Psalms 119:135 — Word Study
WLCפָּ֭נֶיךָ הָאֵ֣ר בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי אֶת־ חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃
BSAMake Your facepânîym [presence, being before You] shineʼôwr [to give light, illuminate] upon Your servantʻebed [slave, one who serves] and teachlâmad [guide, instruct] meʼêth Your statuteschôq [decrees, laws, divine ordinances]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| פָּ֭נֶיךָ | face your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| הָאֵ֣ר | make shine | Verb, Hiphil, imperative second person masculine singular |
| בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ | on servant your | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי | and teach me | Conjunction, verb piel imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃ | decrees your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. |
| KJV | Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. |
| ASV | Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes. |
| YLT | Thy face cause to shine on Thy servant, And teach me Thy statutes. |
| WEB | Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes. |
| BBE | Let your servant see the shining of your face; give me knowledge of your rules. |
Where they part company is חֻקֶּֽיךָ — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main request followed by a secondary imperative, emphasizing the psalmist's needs.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאוֹר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 119:135
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Plea for Divine Guidancegenerated
Psalm 119:135 expresses a deep yearning for God's presence and guidance. The psalmist desires that God's face shine upon him, symbolizing favor and illumination, while also seeking instruction in God's statutes. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms, where the faithful seek closeness to God and understanding of His laws, as seen in other verses throughout the chapter.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 4:6 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. |
| 2 | Psalm 80:1–3 | Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth |
| 3 | Numbers 6:25–26 | may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; |
| 4 | Job 33:26 | He prays to God and finds favor; he sees God’s face and shouts for joy, and God restores His righteousness to that man. |
| 5 | Revelation 22:4–5 | They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — פָּנֶיךָ, Pa.nei.khagenerated
The word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) means 'face' or 'presence,' indicating a direct relationship with God. It suggests being in front of God, seeking His attention and favor. The parsing as a noun in the construct form with a suffix shows it is directed towards God, emphasizing the personal nature of the request.
In this context, the psalmist is asking for God's face to shine upon him, which implies a desire for God's guidance and blessing. The use of this word highlights the intimate relationship between the servant and God, as well as the importance of divine presence in the life of the believer.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads: "Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes." The translations agree on the fundamental meaning of the verse, emphasizing the psalmist's plea for divine illumination and instruction.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around two main verbs: הָאֵ֣ר, make shine, and לַמְּדֵ֗נִי, teach me. The first verb requests illumination, while the second seeks instruction, creating a parallelism that emphasizes the psalmist's dual needs.
The order of the phrases places the request for God's face to shine first, highlighting its importance. The prepositional phrase בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ indicates that the psalmist identifies himself as God's servant, which adds a layer of humility to the plea.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew פָּנֶיךָ is rendered as σου, meaning 'Your'. This choice reflects a direct appeal to God, maintaining the personal aspect of the request.
The Greek ἐπίφανον for הָאֵ֣ר emphasizes the act of making something shine or appear, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning of illumination and presence.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 119:135 is a prayer where the psalmist asks God to let His face shine upon him, which means to show favor and guidance. He also asks God to teach him His laws. This reflects a desire for closeness to God and understanding of His ways.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies God's favor and presence, illuminating the person's life and guiding them.
Calling himself a servant indicates humility and recognition of his dependence on God for guidance and instruction.
God's statutes refer to His laws and decrees that guide the behavior and actions of His people.
You can seek God's guidance through prayer, studying His word, and being open to His direction in your life.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need God's guidance and illumination?
- How can I cultivate a deeper relationship with God as my servant?
- What steps can I take to better understand and follow God's statutes?
- How does seeking God's presence impact my daily life and decisions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers often referenced this verse to emphasize the need for divine guidance and illumination in understanding God's laws.
"Show the light of Your countenance on Your servant, and teach me your statutes" [Psalms 119:135]: that is, manifest Your presence, by succouring and aiding me.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 119 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 119:135 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMake thy face to shine upon thy servant,.... That is, lift up the light of thy countenance on me; favour me with thy gracious presence, and communion with thyself; manifest thyself unto me, and shed
Read John Gill on Psalms 119 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMake thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant. Prayer for the return of God's full favour to His people Israel (Psalms 80:3; Psalms 80:7; Numbers 6:25).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 119 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleVer. 135. Look upon me with a pleased and favourable countenance. Compare .
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 119 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 119:135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.Ver. 135. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant] David could not live out of God’ s favour nor without his direction; he therefore here and elsewhere prayeth heartily for both.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 119 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 135. Make thy face to shine] Give me a sense of thy approbation. Let me know, by the testimony of thy Spirit in my conscience, that thou art reconciled to me. The godly in all ages derived their happiness from a consciousness of the Divine favour. The witness of God's spirit in the souls of believers was an essential principle in religion from the foundation of the world.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 119 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges135. Make thy face to shine] Illuminate the darkness that surrounds me with the light of Thy favour. Cp. Psalms 31:16. and teach &c.] Cp. Psalms 119:12 &c. He desires the restoration of prosperity not merely for its own sake, but as an opportunity for gaining further knowledge.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 119 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMake thy face to shine upon thy servant - Hebrew, “Let thy face give light to thy servant.” See the notes at Psalms 4:6. And teach me thy statutes - See the notes at Psalms 119:12.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 119 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bibleô, Pe.129-136. Let not any iniquity have dominion over me—A sense of his own peril leads the writer to a still deeper, intenser longing for perfected holiness within himself.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 119 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
Smile on your servant! Teach me your statutes!
Tyndale line
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy statutes.
Shew the light of thy countenance vpon thy seruant, and teache me thy statutes.
Strictly literal
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes.
Thy face cause to shine on Thy servant, And teach me Thy statutes.
