Psalm 119:96

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet · Psalm 119:1–176
Read Psalm 119

Translations

Modern
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.
Traditional
I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Literal
To all perfection I have seen an end; broad is Your commandment exceedingly.
Latin
Omnis consummationis vidi finem, latum mandatum tuum nimis.

Original

Hebrew
English
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.

Notes

I have seen a limit to all perfection: Humans cannot fully understand God's ways (see Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Lamedh (ל) is the twelfth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It marks the beginning of the next section of this psalm.

The stability of God’s wisdom gives understanding. God’s word provides order and a framework for living, even when under pressure from adversaries.

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.

Glossary

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

Topics

Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Perfection: Impossibility of Attaining To Perfection: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Law of God: Exceeding Broad Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To