King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:33 Mean?

Psalms 119:33 in the King James Version says “HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 119:33 · KJV


Context

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.

34

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35

Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes (הוֹרֵנִי יְהוָה דֶּֽרֶךְ חֻקֶּיךָ)—Yarah (to teach, instruct) is the root of Torah, emphasizing that instruction is God's prerogative. The derek (way) of His chuqqim (statutes, decrees) requires divine pedagogy—these aren't self-evident truths we discover but revealed wisdom we receive. Addressing Yahweh directly makes this prayer covenantal and personal. And I shall keep it unto the end (וְאֶצְּרֶנָּה עֵקֶב)—Natsar (to keep, guard, observe) pictures vigilant protection. Eqev (consequence, end, reward) suggests both perseverance to the end and the resulting blessing of obedience.

This He (ה) stanza begins with humble recognition: knowing God's statutes requires His teaching. The psalmist doesn't promise self-generated perseverance but conditional faithfulness: 'teach me, and I will keep it.' This models the biblical pattern of divine initiative and human response—God instructs, we guard what we've been taught, and this guarding itself depends on ongoing divine enablement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, Torah instruction happened through priests, parents, and public reading (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The cry 'teach me' acknowledges that possessing Scripture isn't enough—the Spirit must illuminate. This anticipates Jesus's promise of the Spirit who 'will teach you all things' (John 14:26) and guide into truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you actively seek God's teaching about His statutes beyond merely reading Scripture—through prayer, study, godly counsel?
  2. What's the relationship between God's teaching (His responsibility) and your keeping (your responsibility) in sanctification?
  3. Where do you need to pray 'teach me' because you're trying to obey statutes you don't yet understand or delight in?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הוֹרֵ֣נִי1 of 6

HE Teach

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

יְ֭הוָה2 of 6

me O LORD

H3068

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

דֶּ֥רֶךְ3 of 6

the way

H1870

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

חֻקֶּ֗יךָ4 of 6

of thy statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְאֶצְּרֶ֥נָּה5 of 6

and I shall keep

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

עֵֽקֶב׃6 of 6

it unto the end

H6118

a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re


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 119:33 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 119:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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