King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:61 Mean?

Psalms 119:61 in the King James Version says “The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. bands: or, companies” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. bands: or, companies”

Psalms 119:61 · KJV

Context

59

I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

61

The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. bands: or, companies

62

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

63

I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Read Psalms 119 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. The phrase bands of the wicked (חֶבְלֵי רְשָׁעִים, chevlei resha'im) literally means 'cords' or 'snares'—enemies conspiring together to entrap and plunder the righteous. The verb robbed (עִוְּדֻנִי, ivveduni) implies violent theft and oppression, possibly referencing persecution or economic exploitation.

But I have not forgotten thy law—the adversative but (וְ, ve) marks the contrast between external suffering and internal faithfulness. Forgotten (שָׁכַח, shakhach) means more than memory lapse—it implies neglecting covenant obligations. Despite material loss, the psalmist's spiritual treasure remains intact. This echoes Job's faithfulness despite catastrophic loss and anticipates Jesus's teaching that thieves steal earthly treasures but cannot touch heavenly ones (Matthew 6:19-20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's people frequently suffered material plundering—Egypt's oppression, Philistine raids, Babylonian conquest stripped Israel of wealth and land. Yet the faithful maintained covenant loyalty despite loss. Job exemplifies this: 'The LORD gave, the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD' (Job 1:21). Early Christians also faced property confiscation (Hebrews 10:34) yet 'joyfully accepted' loss, knowing they had 'better and enduring possessions.'

Reflection Questions

  1. Has material loss or injustice ever caused you to compromise spiritual convictions, or has it strengthened them?
  2. How can believers maintain focus on God's law (eternal treasure) when earthly treasures are stolen or threatened?
  3. What does your reaction to financial loss or unfair treatment reveal about where you've truly stored your treasure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
חֶבְלֵ֣י1 of 6

“The bands”

H2256

ruin

רְשָׁעִ֣ים2 of 6

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

עִוְּדֻ֑נִי3 of 6

“have robbed”

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

תּֽ֝וֹרָתְךָ֗4 of 6

“thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

לֹ֣א5 of 6
H3808

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

שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃6 of 6

“me but I have not forgotten”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

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 119:61 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 119:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:17-21Psalms 119:176Hosea 6:9Psalms 119:95Psalms 3:1Proverbs 24:29

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 119 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 119 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes