King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:46 Mean?

Psalms 119:46 in the King James Version says “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Psalms 119:46 · KJV


Context

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

46

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

47

And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

48

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings (וַאֲדַבְּרָה בְעֵדֹתֶיךָ נֶגֶד מְלָכִים)—Dabar (to speak, declare) describes bold public testimony. Edut (testimonies) are God's witnessed truths about Himself. Neged melachim (before kings) pictures testimony in the most intimidating setting—sovereign rulers with power to execute. This recalls Moses before Pharaoh, Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, Paul before Agrippa. And will not be ashamed (וְלֹא אֵבוֹשׁ)—Bosh (to be ashamed, humiliated) in negative form promises bold confidence. Royal intimidation won't produce cowardly silence or shameful compromise.

This verse demonstrates the principle: whoever receives God's mercies (v.41) and maintains the word of truth (v.43) will have boldness even before earthly powers. The psalmist's confidence isn't in personal courage but God's sustaining presence. This is the repeated biblical pattern: God's servants speak truth to power because divine authority supersedes human authority. Jesus promised disciples would testify before governors and kings (Matthew 10:18), and Acts records exactly this—apostolic boldness before Sanhedrin and Caesar because eternal King trumps earthly kings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern monarchs claimed absolute authority, often demanding worship or executing those who challenged royal decrees. Daniel's friends faced furnace for refusing worship (Daniel 3), Daniel faced lions for prayer (Daniel 6). Speaking God's testimonies before such power required supernatural boldness, given only to those convinced God's authority supersedes human threats.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'kings' (authorities, powers, influential people) intimidate you into silence about God's testimonies—employers, government, family, cultural elites?
  2. How does the gospel truth that Christ is King of kings free you to speak boldly before lesser authorities without shame?
  3. Where do you need to pray for the courage not to be ashamed of God's testimonies in intimidating contexts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה1 of 6

I will speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְ֭עֵדֹתֶיךָ2 of 6

of thy testimonies

H5713

testimony

נֶ֥גֶד3 of 6
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

מְלָכִ֗ים4 of 6

also before kings

H4428

a king

וְלֹ֣א5 of 6
H3808

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

אֵבֽוֹשׁ׃6 of 6

and will not be ashamed

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 119:46 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 119:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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