King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:149 Mean?

Psalms 119:149 in the King James Version says “Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.”

Psalms 119:149 · KJV

Context

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.

149

Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.

150

They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

151

Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.

Read Psalms 119 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness (שִׁמְעָה קוֹלִי כְחַסְדֶּךָ, shim'ah qoli ke-chasdekha)—The appeal is based not on merit but on hesed, God's covenant love, steadfast loyalty, unfailing kindness. O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment (mishpatekha, Thy just ruling)—The parallel phrase invokes God's justice alongside His mercy. Quicken (chayah) means to make alive, revive, preserve.

This dual appeal—hesed and mishpat, mercy and justice—reflects the cross. Romans 3:26 declares God "just and the justifier"—His justice satisfied, His mercy extended. Psalm 85:10 prophesies, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed." At Calvary, God's lovingkindness and His judgment converge, enabling Him to quicken dead sinners without compromising holiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In covenant theology, hesed was God's loyal love toward Israel despite their unfaithfulness. The prophets appealed to this attribute when interceding for wayward Israel (Hosea 2:19, Micah 7:18-20).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does appealing to God's 'lovingkindness' rather than your own merit change the character of your prayers?
  2. What does it mean to be 'quickened' (made alive) according to God's judgment, and how have you experienced this?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ק֭וֹלִי1 of 6

“my voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

שִׁמְעָ֣ה2 of 6

“Hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כְחַסְדֶּ֑ךָ3 of 6

“according unto thy lovingkindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

יְ֝הוָ֗ה4 of 6

“O LORD”

H3068

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

כְּֽמִשְׁפָּטֶ֥ךָ5 of 6

“me according to thy judgment”

H4941

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

חַיֵּֽנִי׃6 of 6

“quicken”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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 119:149 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 119:149 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 63:7Psalms 109:21Psalms 55:2Psalms 119:40Psalms 51:1Psalms 5:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 119 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 119 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes