King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:166 Mean?

Psalms 119:166 in the King James Version says “LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.”

Psalms 119:166 · KJV

Salvation

Context

164

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

165

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. nothing: Heb. they shall have no stumblingblock

166

LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

167

My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

168

I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation (לִישׁוּעָתְךָ שִׂבַּרְתִּי יְהוָה, lishu'atekha sivarti YHWH)—Savar means 'hope, wait, expect with confidence.' Yeshu'ah ('salvation, deliverance') appears—the root of Yeshua/Jesus. The conjunction: and done thy commandments (וּמִצְוֹתֶיךָ עָשִׂיתִי, umitzvotekha asiti). Hope and obedience form one seamless response. Asah ('do, make, accomplish') indicates active, tangible obedience to mitzvot (commandments).

This anticipates James 2:14-26: faith without works is dead. Jacob echoes this verse precisely in Genesis 49:18: 'I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.' Biblical hope always works while it waits.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The verse reflects the already/not-yet tension of redemptive history. Israel hoped for ultimate deliverance while obeying present commandments. Christians await Christ's return (Titus 2:13) while keeping His commands (John 14:15). Hope isn't passive wishing but active, obedient expectation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does true hope for God's salvation express itself in present obedience to His commandments?
  2. What would change in your life if you truly 'hoped' (<em>sivarti</em>—waited with confident expectation) for God's <em>yeshu'ah</em> (salvation/Jesus)?
  3. How does the connection between waiting for salvation and doing commandments challenge both legalism and antinomianism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
שִׂבַּ֣רְתִּי1 of 5

“I have hoped”

H7663

to scrutinize; by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience)

לִֽישׁוּעָתְךָ֣2 of 5

“for thy salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

יְהוָ֑ה3 of 5

“LORD”

H3068

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

וּֽמִצְוֹתֶ֥יךָ4 of 5

“thy commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

עָשִֽׂיתִי׃5 of 5

“and done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 119:166 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 119:166 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:18Psalms 119:81Psalms 119:1741 John 2:3-4Psalms 130:5-7Psalms 50:23

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