King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:156 Mean?

Psalms 119:156 in the King James Version says “Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Great: or, Many” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Great: or, Many”

Psalms 119:156 · KJV

Context

154

Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

155

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

156

Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Great: or, Many

157

Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

158

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD (רַבִּים רַחֲמֶיךָ יְהוָה, rabbim rachamekha YHWH)—Rachamim (plural of rechem, 'womb') denotes visceral, maternal compassion. The plural intensifies: 'manifold compassions.' Quicken me according to thy judgments (כְּמִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ חַיֵּנִי, kemishpatekha chayeni)—mishpatim are judicial decisions, case-law precedents. The psalmist asks for life-giving not despite God's justice but according to it.

This resolves the mercy-justice tension at the cross: Romans 3:26 declares God 'just and the justifier.' The mishpatim (judgments) fell on Christ; the rachamim (mercies) flow to us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The dual appeal to both mercy and judgments reflects Israel's covenant theology: God is both compassionate deliverer (Exodus 34:6) and righteous judge (Deuteronomy 32:4). The 'quickening' motif continues, but here linked specifically to God's judicial character—His righteous verdicts bring life to the faithful.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can God's judgments be the basis for our quickening rather than our condemnation?
  2. What does it reveal about God's character that His mercies are compared to womb-compassion (<em>rachamim</em>)?
  3. How does the cross demonstrate that true mercy operates 'according to' divine justice rather than ignoring it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
רַחֲמֶ֖יךָ1 of 5

“are thy tender mercies”

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

רַבִּ֥ים׀2 of 5

“Great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

יְהוָ֑ה3 of 5

“O LORD”

H3068

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

כְּֽמִשְׁפָּטֶ֥יךָ4 of 5

“me according to thy judgments”

H4941

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

חַיֵּֽנִי׃5 of 5

“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 119:156 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 119:156 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 86:15Psalms 86:13Psalms 51:1Isaiah 63:71 Chronicles 21:13Psalms 86:5

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