King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:146 Mean?

Psalms 119:146 in the King James Version says “I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. and I: or, that I may keep” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. and I: or, that I may keep”

Psalms 119:146 · KJV

Salvation

Context

144

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

145

KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.

146

I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. and I: or, that I may keep

147

I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

148

Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I cried unto thee; save me (קְרָאתִיךָ הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי, qeratikha hoshieni)—The cry becomes more direct: save me (hoshieni, from yasha, to deliver, rescue). This is the root of Yeshua (Jesus)—"YHWH saves." And I shall keep thy testimonies—Again, salvation is sought not for comfort alone but for faithful obedience. Deliverance enables covenant fidelity.

Biblical soteriology consistently links salvation and sanctification. Titus 2:14 says Christ redeemed us "that he might... purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Ephesians 2:10 declares we are "created in Christ Jesus unto good works." Salvation is rescue from sin's penalty and power—freedom to obey God's testimonies, not freedom from obligation to them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's archetypal salvation was the Exodus—deliverance from Egypt in order to serve YHWH at Sinai (Exodus 19:4-6). Salvation was always for covenant relationship and obedience, not merely from bondage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding salvation as rescue for obedience (not from obedience) reshape your view of grace and law?
  2. In what areas of life do you need to cry 'save me' so that you can faithfully keep God's testimonies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
קְרָאתִ֥יךָ1 of 4

“I cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי2 of 4

“unto thee save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

וְ֝אֶשְׁמְרָ֗ה3 of 4

“me and I shall keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

עֵדֹתֶֽיךָ׃4 of 4

“thy testimonies”

H5713

testimony

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 119:146 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 119:146 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 2:14Psalms 119:134Matthew 1:21Titus 3:4-8Judges 10:15-16

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