Psalms 119:27 — Word Study
WLCדֶּֽרֶךְ־ פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ הֲבִינֵ֑נִי וְ֝אָשִׂ֗יחָה בְּנִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
BSAMake clear to mebîyn [help me understand, cause me to comprehend] the wayderek [path, road, manner of life] of Your preceptspiqqûwd [commands, laws, divine instructions] then I will meditatesîyach [think deeply, ponder, talk about] on Your wonderspâlâʼ [miraculous works, amazing deeds, things that inspire awe]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| דֶּֽרֶךְ־ | [the] way of | Noun common, both singular construct |
| פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ | precepts your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| הֲבִינֵ֑נִי | give understanding of me | Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular, suffix |
| וְ֝אָשִׂ֗יחָה | so let me meditate | Conjunction, verb qal infinitive construct first person common singular |
| בְּנִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ | on wonders your | Preposition, verb niphal participle (active) feminine plural common, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders. |
| KJV | Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. |
| ASV | Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works. |
| YLT | The way of Thy precepts cause me to understand, And I meditate in Thy wonders. |
| WEB | Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. |
| BBE | Make the way of your orders clear to me; then my thoughts will be ever on your wonders. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of דֶּרֶךְ — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents the psalmist's request, followed by a dependent clause indicating the consequence of that understanding.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 119:27
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 — Meditation on God's Preceptsgenerated
Psalm 119:27 is part of a larger meditation on the importance of God's laws and how they guide the believer's life. The psalmist expresses a longing for clarity in understanding God's precepts, which leads to a deeper contemplation of His wondrous works. This reflects a common theme in the psalms of seeking divine guidance and wisdom.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 71:17 | O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds. |
| 2 | Psalm 78:4 | We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. |
| 3 | Psalm 105:2 | Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. |
| 4 | Psalm 111:4 | He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. |
| 5 | Psalm 145:5–6 | the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — דֶּרֶךְ, de.rekh-generated
The word דֶּרֶךְ (derek) is a noun that means way or path. It can refer to a literal road or a figurative path in life, encompassing one's manner of conduct or moral direction. The parsing indicates it is a common noun in the singular construct form, meaning it is connected to another noun, in this case, the precepts.
This term is frequently used in the Hebrew Bible to describe both physical journeys and spiritual or ethical paths, highlighting the importance of choosing the right way in life.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations of this verse agree on the general meaning, with all versions reflecting the psalmist's plea for understanding of God's precepts and his intention to meditate on God's wonders.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is הֲבִינֵ֑נִי, give understanding, which governs the entire clause. It is followed by a noun phrase דֶּרֶךְ־ פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ, the way of Your precepts, indicating what the psalmist seeks to understand.
The structure of the verse is straightforward, with a clear request for understanding leading into the psalmist's intention to meditate on God's wonders, creating a logical flow from request to action.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, דֶּרֶךְ is rendered as ὁδὸν (hodon), which also means way or path. This choice emphasizes the same concept of direction and guidance.
The translation of פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ as σου (sou) indicates possession, aligning with the original meaning of God's precepts as personal and authoritative.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 119:27 expresses a desire for God to help the psalmist understand His commands. The psalmist wishes to reflect on God's amazing deeds, showing a connection between understanding God's laws and contemplating His wonders.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist is referring to the path or manner of living according to God's commands and instructions.
Understanding God's precepts helps the believer align their life with divine guidance and enables deeper meditation on God's miraculous works.
To meditate on God's wonders means to think deeply about His miraculous acts and the awe they inspire, reflecting on their significance in one's life.
We can seek to understand God's commands through study and prayer, allowing that understanding to lead us to reflect on His works and how they affect our lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need clearer understanding of God's commands?
- How can I incorporate more meditation on God's wonders into my daily routine?
- What specific examples of God's miraculous works inspire awe in me?
- How does understanding God's precepts influence my moral decisions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentary on this verse highlights the psalmist's plea for understanding God's righteousness, as seen in Augustine's exposition.
Finally he adds, "Intimate to me the way of Your righteousness" [Psalms 119:27];Early Church Fathers on Psalms 119 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 119:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMake me to understand the way of thy precepts,.... The meaning of them, to have a more comprehensive, clear, and distinct knowledge of them; and to be led into the way they direct unto, and walk
Read John Gill on Psalms 119 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMake me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 119 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleMake me to understand, more thoroughly and more practically, the way of thy precepts; either, 1. The full mind and meaning of thy precepts, which are exceeding broad, as he saith afterwards; or, 2. The way wherein I may walk according to thy precepts; how to demean myself in all the varieties of my condition, and in all my affairs and actions, so as is most agreeable to thy precepts. Thy wondrous works; even the wonders of the law mentioned before, .
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 119 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.Ver. 27. Make me to understand, &c.] Give me a mouth and wisdom, that I may not talk at random of thy words and works; but understandingly and fruitfully.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 119 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(27) Make me to understand.—Only the Israelite truly loyal to the covenant was considered worthy to enquire into the marvels of the dealings of God. (See Psalms 106:2, Note.) Perhaps we might extend the thought so far as to say that a true historical insight is possible only to one whose moral sense is rightly trained and directed.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 119 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges27. The prayer of 26 b is further developed. This prayer for deeper insight recurs in Psalms 119:34; Psalms 119:73; Psalms 119:125; Psalms 119:144; Psalms 119:169. so shall I talk of thy wondrous works] Rather, that I may meditate (as in Psalms 119:15; Psalms 119:23) on thy wonders, the mysteries of God’s Will revealed in His law (Psalms 119:18).
