King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:96 Mean?

Psalms 119:96 in the King James Version says “I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.”

Psalms 119:96 · KJV

Context

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.

96

I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

97

MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

98

Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. they: Heb. it is ever with me

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have seen an end of all perfection (לְכָל־תִּכְלָה רָאִיתִי קֵץ lekhol-tikhlah ra'iti ketz)—Tikhlah (perfection, completeness) has limits (ketz, end, boundary). The psalmist observes finitude in all created excellence. But thy commandment is exceeding broad (רְחָבָה מִצְוָתְךָ מְאֹד rechavah mitzvatkha me'od)—In contrast, God's mitzvah (commandment, law) is rachav (wide, broad, expansive) beyond measure (me'od, exceedingly).

This begins the Mem (מ) section, shifting from affliction's testing to wisdom's meditation. Human achievement—beauty, strength, intellect—all fade (Isaiah 40:6-8). But Scripture's scope is infinite: Jesus intensified this in Matthew 5:21-48, showing how commandments penetrate not just actions but thoughts. Romans 7:12 declares the law "holy, just, and good"—comprehensive in moral demand, inexhaustible in application.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's wisdom had limits (1 Kings 4:29-34), yet he wrote Ecclesiastes lamenting life "under the sun" as vanity. Rome's glory crumbled, Greece's philosophy became foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:20). Every human system reaches its ketz. Only God's Word endures (Matthew 24:35).

Reflection Questions

  1. What "perfections" (achievements, relationships, experiences) have you seen reach their limits? How did that revelation affect you?
  2. In what ways is God's commandment "exceeding broad"—how does it address areas of life you initially thought it didn't touch?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לְֽכָל1 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תִּ֭כְלָה2 of 7

“of all perfection”

H8502

completeness

רָאִ֣יתִי3 of 7

“I have seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

קֵ֑ץ4 of 7

“an end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

רְחָבָ֖ה5 of 7

“broad”

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

מִצְוָתְךָ֣6 of 7

“but thy commandment”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

מְאֹֽד׃7 of 7

“is exceeding”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 119:96 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 119:96 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:35Ecclesiastes 2:11Matthew 5:18Ecclesiastes 1:2-31 Samuel 17:49-511 Samuel 9:2

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