Psalm 119:161

Translations

Modern

Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart fears only Your word.

Traditional

ש SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

Literal

Princes may pursue me without cause, and of Your word my heart was afraid.

Latin

Principes persecuti sunt me gratis, et a verbis tuis formidavit cor meum.

Original

Hebrew

English

Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart fears only Your word.

Notes

Psalms 119:161–164

my heart fears … I rejoice: Fear, trembling, and joy show the psalmist’s devotion to God.
God’s word is a treasure (great spoil).
In the Old Testament, the number seven represents wholeness.

Psalms 119:161–168

Shin (ש) is the twenty-first letter of the alphabet. It marks the beginning of the next section of this psalm.

The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries to the peace of God. This perspective allows him to praise God throughout the day.

Psalms 119:1–176

This psalm blends wisdom, lament, praise, thanksgiving, and confession. It often uses eight Hebrew words translated as:

“Instructions”
“law”
“words”
“commandments”
“statutes”
“judgments”
“promises”
“precepts“

These words encourage love for and obedience to God's instructions in the Scriptures (see 2 Timothy 3:14–17). A deep commitment to these instructions unifies the psalm.

Related verses

Isaiah 66:2
Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.
Psalm 119:157
Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.
1 Samuel 26:18
And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?
1 Samuel 24:9–15
…and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?
John 15:25
But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’
Psalm 4:4
Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still. Selah
Psalm 119:23
Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Genesis 39:9
No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
Jeremiah 36:23–25
And as soon as Jehudi had read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut them off with a scribe’s knife and throw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll had been consumed by the fire.
Job 31:23
For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower.
Genesis 42:18
…and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live:
2 Kings 22:19
…because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its people, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I have heard you,’ declares the LORD.

Glossary

Acrostic Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Music Poetry, Biblical Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of Word, Word of God, Words of God

Topics

Character of the Renewed Heart: Awed by the Word of God Heart: Renewed: Fear Persecution of the Righteous Persecution: Suffering of David The Scriptures: Saints: Stand in Awe of Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Psalm 119:161

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