King James Version

What Does Psalms 19:10 Mean?

Psalms 19:10 in the King James Version says “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb . the honeyco...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb . the honeycomb: Heb. the dropping of honeycombs”

Psalms 19:10 · KJV

Context

8

The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. true: Heb. truth

10

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb . the honeycomb: Heb. the dropping of honeycombs

11

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

12

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Read Psalms 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Having described six attributes of God's word and their six effects (verses 7-9), David now expresses Scripture's supreme value. He uses two comparisons—gold and honey—representing wealth and pleasure, the two things humanity most naturally desires. Yet God's word surpasses both.

"More to be desired are they than gold" (hanechmadim mizahav, הַנֶּחֱמָדִים מִזָּהָב) uses chamad, meaning to desire, covet, take pleasure in. This is the same word from the tenth commandment: "Thou shalt not covet." What should be desired above all else? Not gold but God's word. Zahav (gold) represented ultimate material wealth in the ancient world—portable, imperishable, universally valued. Yet Scripture is more desirable.

"Yea, than much fine gold" (umipaz rav, וּמִפַּז רָב) intensifies the comparison. Paz is refined, pure gold—the highest quality. Rav means much, abundant. David doesn't compare Scripture merely to a small amount of ordinary gold but to vast quantities of the finest gold. Even unlimited material wealth cannot match the value of God's word.

"Sweeter also than honey" (umetugim middevash, וּמְתוּקִים מִדְּבַשׁ) shifts to taste. Matok means sweet, pleasant. Honey was the primary sweetener in the ancient world, the sweetest natural substance commonly available. God's word brings greater pleasure than the most delightful physical taste. "And the honeycomb" (venophet tzufim, וְנֹפֶת צוּפִים) adds emphasis—not processed honey but fresh honey still in the comb, the purest and sweetest form. Even this doesn't match Scripture's sweetness to the soul.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The comparison of God's word to gold and honey appears throughout Scripture. Psalm 119:72 declares: "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." Psalm 119:103 asks: "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" These were not mere literary flourishes but genuine valuations.

In the ancient world, gold represented security, power, and pleasure. Yet Solomon, who possessed unprecedented wealth, concluded that wisdom (which comes from God's word) is more precious than rubies, and "all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her" (Proverbs 3:15). He learned experientially what David declared here: material wealth cannot satisfy like God's truth.

Honey's sweetness made it a biblical symbol of delight and goodness. The Promised Land was described as flowing with "milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). Jonathan's eyes were enlightened when he tasted honey (1 Samuel 14:27). Yet Ezekiel discovered that while God's words were "as honey for sweetness" initially (Ezekiel 3:3), proclaiming them brought bitterness (3:14). Scripture is sweet to receive but sometimes difficult to obey or proclaim. Still, its ultimate effect is delight in God.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does David compare Scripture's value to gold and its pleasure to honey rather than to other things?
  2. What would it look like practically to 'desire' God's word more than wealth or pleasure?
  3. How can Scripture be 'sweet' when it sometimes corrects, rebukes, or calls for costly obedience?
  4. What have you found more 'desirable' or 'sweet' than God's word, and how might this verse challenge that?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַֽנֶּחֱמָדִ֗ים1 of 8

“More to be desired”

H2530

to delight in

מִ֭זָּהָב2 of 8

“are they than gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּמִפַּ֣ז3 of 8

“fine gold”

H6337

pure (gold); hence, gold itself (as refined)

רָ֑ב4 of 8

“yea than much”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וּמְתוּקִ֥ים5 of 8

“sweeter”

H4966

sweet

מִ֝דְּבַ֗שׁ6 of 8

“also than honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

וְנֹ֣פֶת7 of 8

“and the honeycomb”

H5317

a dripping i.e., of honey (from the comb)

צוּפִֽים׃8 of 8
H6688

comb of honey (from dripping)

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 19:10 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 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:103Psalms 119:72Proverbs 3:13-15Proverbs 16:16Job 23:12Psalms 119:127

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