King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:16 Mean?

Psalms 119:16 in the King James Version says “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Psalms 119:16 · KJV


Context

14

I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17

GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Open: Heb. Reveal


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. The Beth (ב) stanza concludes with promised delight and remembrance. Delight myself (eshta'asha, אֶשְׁתַּעֲשָׁע) is an intensive reflexive form suggesting luxuriating or finding pleasure in God's statutes (chuqqotekha, חֻקֹּתֶיךָ). This is not grim duty but joyful engagement—finding satisfaction and pleasure in what God has decreed. Such delight is supernatural; the unregenerate heart finds God's law burdensome (Romans 8:7).

The parallel promise I will not forget thy word (lo eshkach devarekha, לֹא אֶשְׁכַּח דְּבָרֶךָ) connects delight with retention. What we love, we remember; what bores us, we forget. Word (davar, דָּבָר) is the comprehensive term for God's communication. This anticipates verse 11: 'Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.' Jesus promised the Spirit would bring His words to remembrance (John 14:26), enabling believers to fulfill this commitment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's greatest failure was forgetting—forgetting God's works (Psalm 78:11), forgetting the covenant (Deuteronomy 4:9), forgetting God Himself (Jeremiah 2:32). The entire Deuteronomic history interprets Israel's downfall as the consequence of forgetting Yahweh. Against this backdrop, the psalmist's determination not to forget represents covenant loyalty and conscious resistance to the spiritual amnesia that plagued Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence suggests you genuinely delight in God's Word versus viewing it as religious duty?
  2. What practices help you remember and retain Scripture in an age of information overload and distraction?
  3. How might memorization and meditation work together to prevent spiritual forgetfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
בְּחֻקֹּתֶ֥יךָ1 of 5

myself in thy statutes

H2708

a statute

אֶֽשְׁתַּעֲשָׁ֑ע2 of 5

I will delight

H8173

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare

לֹ֭א3 of 5
H3808

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

אֶשְׁכַּ֣ח4 of 5

I will not forget

H7911

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

דְּבָרֶֽךָ׃5 of 5

thy word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause


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 119:16 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 119:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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