King James Version

What Does Psalms 19:11 Mean?

Psalms 19:11 in the King James Version says “Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 19:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. the great: or, much


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's servant is 'warned' by His rules, and keeping them brings 'great reward.' The Hebrew 'zahar' (warn) suggests both caution and enlightenment. The 'eqeb' (reward) is consequence, not wage—obedience brings inherent blessing. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that obeying His commands leads to abiding in His love (John 15:10). Reformed theology affirms that while salvation is by grace, obedience brings experiential blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written in context of covenant where obedience brought blessing and disobedience brought curse (Deuteronomy 28), not as earning salvation but as covenant response.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced the inherent rewards of obedience?
  2. In what ways does God's word warn and protect you from danger?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
גַּֽם1 of 7
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עַ֭בְדְּךָ2 of 7

Moreover by them is thy servant

H5650

a servant

נִזְהָ֣ר3 of 7

warned

H2094

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

בָּהֶ֑ם4 of 7
H0
בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם5 of 7

and in keeping

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

עֵ֣קֶב6 of 7

reward

H6118

a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re

רָֽב׃7 of 7

of them there is great

H7227

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


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 19:11 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 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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