King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:126 Mean?

Psalms 119:126 in the King James Version says “It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.”

Psalms 119:126 · KJV

Context

124

Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

125

I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

126

It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

127

Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

128

Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is time for thee, LORD, to work (עֵת לַעֲשׂוֹת לַיהוָה, et la'asot l'YHWH)—A bold declaration that divine intervention is overdue. The construction can mean 'time for YHWH to act' or 'time to act for YHWH's sake.' Either reading calls for God to vindicate His own name and covenant.

They have made void thy law (הֵפֵרוּ תוֹרָתֶךָ, heferu toratekha)—The verb parar means to break, frustrate, nullify. God's torah (instruction/law) is being systematically violated. When lawlessness abounds (Matt 24:12), God's people cry for His intervention. Jesus cleansed the temple with similar outrage (John 2:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse may reflect periods when Israel's leaders ignored or actively suppressed God's law—during wicked kings' reigns (Manasseh), or when Ezra discovered the law had been forgotten (Neh 8). The Maccabean period also saw systematic attempts to abolish Torah observance.

Reflection Questions

  1. In an age when God's law is increasingly 'made void' in society, how should believers cry out for divine intervention?
  2. Does this verse justify righteous anger when God's Word is violated and mocked?
  3. How do you discern when to patiently endure wickedness versus boldly calling for God to act?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
עֵ֭ת1 of 5

“It is time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת2 of 5

“to work”

H6213

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

לַיהוָ֑ה3 of 5

“for thee LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֵ֝פֵ֗רוּ4 of 5

“for they have made void”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

תּוֹרָתֶֽךָ׃5 of 5

“thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

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 119:126 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 119:126 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 8:8Habakkuk 1:4Malachi 2:8Psalms 9:19Romans 4:14Matthew 15:6

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