and contrary to God's will, as expressed in Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 19:14.

Why does the Psalmist emphasize the arrogance of his enemies?

The Psalmist highlights the arrogance of his enemies to contrast their pride with his own humility and trust in God, as seen in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:5-6.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

We can apply this verse by recognizing that we all face spiritual enemies who seek to harm us, but we can trust in God's faithfulness and protection, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that others may be trying to 'dig pits' for me, and how can I trust in God's protection?
  2. How do I respond when I feel like I'm being persecuted or attacked by others, and what can I learn from the Psalmist's example?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be vulnerable to the schemes of the arrogant, and how can I seek God's help and guidance?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and trust in God, even in the face of opposition or adversity?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:85

The proud have digged pits for me,.... Laid snares and temptations in his way, to draw him into sin, and so into mischief; they sought indeed to take away his life, and formed schemes for it.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:85

The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. The proud (Psalms 119:21; Psalms 119:78, notes) have digged pits for me, which (who-namely, the proud, not the pits) are not after thy law.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:85

Have digged pits for me; have sought to destroy me by deceit and treachery, as well as by violence. Which; either, 1. Which men have no respect to thy law, which forbids such things. Or rather, 2. Which thing, to wit, to dig pits for me, an innocent and just man, is not agreeable to thy law, but directly contrary to it.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:85

Psalms 119:85 The proud have digged pits for me, which [are] not after thy law.Ver. 85. The proud have digged pits for me] The pride, cruelty, and craftiness of wicked persecutors are foretokens of their utter destruction. The Greek rendereth it, They have told me tales; Proverbs 16:27, "An ungodly man diggeth up evil." Which are not after thy law] Neither they nor their pits. But what care they for thee or thy law? and shall they thus escape by iniquity? Psalms 56:7.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:85

(85) Which.—Better, who. Its antecedent, of course, the proud, not the pits.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:85

Verse 85. The proud have digged pits] The Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic, and Arabic, translate this verse thus: "They have recited to me unholy fables, which are not according to thy law." They wish us to receive their system of idolatry, and the tales concerning their gods; but these are not according to thy law. The Anglo-Saxon is the same: [A.S.]: They quothed me the unrightwise spells; but no so so law thine.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:85

85. pits] A metaphor from the pitfalls used by hunters. Cp. Psalms 57:6; and especially Jeremiah 18:20; Jeremiah 18:22. which] Rather, who. His enemies are presumptuous sinners, who despise and defy God’s law (Psalms 119:21; Psalms 119:53). Godless Israelites are clearly meant.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:85

The proud - Those in high life, or of exalted rank. See the notes at Psalms 119:51. Have digged pits for me - See the notes at Psalms 7:15. Compare Psalms 35:7; Psalms 57:6; Psalms 94:13.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:85

ë, Caph. 81-88. My soul fainteth—Affliction and trial are again upon him. “The clouds return after the rain.” The exact point of the grief is expressed in Psalms 119:83.

Sermons on Psalms 119:85

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel A Season and a Time by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and knowing when to keep silent. He shares a personal story of encountering a young man with a rebellio
E.A. Adeboye Ransom for the Righteous by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the concept of ransom in the Bible, highlighting how Jesus became the ultimate ransom for our sins, as stated in Matthew 20:28. God, out of His love, is wil

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate