King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:68 Mean?

Psalms 119:68 in the King James Version says “Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.”

Psalms 119:68 · KJV

Context

66

Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

67

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

68

Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69

The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

70

Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. This verse makes a profound distinction: God's essence (Thou art good—טוֹב־אַתָּה, tov-attah) and God's activity (doest good—וּמֵטִיב, u-metiv). God doesn't merely perform good actions—goodness is His very nature, and all His actions flow from that essence. Jesus affirmed 'No one is good but One, that is, God' (Mark 10:18).

The prayer teach me thy statutes reveals that knowing God's goodness should drive us to learn His ways. If God is perfectly good, then His commands reflect perfect goodness—not arbitrary restrictions but loving instruction. The psalmist seeks alignment with this good God through understanding His statutes (חֻקֶּיךָ, chuqqekha)—permanent decrees flowing from His unchanging character. This anticipates the New Covenant promise: 'I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts' (Jeremiah 31:33).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern gods were often capricious and morally ambiguous. Israel's confession that Yahweh is essentially good, not merely powerful, was revolutionary. The goodness of God's character guaranteed the goodness of His law—Torah wasn't arbitrary divine whim but expression of perfect wisdom and love. Jesus embodied this perfectly: He 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38) because He perfectly expressed the Father's nature (John 14:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you instinctively trust that God's commands are good, or do you view them as restrictions on your happiness?
  2. How does understanding that goodness is God's essence (not merely His actions) transform your view of His sovereignty over suffering?
  3. In what ways should God's perfect goodness motivate deeper study of His Word rather than casual obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
טוֹב1 of 5

“Thou art good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אַתָּ֥ה2 of 5
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּמֵטִ֗יב3 of 5

“and doest good”

H2895

to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense

לַמְּדֵ֥נִי4 of 5

“teach”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃5 of 5

“me thy statutes”

H2706

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

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 119:68 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 119:68 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:12Psalms 106:1Exodus 34:6-7Psalms 86:5Matthew 19:17Psalms 107:1

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