King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:110 Mean?

Psalms 119:110 in the King James Version says “The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.”

Psalms 119:110 · KJV

Context

108

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

109

My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

110

The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

111

Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112

I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. to perform: Heb. to do

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked have laid a snare for me (פַּח טָמְנוּ לִי רְשָׁעִים, pach tamnu li resha'im)—the verb taman means to hide or conceal, used of hunters setting traps (Ps 9:15, 35:7, 140:5). The pach is a fowler's trap, depicting calculated malice. This is not random persecution but deliberate, concealed plotting against the righteous.

The psalmist's response: yet I erred not from thy precepts (וּמִפִּקּוּדֶיךָ לֹא תָעִיתִי, umippiqudekha lo ta'iti). The verb ta'ah means to wander, go astray, lose the way. Though enemies set traps to make him stumble, he did not deviate from God's path. This verse teaches that the greatest victory over Satan's snares is not avoiding them but refusing to abandon God's word when caught in them. Joseph in Potiphar's house (Gen 39) exemplifies this—trapped by circumstances yet faithful to God's commands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's experience with Saul's spies and Absalom's conspiracies provides the backdrop. In wisdom literature, the wicked constantly set traps for the righteous (Prov 1:11-18). Later Jewish readers would see this fulfilled in Haman's plot against the Jews (Esther) and continuing persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'snares' have enemies or circumstances laid to make you compromise God's word?
  2. How do you distinguish between legitimate trials and satanic traps designed to make you err?
  3. In what areas of life are you most vulnerable to wandering from God's precepts under pressure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
נָתְנ֬וּ1 of 7

“have laid”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

רְשָׁעִ֣ים2 of 7

“The wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

פַּ֣ח3 of 7

“a snare”

H6341

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

לִ֑י4 of 7
H0
וּ֝מִפִּקּוּדֶ֗יךָ5 of 7

“not from thy precepts”

H6490

properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)

לֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָעִֽיתִי׃7 of 7

“for me yet I erred”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 119:110 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 119:110 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 140:5Psalms 141:9Psalms 119:85Psalms 119:95Psalms 119:10Psalms 124:6-7

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