King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:120 Mean?

Psalms 119:120 in the King James Version says “My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.”

Psalms 119:120 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

118

Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

119

Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. puttest: Heb. causest to cease

120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

121

AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

122

Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee (סָמַר מִפַּחְדְּךָ בְשָׂרִי, samar mipachdкha vesari)—the verb samar means to bristle, stand on end, shudder. It describes hair standing up in horror. This is not reverential awe but terrified trembling before God's holiness. Basar (flesh) emphasizes the physical, involuntary response. Isaiah experienced this: Woe is me! for I am undone (Isa 6:5). Peter cried: Depart from me; for I am a sinful man (Luke 5:8).

And I am afraid of thy judgments (וּמִמִּשְׁפָּטֶיךָ יָרֵאתִי, umimishpatekha yareti)—the verb yare means to fear, reverence, be afraid. God's mishpatim (judgments, ordinances) produce holy dread. This concludes the Samekh section with profound fear balancing the earlier love (v. 113, 119). Mature faith holds both: Love the LORD and fear the LORD (Deut 10:12). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10). Without this trembling, love becomes presumption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel encountered God's terrifying holiness at Sinai—thunder, lightning, earthquake, fire (Exod 19:16-18). The people trembled and feared they would die (Exod 20:18-19). This holy fear guarded against presuming on God's grace and maintained reverence for His law.

Reflection Questions

  1. When was the last time you experienced physical trembling or holy dread in God's presence?
  2. How do you balance loving God's testimonies (v. 119) with fearing His judgments (v. 120)?
  3. What aspects of God's character or judgments should produce more reverential fear in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
סָמַ֣ר1 of 5

“trembleth”

H5568

to be erect, i.e., bristle as hair

מִפַּחְדְּךָ֣2 of 5

“for fear”

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

בְשָׂרִ֑י3 of 5

“My flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וּֽמִמִּשְׁפָּטֶ֥יךָ4 of 5

“of thy judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יָרֵֽאתִי׃5 of 5

“of thee and I am afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

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 119:120 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 119:120 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 3:16Daniel 10:8-11Hebrews 12:28-29Hebrews 12:21Philippians 2:12Isaiah 66:2

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