King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:121 Mean?

Psalms 119:121 in the King James Version says “AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:121 · KJV

Context

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.

123

Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have done judgment and justice (עָשִׂיתִי מִשְׁפָּט וָצֶדֶק, asiti mishpat va-tsedeq)—The psalmist appeals to his own covenant faithfulness, not for merit-based justification but as ground to petition God for protection. Mishpat (judgment) and tsedeq (righteousness/justice) form a hendiadys expressing comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will.

Leave me not to mine oppressors—This plea assumes the covenant principle that God defends those who walk in His ways (Ps 37:28). The cry anticipates Christ's perfect fulfillment of all righteousness (Matt 3:15) and His advocacy for believers (1 John 2:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 119 is an elaborate acrostic poem where each eight-verse stanza begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 121-128 form the Ayin (ע) section. Jewish tradition associates this psalm with David or exilic Jews meditating on Torah during Babylonian captivity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pursuing justice and righteousness give believers confidence to petition God for protection?
  2. In what ways does Christ's perfect obedience serve as both your example and your legal standing before God?
  3. When facing opposition, do you appeal to your own righteousness or Christ's imputed righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עָ֭שִׂיתִי1 of 6

“AIN I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִשְׁפָּ֣ט2 of 6

“judgment”

H4941

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

וָצֶ֑דֶק3 of 6

“and justice”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

בַּל4 of 6
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

תַּ֝נִּיחֵ֗נִי5 of 6

“leave”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

לְעֹֽשְׁקָֽי׃6 of 6

“me not to mine oppressors”

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

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 119:121 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 119:121 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:20-242 Samuel 8:15Psalms 37:332 Corinthians 1:122 Peter 2:91 Samuel 24:11-15

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