Cause Your face to shine on Your servant, || And teach me Your statutes.
Let thy face shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes.
Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Simplified
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
Let your servant see the shining of your face; give me knowledge of your rules.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: פָּ֭נֶיךָ הָאֵ֣ר בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי אֶת־ חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃. The Septuagint matches five of the six words, maintaining the core meaning of the verse. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align closely with the Masoretic Text, confirming its preservation.
פָּ֭נֶיךָ הָאֵ֣ר בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי אֶת־ חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
פני׳כה האר בעבד׳כה ולמד׳ני את חוקי׳כה
6 words on the leather.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 119:135
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
N-cp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
אוֹר (or) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be or become light, covering various contexts such as shining of the sun, illumination by celestial bodies, and lighting lamps. It has different forms: Qal (to shine), Niphal (to be illuminated), and Hiphil (to give light). The entries emphasize both literal and metaphorical uses, including making one's face shine and enlightening the eyes.
[אוֹר] 43 vb. be or become light
Qal;—become light, shine of sun (esp. in early morn.)
Niph.—become lighted up of day-break
Hiph.—
give light, of sun, moon & stars
light up, cause to shine, shine
light a lamp
lighten, of the eyes
make shine, of face of God
base
H215 אוֹר be or become light .—become light, shine of sun (esp. in early morn.)
.—become lighted up of day-break
.— . give light, of sun, moon & stars
. light up, cause to shine, shine
. light a lamp
. lighten, of the eyes
. make shine, of face of God
215 'owr ore
a primitive root; to be (causative, make) luminous (literally
and metaphorically):--X break of day, glorious, kindle, (be,
en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine.
אוֹר (or) — to light.
1) to be or become light, shine
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become light (day)
1a2) to shine (of the sun)
1a3) to become bright
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be illuminated
1b2) to become lighted up
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars)
1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine
1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood)
1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc)
1c5) to make shine (of the face)
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine singularHVhv2ms
shin: The Hebrew words 'ahal, 'or, halal, zahar, zarach, yapha`, naghah, `ashath and qaran are all translated "shine." All indicate either the direct or indirect diffusion of beams of light. In a direct and literal sense the word "shine" is used of the heavenly bodies, or of candles, and fire (Job 18:5; 25:5 the King James Version; Job 29:3; 31:26; 2Ki 3:22). In a figurative sense it is used of reflected light or brightness, in any sense (Ex 34:29 f,35; Isa 60:1; Eze 43:2; Da 12:3). God as the sun of righteousness…
The Hebrew word עֶ֫בֶד (*ebed*) means 'slave' or 'servant' and encompasses various roles, including household servants, subjects, and worshippers of God. It can also refer to Israel as a collective servant of God and is used in polite address among equals. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to work' or 'to serve'.
עֶ֫בֶד 799 n.m. slave, servant
slave, servant of household
Subjects, of chief
Servants, worshippers of God
Servant of י׳, in a special sense
Israel as a people is servant of י׳
In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
Phrases
base
H5650 עֶ֫בֶד slave, servant . slave, servant of household
. Subjects, of chief
. Servants, worshippers of God
. Servant of י׳, in a special sense
. Israel as a people is servant of י׳
. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
. Phrases
5650 `ebed eh'-bed
from 5647; a servant:--X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant,
(man-)servant.
see HEBREW for 05647
עֶ֫בֶד (e.ved) — servant/slave.
1) slave, servant
1a) slave, servant, man-servant
1b) subjects
1c) servants, worshippers (of God)
1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc)
1e) servant (of Israel)
1f) servant (as form of address between equals)
Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
לָמַד (lamad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to learn or teach. It encompasses the ideas of exercising in a skill, being trained, and instructing others. The root suggests a connection to motivation or incentive, as seen in the context of teaching with a rod. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal (to learn), Piel (to teach), and Pual (to be taught).
לָמַד vb. exercise in, learn
Qal learn something
Piel teach
Pual trained; taught
base
H3925 לָמַד exercise in, learn .learn something
.teach
.trained; taught
3925 lamad law-mad'
a primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. (by implication) to
teach (the rod being an Oriental incentive):(un-) accustomed,
X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -
ing).
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: teach.
: 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)
לָמַד (la.mad) — to learn: learn.
: learn
1) to learn. teach, exercise in
1a) (Qal) to learn
1b) (Piel) to teach
1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff — Conjunction · verb piel imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHC/Vpv2ms/Sp1bs
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
DirObjM — ParticleHTo
חֹק (choq) refers to something prescribed, such as a statute, ordinance, or limit. It encompasses a range of meanings, including prescribed tasks, portions, and decrees, whether from God or man. The plural form, חֻקִּים, denotes multiple enactments or statutes. The entries consistently emphasize its legal and prescriptive nature.
חֹק 127 n.m. something prescribed, a statute or due
prescribed task
prescribed-portion or allowance of food
action prescribed for oneself, resolve
prescribed due of the priest from offerings
prescribed limit, boundary
enactment, decree, ordinance of either God or man
pl. חֻקִּים enactments, statutes of a law
base
H2706 חֹק something prescribed, a statute or due . prescribed task
. prescribed-portion or allowance of food
. action prescribed for oneself, resolve
. prescribed due of the priest from offerings
. prescribed limit, boundary
. enactment, decree, ordinance of either God or man
. pl. חֻקִּים enactments, statutes of a law
2706 choq khoke
from 2710; an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time,
space, quantity, labor or usage):--appointed, bound,
commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law,
measure, X necessary, ordinance(- nary), portion, set time,
statute, task.
see HEBREW for 02710
חֹק (choq) — statute: decree.
: 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
חֹק (choq) — statute: portion.
: portion
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
חֹק (choq) — statute: allotment.
: allotment/boundary
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms