Psalms 119:98
Psalms 119:98 in Multiple Translations
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me.
Your teaching has made me wiser than my haters: for it is mine for ever.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
By thy commandements thou hast made mee wiser then mine enemies: for they are euer with mee.
Than mine enemies Thy command maketh me wiser, For it [is] before me to the age.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than my enemies: for they are ever with me.
Because I know ◄your commands/what you have commanded►, and because I think about them all the time, I have become wiser than my enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:98
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 119:98 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ֭/אֹ֣יְבַ/י
תְּחַכְּמֵ֣/נִי
מִצְוֺתֶ֑/ךָ
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
הִיא
לִֽ/י
מֵ֭/אֹ֣יְבַ/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
תְּחַכְּמֵ֣/נִי
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
מִצְוֺתֶ֑/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fp | Suff
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
הִיא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לִֽ/י
Prep | 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 119:98
מֵ֭/אֹ֣יְבַ/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
תְּחַכְּמֵ֣/נִי
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
מִצְוֺתֶ֑/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
כִּ֖י
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.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
הִיא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 119:98
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:98 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:98
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:98
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:98
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:98
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
- Sermons on Psalms 119:98
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
96I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.
97Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.
98Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
99I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. 100I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 2:6 | For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 2 | James 1:25 | But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:104–105 | I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. |
| 4 | Colossians 3:16 | Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:11 | I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 4:6 | Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” |
| 7 | Psalms 119:30 | I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:8 | And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today? |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 18:30 | Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 18:14 | and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. |
Psalms 119:98 Summary
[This verse tells us that when we follow God's commands, He gives us wisdom that is greater than those who are against us, which is a wonderful promise of protection and guidance. By regularly reading and thinking about God's commands, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, we can have this wisdom with us at all times. This is not just about knowing a lot of rules, but about having a deep understanding of God's heart and will for our lives, as seen in Psalms 119:105 where God's word is a lamp to our feet. As we trust in God's commands, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is always with us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's commandments to make me wiser than my enemies?
This verse suggests that having God's commandments always with us provides a unique understanding and insight that surpasses that of those who oppose us, as seen in Psalms 119:98, and is in line with the promise in Proverbs 2:6 that God gives wisdom.
How can I ensure that God's commandments are always with me?
To have God's commandments always with you, it's essential to regularly read, meditate on, and obey Scripture, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:2, which will help you to remember and apply them in your daily life.
Does this verse imply that I will never face challenges or enemies?
No, this verse does not suggest that having God's commandments with you means you won't face challenges, but rather that you will have the wisdom to navigate them, as seen in the life of David who faced many enemies but trusted in God's commands and presence, as mentioned in Psalms 23:4.
How does loving God's law, as mentioned in the preceding verse, relate to this verse?
Loving God's law, as expressed in Psalms 119:97, demonstrates a deep affection and commitment to His commands, which in turn allows them to be a constant source of wisdom and guidance, as stated in Psalms 119:98, highlighting the importance of both the heart's affection and the mind's understanding in following God.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do you currently meditate on God's commandments, and how can you deepen this practice to have them always with you?
- Reflect on a recent situation where you felt like you were facing enemies or opposition; how could God's commandments have provided wisdom in that moment?
- What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that God's commandments are always at the forefront of your mind and heart?
- How does the promise of having God's commandments always with you impact your approach to decision-making and seeking wisdom in daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:98
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies,.... David had his enemies, as every good man has: and these are often cunning and crafty ones, at least in wickedness; many of them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:98
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
Thou, through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies, because by that means I have thy wisdom to guide me, and thy power engaged to protect and save me; which is a more certain and effectual way to obtain my desires and ends than all the policy and craft of mine enemies is to hinder them, as I have found by experience. They are ever with me; they are continually before mine eyes, as a rule by which to govern all my actions, whereby I am kept from splitting upon those rocks whereby others are ruined.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
Psalms 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me.Ver. 98. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than my enemies] So that I outwit them; and my holy simplicity is too hard for their sinful subtlety. "Be wise as serpents." For they are ever with me] Heb. It is ever with me, that is, every one of thy commandments; I am expert in them; or, It is mine, I have made them mine own by meditation; I have turned them in succum et sanguinem; I have incorporated them, as it were, into my soul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
MEM. (98) Better, Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies. The same correspondence of wisdom with loyal obedience to the Law is found in the Book of Proverbs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
Verse 98. Wiser than mine enemies] Some have thought that this Psalm was composed by Daniel, and that he speaks of himself in these verses. Being instructed by God, he was found to have more knowledge than any of the Chaldeans, magicians, soothsayers, c., &c. and his wisdom soon appeared to the whole nation vastly superior to theirs.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:98
98. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser &c.] A scarcely possible rendering, though it has some support in the Ancient Versions. Better as R.V., Thy commandments make me wiser &c. For the sense cp. Deuteronomy 4:6. for they are ever with me] Lit. For it is mine for ever. The use of the singular ‘it,’ as well as of the singular verb in the preceding line, implies the unity of God’s law, though it includes many commandments. This law is his possession. Cp. Psalms 119:111.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:98
Thou, through thy commandments - By the teaching and power of thy law.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:98
î, Mem.97-104. Thy law… is my meditation—A view is now given of the practical wisdom given by the word. A childlike mind, illuminated by the pure truth, sees of itself an error.
Sermons on Psalms 119:98
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Guidelines) Illumination I by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and listening to the word of God. They mention going through the Bible multiple times in different programs, and e |
|
Prudence: The Discipline of Godly Speech by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of developing the skill of wisdom and prudence. The speaker highlights that God's intention for all mankind is to live in peac |
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The Fourth Tabernacle by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the fourth tabernacle and its significance for believers. The fourth tabernacle represents the last dwelling place of God on ea |
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Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are al |
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(Divine Attributes) 09 the Sovereign Triune God of the Universe by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God. He recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar, who was brought down by God's judgment and spent seven years craw |
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Who Is Wise? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment. He urges his listeners to make straight paths for their feet and not to stray from the right path. |
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Get Wisdom by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom in order to find true and lasting happiness. He acknowledges that people may pursue temporary sources of hap |