King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:79 Mean?

Psalms 119:79 in the King James Version says “Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.”

Psalms 119:79 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

77

Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

78

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

79

Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

80

Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

81

CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let those that fear thee turn unto me (יָשׁוּבוּ לִי יְרֵאֶיךָ)—yashuvu (turn/return) could mean 'turn to me for fellowship' or 'return to me after distancing.' The yir'ekha (those who fear thee) are the covenant community. And those that have known thy testimonies (וְיֹדְעֵי עֵדֹתֶיךָ) defines them further: those who yod'ei (know) God's edot (testimonies/covenant stipulations) through relationship, not mere information.

The psalmist desires community with the faithful—those whose orthodoxy (right doctrine) produces orthopraxy (right living). This anticipates Jesus's prayer for unity among believers (John 17:21) and the apostolic emphasis on fellowship with like-minded saints (1 John 1:3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In times of persecution, the godly remnant needed mutual encouragement. The 'God-fearers' formed the core of faithful Israel, maintaining Torah obedience when the majority compromised. Post-exilic Judaism emphasized community identity around Scripture knowledge—a pattern continued in synagogue culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life both fears God and knows His Word deeply enough to sharpen your faith?
  2. How intentionally do you seek fellowship with those who make Scripture their authority?
  3. What role does community play in sustaining your faithfulness during spiritual isolation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יָשׁ֣וּבוּ1 of 5

“thee turn”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לִ֣י2 of 5
H0
יְרֵאֶ֑יךָ3 of 5

“Let those that fear”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

וְ֝יֹדְעֵ֗ו4 of 5

“unto me and those that have known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

עֵדֹתֶֽיךָ׃5 of 5

“thy testimonies”

H5713

testimony

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 119:79 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 119:79 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:74Psalms 142:7Psalms 7:7Psalms 119:63

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