King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:142 Mean?

Psalms 119:142 in the King James Version says “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:142 · KJV

Eternal LifeTruth

Context

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

144

The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness (צִדְקָתְךָ צֶדֶק לְעוֹלָם, tsidqatka tsedeq le-olam)—God's righteousness is not circumstantial or era-dependent but eternal, unchanging across all ages. And thy law is the truth (וְתוֹרָתְךָ אֱמֶת, ve-toratka emet)—Torah is not merely true but is truth itself, the absolute standard by which all else is measured.

Jesus identified Himself with this eternal truth: "I am... the truth" (John 14:6) and prayed, "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). In a relativistic age that denies absolute truth, this verse anchors moral reality in God's unchanging character. His righteousness doesn't evolve; His law doesn't need updating for modern sensibilities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of eternal, unchanging divine law stood in stark contrast to the mutable laws of human empires. While Babylonian, Persian, and Greek codes changed with rulers, YHWH's Torah was grounded in His eternal nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the eternality of God's righteousness challenge modern assumptions about evolving moral standards?
  2. What difference does it make to your daily decisions that God's law is 'the truth'—not merely true, but truth itself?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
צִדְקָתְךָ֣1 of 5

“Thy righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

צֶ֣דֶק2 of 5

“righteousness”

H6664

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

לְעוֹלָ֑ם3 of 5

“is an everlasting”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וְֽתוֹרָתְךָ֥4 of 5

“and thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֱמֶֽת׃5 of 5

“is the truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

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 119:142 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 119:142 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 19:9Psalms 119:151John 17:17Isaiah 51:8Isaiah 51:6Psalms 119:144

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