King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:162 Mean?

Psalms 119:162 in the King James Version says “I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:162 · KJV

Context

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.

164

Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil (שָׂשׂ אָנֹכִי עַל־אִמְרָתֶךָ כְּמוֹצֵא שָׁלָל רָב, sas anokhi al-imratekha kemotzeh shalal rav)—Sus means 'exult, rejoice, be glad.' Shalal is battle plunder, war spoil, the victor's bounty. Rav intensifies: 'abundant, great, much.' The psalmist's joy over imrah (word, utterance, promise) matches a warrior's elation over rich battlefield plunder.

This echoes Jeremiah 15:16: 'Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.' Jesus embodies this in His wilderness temptation, valuing God's Word above bread (Matthew 4:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare made spoil a primary economic motivation (Judges 5:30; 1 Samuel 30:16). The comparison isn't about greed but about unexpected treasure after costly battle. The psalmist has fought to maintain Word-loyalty (v. 161); now he discovers the Word itself as his reward—more valuable than all material gain.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would it look like practically to rejoice over Scripture as though you'd found 'great spoil' after battle?
  2. How does comparing God's Word to battle plunder challenge consumeristic or merely sentimental views of Bible reading?
  3. In what ways is the joy of discovering truth in Scripture similar to unexpected treasure after costly struggle?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שָׂ֣שׂ1 of 7

“I rejoice”

H7797

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

אָ֭נֹכִֽי2 of 7
H595

i

עַל3 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אִמְרָתֶ֑ךָ4 of 7

“at thy word”

H565

an utterance

כְּ֝מוֹצֵ֗א5 of 7

“as one that findeth”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

שָׁלָ֥ל6 of 7

“spoil”

H7998

booty

רָֽב׃7 of 7

“great”

H7227

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

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 119:162 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 119:162 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 15:16Psalms 119:72Psalms 119:1111 Samuel 30:16Isaiah 9:3Proverbs 16:19

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