King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:3 Mean?

Psalms 119:3 in the King James Version says “They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.”

Psalms 119:3 · KJV

Context

1

ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. undefiled: or, perfect, or, sincere

2

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3

They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

4

Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

5

O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They also do no iniquity (לֹא־פָעֲלוּ עַוְלָה)—the Hebrew עַוְלָה (avlah, 'iniquity') denotes perversion, moral crookedness, or deviation from the straight path. The psalmist describes the positive characteristic of those who keep God's testimonies (v. 2): they actively avoid twisted behavior. The verb פָעַל (pa'al, 'do') emphasizes that righteousness is not passive—these faithful ones actively do not practice unrighteousness.

They walk in his ways (בִּדְרָכָיו הָלָכוּ)—halak (הָלַךְ, 'to walk') is the fundamental Hebrew metaphor for lifestyle and conduct. God's 'ways' (derekh, דֶּרֶךְ) are His ordained paths of covenant obedience. This verse establishes the essential connection between negative righteousness (avoiding evil) and positive righteousness (actively pursuing God's paths). As Jesus would later teach, the house swept clean but left empty invites worse demons (Matthew 12:43-45)—true holiness requires both forsaking sin and embracing obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 119, the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses), is an elaborate acrostic poem where each eight-verse section corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Written likely during or after the Babylonian exile, it reflects intense devotion to Torah when the temple was destroyed and God's written Word became Israel's primary means of knowing Him. The psalm uses eight synonyms for God's Word throughout (law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, promise), demonstrating comprehensive reverence for divine revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your pursuit of righteousness balance both 'doing no iniquity' and actively 'walking in His ways'?
  2. In what ways might modern believers emphasize avoiding sin while neglecting the positive pursuit of God's paths, or vice versa?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אַ֭ף1 of 6
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

לֹֽא2 of 6
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פָעֲל֣וּ3 of 6

“They also do”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

עַוְלָ֑ה4 of 6

“no iniquity”

H5766

(moral) evil

בִּדְרָכָ֥יו5 of 6

“in his ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָלָֽכוּ׃6 of 6

“they walk”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 119:3 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 119:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 5:181 John 3:9

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