King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:85 Mean?

Psalms 119:85 in the King James Version says “The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.”

Psalms 119:85 · KJV

Context

83

For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84

How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

85

The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

86

All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. faithful: Heb. faithfulness

87

They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemies of the Righteous: The Hebrew word זֵדִים (zedim, "proud") appears frequently in Psalm 119 (verses 21, 51, 69, 78, 85, 122), referring to those who arrogantly reject God's law. These are not merely self-confident people but those who presumptuously oppose God and His faithful followers. Hunting Metaphor: The phrase "have digged pits for me" (Hebrew כָּרוּ־לִי שִׁיחוֹת, karu-li shichot) uses imagery of hunters digging concealed traps for animals, suggesting premeditated malice and deception.

The contrast "which are not after thy law" (Hebrew אֲשֶׁר לֹא כְתוֹרָתֶךָ, asher lo khetoratekha) indicates these enemies operate outside God's moral order. Psalm 119 Context: This verse is part of the eleventh stanza (verses 81-88), which emphasizes the psalmist's faithfulness despite severe persecution. Theological Theme: The psalmist's confidence rests not in his own ability to avoid traps but in God's law as protection and guidance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 119 Composition: While authorship and date are debated, many scholars attribute this psalm to David or place it in the post-exilic period. The elaborate acrostic structure (each eight-verse stanza begins with successive Hebrew letters) suggests careful composition during a time when meditation on Torah was central to Jewish piety.

Ancient Hunting Practices: Pit traps were common hunting methods in the ancient Near East. Hunters would dig deep holes, cover them with branches and leaves, and wait for unsuspecting prey to fall in. This imagery would have been immediately understood by ancient readers as depicting deadly, concealed danger. The metaphor appears elsewhere in Scripture (Psalms 7:15, 9:15, 57:6, Proverbs 26:27), always depicting the wicked's schemes against the righteous.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are "the proud" in Psalm 119, and what characterizes their opposition to God's law and God's people?
  2. What does the metaphor of digging pits reveal about the nature of opposition faced by faithful believers?
  3. How does the psalmist's focus on God's law provide protection against the schemes of the proud?
  4. What is the significance of the contrast between the proud's methods (not after thy law) and the psalmist's commitment to God's word?
  5. How can modern believers apply this psalm's wisdom about facing opposition from those who reject God's standards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כָּֽרוּ1 of 7

“have digged”

H3738

properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open

לִ֣י2 of 7
H0
זֵדִ֣ים3 of 7

“The proud”

H2086

arrogant

שִׁיח֑וֹת4 of 7

“pits”

H7882

a pit-fall

אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר5 of 7
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808

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

כְתוֹרָתֶֽךָ׃7 of 7

“for me which are not after thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

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 119:85 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 119:85 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:27Psalms 35:7Jeremiah 18:20Psalms 119:78Psalms 7:15Psalms 36:11

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