King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:137 Mean?

Psalms 119:137 in the King James Version says “TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.”

Psalms 119:137 · KJV

Context

135

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

136

Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

137

TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.

138

Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. righteous: Heb. righteousness faithful: Heb. faithfulness

139

My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. consumed: Heb. cut me off

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Righteous art thou, O LORD (צַדִּיק אַתָּה יְהוָה, tsaddiq attah YHWH)—The Tsadhe (צ) stanza begins by declaring God's essential character. Tsaddiq is not mere legal correctness but covenant faithfulness, the same righteousness God requires of His people. Upright are thy judgments (mishpatim)—God's legal verdicts and moral governance flow from His perfect nature.

This verse anchors all complaint and petition in God's character. Before the psalmist appeals for vindication (vv. 138-144), he affirms that YHWH Himself is the standard of righteousness. Paul echoes this in Romans 3:26, where God is both just and justifier—His righteousness is the basis for declaring sinners righteous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in Scripture, an elaborate acrostic with 22 eight-verse stanzas (one per Hebrew letter). Each verse in the Tsadhe section (vv. 137-144) begins with צ. The psalm was likely used in temple worship and personal meditation on Torah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's unchanging righteousness provide stability when your circumstances feel unjust?
  2. What is the relationship between declaring God's righteousness (v. 137) and experiencing His vindication in your trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
צַדִּ֣יק1 of 5

“TZADDI Righteous”

H6662

just

אַתָּ֣ה2 of 5
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְהוָ֑ה3 of 5

“art thou O LORD”

H3068

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

וְ֝יָשָׁ֗ר4 of 5

“and upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

מִשְׁפָּטֶֽיךָ׃5 of 5

“are thy judgments”

H4941

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

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 119:137 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 119:137 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 9:15Jeremiah 12:1Daniel 9:7Psalms 145:17Nehemiah 9:33Deuteronomy 32:4

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