King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:170 Mean?

Psalms 119:170 in the King James Version says “Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.”

Psalms 119:170 · KJV

Context

168

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

169

TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

170

Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

171

My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

172

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

Read Psalms 119 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let my supplication come before thee (תָּבוֹא תְּחִנָּתִי לְפָנֶיךָ, tavo techinati lefanekha)—Techinah ('supplication, plea for grace') parallels v. 169's rinnah (cry). Bo ('come, enter, arrive') suggests entrance into the divine presence. The plea: deliver me according to thy word (כְּאִמְרָתְךָ הַצִּילֵנִי, ke'imratekha hatzileni). Natzal ('deliver, rescue, snatch away') appears—deliverance measured by imrah (word, utterance, promise).

This anticipates Christ's high-priestly prayer (John 17), where He petitions the Father for believers' deliverance based on the Father's revealed will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The parallel structure with v. 169 (cry/supplication, understanding/deliverance, according to Your Word) emphasizes that all spiritual blessing flows from God's self-revelation. The psalmist doesn't demand rights but pleads for grace (techinah), grounding his request in God's own promises rather than personal merit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does praying for deliverance 'according to' God's Word keep your requests aligned with His will rather than your preferences?
  2. What's the difference between demanding deliverance based on your needs versus pleading (<em>techinah</em>) for it based on God's promises?
  3. How does Jesus's prayer for your deliverance in John 17:15 ('keep them from the evil') fulfill the psalmist's petition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
תָּב֣וֹא1 of 5

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

תְּחִנָּתִ֣י2 of 5

“Let my supplication”

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ3 of 5

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כְּ֝אִמְרָתְךָ֗4 of 5

“me according to thy word”

H565

an utterance

הַצִּילֵֽנִי׃5 of 5

“thee deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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 119:170 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 119:170 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:41Psalms 28:2Genesis 32:9-12Psalms 89:20-252 Samuel 7:25Psalms 31:2

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 119 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 119 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes