King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:43 Mean?

Psalms 119:43 in the King James Version says “And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.”

Psalms 119:43 · KJV

Truth

Context

41

VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

42

So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. So: or, So shall I answer him that reproveth me in a thing

43

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

44

So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45

And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. at liberty: Heb. at large

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth (וְאַל־תַּצֵּל מִפִּי דְבַר־אֱמֶת עַד־מְאֹד)—Natsal (to snatch away, deliver, remove) in negative form pleads that God not remove davar-emet (the word of truth). Ad-meod (utterly, exceedingly) intensifies the plea. The psalmist fears losing ability to testify, either through persecution, death, or spiritual failure. For I have hoped in thy judgments (כִּי לְמִשְׁפָּטֶךָ יִחָלְתִּי)—Yachal (to wait, hope, expect) describes confident expectation in God's mishpatim (judgments). Hope in God's just governance grounds the request to maintain bold testimony.

The progression is powerful: mercies come (v.41), providing answers for mockers (v.42), but this testimony must be preserved—don't let circumstances, fear, or apostasy silence truthful witness. The 'word of truth' in the mouth is active testimony, not merely internal belief. The psalmist recognizes that maintaining bold confession in hostile contexts requires divine preservation. This anticipates Jesus's promise that the Spirit will give disciples words when brought before authorities (Luke 12:11-12) and Paul's request for prayer 'that I may open my mouth boldly' (Ephesians 6:19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern rulers used torture, threats, and execution to silence dissenting religious voices. The psalmist fears having truthful testimony forcibly removed or being so intimidated that confession fails. This fear was realized in exilic Israel and first-century Christianity, where confessing faith could mean death—making the plea for divine preservation of testimony desperately relevant.

Reflection Questions

  1. What circumstances, fears, or pressures threaten to remove 'the word of truth' from your mouth—where are you tempted to silence biblical testimony?
  2. How does hoping in God's judgments (His just governance of all things) give boldness to maintain faithful witness despite opposition?
  3. Where do you need to pray this prayer specifically: 'Don't let me lose my testimony in this relationship, workplace, or cultural moment'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְֽאַל1 of 10
H408

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

תַּצֵּ֬ל2 of 10

“And take”

H5337

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

מִפִּ֣י3 of 10

“out of my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

דְבַר4 of 10

“not the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֱמֶ֣ת5 of 10

“of truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

עַד6 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְאֹ֑ד7 of 10

“utterly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּ֖י8 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְמִשְׁפָּטֶ֣ךָ9 of 10

“in thy judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יִחָֽלְתִּי׃10 of 10

“for I have hoped”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

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 119:43 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 119:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 9:4Ephesians 1:131 Peter 2:23Psalms 119:175Psalms 119:13Psalms 71:17-18

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