Read Cambridge on Psalms 119 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMake me to understand ... - See the notes at Psalms 119:18. So shall I talk of thy wondrous works - The things in thy works - thy providential dealings - that are wondrous.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 119 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bibleã, Daleth.25-32. My soul cleaveth unto the dust—Now is presented a soul in deep affliction, as if the trial in the previous division had gone against him; as if he had suffered the loss of all things, and worse was yet to follow.
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 clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.
Help me to understand what your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.
Tyndale line
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I meditate of thy wondrous works.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
Make me to vnderstand ye way of thy precepts, and I will meditate in thy wondrous workes.
Strictly literal
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate upon thy wondrous works.
The way of Thy precepts cause me to understand, And I meditate in Thy wonders.
Cause me to understand the way of Your precepts, || And I meditate on Your wonders.
Cause me to understand the way of thy precepts, that I may meditate on thy wonders.
Make me understand the ways of your instructions, so that I can meditate on your wondrous teachings.
Simplified
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
Make the way of your orders clear to me; then my thoughts will be ever on your wonders.
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, "דֶּֽרֶךְ־ פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ הֲבִינֵ֑נִי וְ֝אָשִׂ֗יחָה בְּנִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃" The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, although its word order and articles differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. The Dead Sea Scrolls (11Q5) contain a partially restored text that aligns with the Masoretic Text, but includes some editorial restorations, particularly in the words for 'I will meditate' and 'Your wonders.' Overall, the core message remains consistent across these witnesses, affirming the request for understanding and meditation on God's precepts and wonders.
דֶּֽרֶךְ־ פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ הֲבִינֵ֑נִי וְ֝אָשִׂ֗יחָה בְּנִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
5 of the 5 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.
דרך פקודי׳כה הבינ׳ני [ואשיחה] [בנפלאותי׳כה]
2 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 2 supplied entire by an editor.
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 119:27
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.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
N-cs — Noun common · both singular constructHNcbsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
פִּקּוּד (piqqud) refers to a precept or mandate, specifically one that is appointed by God. It is derived from a root meaning to appoint and is used in a plural form to collectively denote commandments or statutes within the Law.
[פִּקּוּד] 24 n.m. precept
base
H6490 [פִּקּוּד] precept
6490 piqquwd pik-kood'
or piqqud {pik-kood'}; from 6485; properly, appointed, i.e. a
mandate (of God; plural only, collectively, for the
Law):--commandment, precept, statute.
see HEBREW for 06485
פִּקּוּד (piq.qud) — precept.
precept, statute
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--attend, consider, be cunning,
diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct,
have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be
prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause,
make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal)
wise(-ly, man).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
1) to discern, understand, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to perceive, discern
1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)
1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider
1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding
1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to understand
1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach
1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently
1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct
2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffixHVhv2ms/Sp1bs
שִׂיחַ (siyach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to muse or complain, encompassing a range of actions such as talking, singing, and meditating. It can imply conversing with oneself or aloud, and includes nuances of pondering and declaring thoughts. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts of communication and reflection.
שִׂיחַ vb. denom. muse, complain, poet. talk (of)
Qal
complain
muse
talk (about), sing (of)
talk (with)
Pôl‛el meditate, consider
base
H7878 שִׂיחַ vb. denom. muse, complain, poet. talk of
7878 siyach see'-akh
a primitive root; to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse
(with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter:--
commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk
(with).
שִׂיחַ (si.ach) — to muse.
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
Conj | V-Qal-1cs — Conjunction · verb qal infinitive construct first person common singularHC/Vqc1cs
The Hebrew word פָּלָא (pala') is a verb that conveys the idea of being extraordinary or wonderful. It can describe actions that are difficult to perform or understand, as well as marvelous acts of God, particularly in judgment and redemption. The word can also refer to making special offerings or showing oneself in a marvelous way.
[פָּלָא] 71 vb. denom. Niph. etc., be surpassing, extraordinary
Niph.
be beyond one's power, difficult to do
be difficult to understand
be extraordinary, wonderful
as subst., marvellous things
= wonderful acts of י׳ in judgement and redemption
Pi. make a special votive offering
Hiph.
do a hard or difficult thing
make wonderful, do wondrously
of God working wonders in doing
Hithp. thou dost shew thyself marvellous (act inexplicably) against me
base
H6381 פָּלָא vb. denom. Niph. etc., be surpassing, extraordinary . . be beyond one's power, difficult to do
. be difficult to understand
. . be extraordinary, wonderful
. as subst., marvellous things
. = wonderful acts of י׳ in judgement and redemption
. make a special votive offering
. . do a hard or difficult thing
. make wonderful, do wondrously
. of God working wonders in doing
. thou dost shew thyself marvellous (act inexplicably) against me
6381 pala' paw-law'
a primitive root; properly, perhaps to separate, i.e.
distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be
(causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful:--accomplish,
(arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do,
do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles,
perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make)
wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things,
works, -ly).
פָּלָא (pa.la) — to wonder.
1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action
1a) (Niphal)
1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do
1a2) to be difficult to understand
1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary
1a3a) marvellous (participle)
1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing
1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously
1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Prep | V-Niphal | Suff — Preposition · verb niphal participle (active) feminine plural common · suffixHR/VNrfpc/Sp2ms