King James Version

What Does Psalms 89:34 Mean?

Psalms 89:34 in the King James Version says “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 89 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.”

Psalms 89:34 · KJV

Context

32

Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

33

Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. will: Heb. I will not make void from him to fall: Heb. to lie

34

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

35

Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. that: Heb. if I lie

36

His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Read Psalms 89 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. God reinforces His commitment with a double negative emphasizing the absolute immutability of His covenant word. My covenant will I not break (lōʾ-ʾăḥal-lêl bə-rî-ṯî, לֹא־אֲחַלֵּל בְּרִיתִי) uses ḥillēl (חִלֵּל), the same verb from verse 31 meaning to profane, violate, break. Humans may profane God's covenant (v. 31), but God will never profane His own covenant. This is emphatic contrast: they may break it, but I will not.

Nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips employs ûmô-ṣāʾ śə-p̄ā-ṯay lōʾ ʾăšan-neh (וּמוֹצָא שְׂפָתַי לֹא אֲשַׁנֶּה). The verb šānāh (שָׁנָה) means to change, alter, do a second time differently. "The thing gone out of my lips" (môṣāʾ śəp̄āṯay) refers to God's spoken word, His covenant promise—once uttered, it cannot be retracted or modified. This parallels Isaiah 55:11: "My word that goes forth from My mouth...shall not return to Me void, but shall accomplish what I please."

God's covenant is immutable because it rests on His character, not human performance. While humans are fickle and unfaithful, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent" (Numbers 23:19). The Davidic covenant, grounded in divine oath (v. 35), cannot be altered by human sin or historical catastrophe. This finds ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), through whom every divine promise is "Yes and Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse addresses the theological crisis of the exile. When the Davidic monarchy fell and Jerusalem was destroyed, many questioned whether God had broken His covenant. The answer is emphatic: No. God disciplined His people (v. 32) but did not break His covenant. The covenant stood firm through exile, foreign domination, and centuries of apparent silence, ultimately vindicated in Jesus Christ. God's word that went out to David through Nathan (2 Samuel 7) was not altered—it was fulfilled beyond expectation in the eternal reign of David's greater Son.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise that He will not 'break' or 'alter' His covenant assure believers of the security of salvation in Christ?
  2. What is the significance of God emphasizing 'the thing that is gone out of my lips'—how does the finality of God's spoken word differ from human promises?
  3. How does the immutability of the Davidic covenant demonstrate the immutability of all God's covenant promises, including the New Covenant in Christ's blood?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לֹא1 of 7
H3808

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

אֲחַלֵּ֥ל2 of 7

“will I not break”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

בְּרִיתִ֑י3 of 7

“My covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וּמוֹצָ֥א4 of 7

“the thing that is gone out”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י5 of 7

“of my lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

לֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808

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

אֲשַׁנֶּֽה׃7 of 7

“nor alter”

H8138

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

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 89:34 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 89:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 23:19Matthew 24:35James 1:17Malachi 3:6Romans 11:29Jeremiah 14:21

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 89 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 89 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes