King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:93 Mean?

Psalms 119:93 in the King James Version says “I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

Psalms 119:93 · KJV


Context

91

They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

92

Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

93

I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

94

I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

95

The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will never forget thy precepts (לְעוֹלָם לֹא־אֶשְׁכַּח פִּקּוּדֶיךָ le'olam lo-eshkach pikkudekha)—An oath of perpetual remembrance. Le'olam (forever, eternally) paired with the emphatic negative lo creates the strongest possible vow. Pikkud (precept, statute) refers to God's appointed ordinances. For with them thou hast quickened me (כִּי בָם חִיִּיתָנִי ki vam chiyyitani)—The causative verb chayah (to make alive, revive, quicken) explains the vow's motivation.

This is resurrection language. Ezekiel 37's dry bones were "quickened" by God's word; Ephesians 2:5 says believers were "quickened together with Christ." The psalmist experiences Scripture as life-giving power, not dead letter (2 Corinthians 3:6). Memory of God's precepts becomes spiritual CPR, reviving the fainting soul.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In oral cultures, memory was survival. Israel was commanded to teach Torah "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way" (Deuteronomy 6:7). Memorization ensured God's Word remained accessible when scrolls were scarce or destroyed—critical during persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practices help you "never forget" God's precepts in a distracted age?
  2. Have you experienced Scripture as spiritually "quickening"? What passages revived you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לְ֭עוֹלָם1 of 7

I will never

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לֹא2 of 7
H3808

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

אֶשְׁכַּ֣ח3 of 7

forget

H7911

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

פִּקּוּדֶ֑יךָ4 of 7

thy precepts

H6490

properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)

כִּ֥י5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֝֗ם6 of 7
H0
חִיִּיתָֽנִי׃7 of 7

for with them thou hast quickened

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive


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 119:93 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 119:93 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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