King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:132 Mean?

Psalms 119:132 in the King James Version says “Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. as thou: Heb. according t...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. as thou: Heb. according to the custom toward those, etc”

Psalms 119:132 · KJV

Love

Context

130

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

131

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

132

Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. as thou: Heb. according to the custom toward those, etc

133

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134

Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me (פְּנֵה־אֵלַי וְחָנֵּנִי, pneh-elai vechoneni)—Panah (turn, look) implies God's deliberate attention; chanan (be gracious, show favor) appears 13 times in Psalm 119. The request is for God's face to turn toward the petitioner with merciful regard, reversing divine hiddenness.

As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name (כְּמִשְׁפָּט לְאֹהֲבֵי שְׁמֶךָ, k'mishpat l'ohavei shemekha)—Mishpat here means 'custom, ordinance, established practice.' The psalmist appeals to God's consistent pattern of showing mercy to those who love His name. Divine character creates covenant expectation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26 similarly prays, 'The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.' God's 'face' represents His presence, favor, and relational engagement. To seek God's face was central to Hebrew piety (2 Chr 7:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to ask God to 'look upon' you—are you comfortable under His gaze?
  2. How does God's established pattern of mercy toward those who love His name give you confidence in prayer?
  3. Do you love God's 'name' (His revealed character and reputation) or merely desire His blessings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
פְּנֵה1 of 6

“Look”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֵלַ֥י2 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְחָנֵּ֑נִי3 of 6

“thou upon me and be merciful”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

כְּ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט4 of 6

“unto me as thou usest”

H4941

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

לְאֹהֲבֵ֥י5 of 6

“to do unto those that love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

שְׁמֶֽךָ׃6 of 6

“thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 119:132 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 119:132 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:4Psalms 119:1241 Samuel 1:11Psalms 25:16Psalms 25:18Exodus 4:31

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