King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:138 Mean?

Psalms 119:138 in the King James Version says “Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. righteous: Heb. righteousness faithful: Heb. f...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:138 · KJV

Context

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

140

Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. pure: Heb. tried, or, refined

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded (edot, עֵדוֹת)—God's testimonies are His covenant stipulations, the authoritative witness to His will. Are righteous and very faithful (צֶדֶק וֶאֱמוּנָה מְאֹד, tsedeq ve-emunah meod)—The pairing of righteousness (tsedeq) and faithfulness (emunah) describes God's Word as both morally perfect and utterly reliable.

Scripture's dual character—righteous in content, faithful in execution—means it can be trusted completely. Jesus declared, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). The very (exceedingly) emphasizes the superlative nature of God's self-revelation through His commandments.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern covenants, the 'testimonies' were the treaty stipulations inscribed on tablets. Israel's Torah functioned similarly—God's covenant faithfulness was encoded in His laws, which testified to His unchanging character and purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have you experienced God's Word as both 'righteous' (perfectly right) and 'faithful' (utterly reliable)?
  2. How does the absolute trustworthiness of Scripture shape your response to cultural challenges to biblical authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
צִ֭וִּיתָ1 of 5

“that thou hast commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

צֶ֣דֶק2 of 5

“are righteous”

H6664

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

עֵדֹתֶ֑יךָ3 of 5

“Thy testimonies”

H5713

testimony

וֶֽאֱמוּנָ֥ה4 of 5

“faithful”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

מְאֹֽד׃5 of 5

“and very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 119:138 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 119:138 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 19:7-9Psalms 119:144Psalms 119:86Deuteronomy 4:8Deuteronomy 4:45

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