King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:17 Mean?

Psalms 119:17 in the King James Version says “GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Opening the Gimel (ג) stanza, this verse links divine blessing to obedient living. Deal bountifully (gemol, גְּמֹל) means to reward, repay, or show generous kindness—treating someone better than they deserve. The psalmist identifies as thy servant (avdekha, עַבְדֶּךָ), acknowledging covenant relationship and dependent status. He asks not for luxury but for life itself: that I may live (echyeh, אֶחְיֶה).

The purpose clause reveals that life's goal is obedience: keep thy word (eshmerah devarekha, אֶשְׁמְרָה דְבָרֶךָ). This is not salvation by works but recognition that God sustains our lives so we might serve Him faithfully. Physical life, spiritual vitality, and obedient living are interconnected. Jesus declared, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4), and promised, 'I am come that they might have life, and have it abundantly' (John 10:10)—life for the purpose of following Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The servant language recalls Israel's self-designation as Yahweh's servant-nation (Isaiah 41:8-9). Individual Israelites participated in this corporate identity. The request for bountiful dealing reflects the covenant blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28—life, prosperity, and protection contingent on obedience. Yet the psalmist recognizes that even the capacity to obey requires God's enabling grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing yourself as God's servant shape your expectations and requests in prayer?
  2. In what ways do you need God to 'deal bountifully' with you to sustain your spiritual life and obedience?
  3. What is the relationship between God's gracious provision and your responsibility to keep His Word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
גְּמֹ֖ל1 of 6

“GIMEL Deal bountifully”

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

עַֽל2 of 6
H5921

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

עַבְדְּךָ֥3 of 6

“with thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֶֽחְיֶ֗ה4 of 6

“that I may live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְאֶשְׁמְרָ֥ה5 of 6

“and keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

דְבָרֶֽךָ׃6 of 6

“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 119:17 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 119:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 13:6Titus 2:11-12Ephesians 2:4-5Psalms 116:7Psalms 119:65Psalms 119:124

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