King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:141 Mean?

Psalms 119:141 in the King James Version says “I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.”

Psalms 119:141 · KJV

Context

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

141

I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

142

Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

143

Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. taken: Heb. found me

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am small and despised (צָעִיר אָנֹכִי וְנִבְזֶה, tsair anoki ve-nivzeh)—The psalmist confesses social insignificance (tsair, young/small) and contempt (nivzeh, despised/worthless in others' eyes). Yet do not I forget thy precepts—Despite marginalization, covenant faithfulness remains. This conjunction is crucial: worldly status does not determine spiritual fidelity.

God's pattern is to choose the small and despised (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). David was the youngest son, despised by Eliab (1 Samuel 17:28). Christ Himself was "despised and rejected" (Isaiah 53:3). The world's estimation is inverted in God's kingdom—faithfulness to His precepts matters infinitely more than social standing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In honor-shame cultures of the ancient world, being 'small and despised' meant exclusion from power and influence. Yet the psalm tradition repeatedly celebrates God's care for the lowly (Psalm 113:7-8, Hannah's song in 1 Samuel 2:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. When you feel small and despised, what is the relationship between your identity in Christ and your faithfulness to God's Word?
  2. How does remembering God's precepts provide stability when the world's valuation of you fluctuates?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
צָעִ֣יר1 of 6

“I am small”

H6810

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

אָנֹכִ֣י2 of 6
H595

i

וְנִבְזֶ֑ה3 of 6

“and despised”

H959

to disesteem

פִּ֝קֻּדֶ֗יךָ4 of 6

“thy precepts”

H6490

properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)

לֹ֣א5 of 6
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃6 of 6

“yet do not I forget”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

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 119:141 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 119:141 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:62 Corinthians 8:9James 2:5Luke 6:20Luke 9:58Proverbs 16:8

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