King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:161 Mean?

Psalms 119:161 in the King James Version says “SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.”

Psalms 119:161 · KJV

Context

159

Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

160

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Thy word: Heb. The beginning of thy word is true

161

SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

162

I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

163

I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Princes have persecuted me without a cause (שָׂרִים רְדָפוּנִי חִנָּם, sarim redafuni chinnam)—The Shin (ש) section begins with governmental persecution. Sarim are rulers, officials, magistrates; chinnam means 'gratuitously, undeservedly, gratis.' Yet: my heart standeth in awe of thy word (וּמִדְּבָרְךָ פָּחַד לִבִּי, umid'varekha pachad libi). Pachad is reverential fear, dread, awe. The heart fears God's word more than princes' power.

Jesus quotes the first part in John 15:25: 'They hated me without a cause' (dorean, Greek equivalent of chinnam). The Suffering Servant experiences causeless hatred but maintains perfect reverence for the Father's word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse reflects the prophetic experience—Jeremiah imprisoned by princes (Jeremiah 38:4-6), Elijah fleeing Jezebel's royal decree (1 Kings 19:2), Daniel and friends facing Babylonian edicts (Daniel 3, 6). The early church faced similar persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities (Acts 4:1-22, 12:1-4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does cultivating awe of God's Word enable you to withstand fear of human authority?
  2. What does it mean practically for your heart to 'stand in awe' of Scripture when facing unjust opposition?
  3. How did Jesus's perfect fear of God's Word manifest during His trials before religious and political authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
שָׂ֭רִים1 of 6

“SCHIN Princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

רְדָפ֣וּנִי2 of 6

“have persecuted”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

חִנָּ֑ם3 of 6

“me without a cause”

H2600

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

וּ֝מִדְּבָרְיךָ֗4 of 6

“of thy word”

H1697

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

פָּחַ֥ד5 of 6

“standeth in awe”

H6342

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

לִבִּֽי׃6 of 6

“but my heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 119:161 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 119:161 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:1571 Samuel 26:18Isaiah 66:21 Samuel 24:9-15Psalms 4:4John 15:25

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