King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:31 Mean?

Psalms 119:31 in the King James Version says “I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.”

Psalms 119:31 · KJV

Context

29

Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

30

I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

31

I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

32

I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

33

HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have stuck unto thy testimonies (דָּבַקְתִּי בְעֵדְוֺתֶיךָ)—Again davaq (cleave, cling), used in verse 25 for clinging to dust but here for clinging to God's edut (testimonies, witnesses). The testimonies are God's self-revelation in Scripture—His witness about Himself and His ways. The contrast is devastating: our souls naturally cling to death (v.25) but must intentionally cling to life-giving revelation. O LORD, put me not to shame (יְהוָה אַל־תְּבִישֵׁנִי)—Bosh (to be ashamed, disappointed) fears the shame of trusting God's promises and being abandoned. The psalmist's confidence rests entirely on Yahweh's covenant faithfulness, not personal worthiness.

This verse assumes that clinging to Scripture in a hostile world invites mockery. The psalmist fears not persecution itself but the possibility that God might not vindicate those who trust His Word. This is the tension every believer faces: will faithfulness to Scripture result in vindication or abandonment? The answer comes in Christ, who was 'put to shame' on the cross so that those who cling to Him will never be ashamed (Romans 10:11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures made public disgrace worse than death. For a Hebrew believer to cling to Yahweh's testimonies while surrounding nations prospered in idolatry created intense pressure. Would covenant faithfulness lead to blessing or shame? This tension runs through Israel's entire history from Abraham to the prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it look like practically to 'cling' to God's testimonies with the same intensity souls naturally cling to dust?
  2. In what areas of life do you fear that faithfulness to Scripture might lead to shame rather than vindication?
  3. How does Christ's willing embrace of shame on the cross secure the promise that God will not put to shame those who cling to His Word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
דָּבַ֥קְתִּי1 of 5

“I have stuck”

H1692

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

בְעֵֽדְוֹתֶ֑יךָ2 of 5

“unto thy testimonies”

H5715

testimony

יְ֝הוָ֗ה3 of 5

“O LORD”

H3068

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

אַל4 of 5
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּבִישֵֽׁנִי׃5 of 5

“put me not to shame”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

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 119:31 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 119:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 8:31Proverbs 23:23Romans 5:5Acts 11:23Isaiah 45:17Psalms 25:2

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