General meaning of Psalm 119 and interpretations for study

Psalm 119 is the longest in the holy book and manifests the author's deep adoration of the Father. As a literary work it lacks synonyms to reduce the excess of repeated words, but in the religious sense these same words have a specific function, which is to extol the divine laws and the obligation to fulfill them.

In addition, Psalm 119 stands out for being an acrostic in its original version, whose theme highlights the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. As with other psalms, there is no consensus on authorship, which does not diminish its beauty as a canticle or its depth as a prayer.

In this sense, it is worth being patient and reading the 176 verses of Psalm 119, and then doing some reflection on its content. To make it easier for you to understand this article contains a brief explanation of the Psalm, divided into groups of verses that can teach what a great example of worship is.

Psalm 119 and its interpretation

The psalms are poems and this detail makes a perfect interpretation difficult, since the feeling of the author is missing, the ecstasy felt during the composition. Still, it is possible to deduce the meaning based on the structure, on the assembly of the words, and that is what you will see in this text.

Psalm 119

The reading of Psalm 119 is not tiring, although it is long, because it is pleasant and inspiring to see so much devotion to God, and commitment to the divine laws. The author is not concerned about being repetitive, as long as he convinces the reader of the importance of following the commandments.

In the psalm the author expresses all the confidence he has in God's word, pointing to it as the only way that brings him both security and satisfaction. Only by reading the psalm will you be able to understand how far the worship of a servant of God can reach. See the complete psalm below.

Interpretation of verses 1 to 8

The psalmist begins by speaking of the happiness achieved by those who follow steadfastly in obedience to the divine laws, and give testimony of this attitude by fleeing from the practice of iniquities. A clear sign that to follow God's laws you need to act in accordance with them.

Then the author talks about the doubt that dominates him for not having directed his behavior according to the commandments. Asking for divine support, the psalmist commits himself not only to learn, but to practice the law and praise God with words and deeds.

Interpretation of verses 10-16

Verses 10-16 show the psalmist's dedication to seek God's word, and at the same time human insecurity, as he asks the Lord to watch over him so as not to allow him to stray from the path, sinning against holy laws. The author also declares his choice of God's way over earthly possessions.

The reading of the Psalm teaches that the author needs to repeat in many ways that he will love and praise the Lord, but not trying to convince the deity but to convince himself. Because men weaken and the psalmist has this knowledge, and so he prays to God to watch over him and keep him from falling into error.

Interpretation of verses 17-24

The psalmist continues his hymn by asking God to keep him alive and to increase his understanding so that he can grasp the full meaning of the laws. By declaring himself a pilgrim the psalmist prays the Lord to reveal the law to him and to exempt him from the shame and contempt given to those who are proud and haughty.

The author makes it clear that following the divine law is not an obligation for him, since he feels happy to be guided by the sacred commandments. A message to those who think it is possible to obey the divine laws without giving up material desires.

Interpretation of verses 25 to 32

At the beginning of this sequence the author states that he feels trapped in matter and loses enlightenment after confessing his errors. The psalmist prays for the strength of God's word to bring him out of a great sadness that is overwhelming him. For the author, understanding the divine precepts will give him inspiration and strength, which will turn him away from falsehood.

The psalmist uses his own experience to guide the faithful to choose the path of the divine word, so that the Lord may cause hearts to overflow with the glory of the acceptance of the commandments. Thus the psalmist hopes not to be confused with the wicked.

Interpretation of verses 40-48

A passage where the author shows his courage in the face of those who oppose him, but always backed by God's previous promises, which guaranteed both protection and salvation to those who would faithfully follow him. The psalmist also trusted that the Lord would give him the inspiration he needed to say the right words.

Thus, the psalmist asks God not to take from him this inspiration that makes him debate with kings in the name of truth. Love for the commandments is for the psalmist a source of pleasure, and so he commits himself to follow these precepts all his life, always enjoying divine goodness and mercy.

Interpretation of verses 53 to 72

The psalmist begins this part of the song by speaking of his revolt against those who do not follow God's law, while reaffirming several times his total obedience and devotion to God, always crying out for divine mercy, which he already knew from the scriptures.

The psalmist reminds us that should the believer stray from the path he can always repent and return to the path of faith. The author is quite clear about the importance of the laws when he states that pieces of gold or silver will never be as valuable as the decrees of God.

Interpretation of verses 73 to 80

Psalm 119 is a poem of praise and submission, even considering the high volume of duplicate phrases, but this may reveal a style of writing proper in instances of worship, where the author feels the need to repeat, perhaps to make sure the Lord has heard him.

Thus, in this interval of verses the psalmist reiterates his love and trust in the commandments, pleads for attention and mercy. There is also a request for justice so that God's enemies, who humiliate his faithful servants, may be punished. At the same time, the author continues to ask the Lord to enlarge his understanding of the laws.

Interpretation of verses 89-104

A beautiful passage in which the author shows his admiration not only for creation, but also for the creator. Further on the psalmist speaks of the protection offered to those who follow God's law, as well as the wisdom acquired by those who meditate with faith and perseverance on the commandments.

The study of the scriptures is an inexhaustible source of knowledge, and for the psalmist this study leaves him as or more learned than kings and princes. The author speaks of his gratitude for having personal contact with his God through the study and practice of his precepts.

Interpretation of verses 131 to 144

Psalm 119 continues with the psalmist expressing his complete trust in God, as he longs to understand the meaning of his word. The author turns the direction of his steps and his life over to the creator, so that he may be free from the dictatorship of error that exists among the wicked.

Even struck by difficulties, feeling inferior and unimportant, the psalmist does not deny his faith, continuing to follow the divine precepts and feeling satisfied by showing his submission before the Creator. For the author, only the understanding of God's wisdom is enough to remain alive.

Interpretation of verses 145-149

In his times of prayer the psalmist always meditated on God's commandments because he believed that there was wisdom in them, and that he could absorb that knowledge. Thus, no matter what time it was, the psalmist would dawn in prayer and meditation on the precepts.

Understanding the commandments was the main objective of the life of the author of Psalm 119, who found hope and consolation in the word of God in his tribulations. Nothing could divert his attention from the precepts, for they were the source of life in the psalmist's understanding.

Interpretation of verses 163-176

Even with all his dedication to the study of God's word through the scriptures, the psalmist always recognized his mistakes and cried out for mercy. Thus, salvation was a gift he hoped to obtain, and for this he offered his life in the practice of divine laws.

In an attitude of total surrender to the Creator, the author compares himself to a sheep that has gotten lost and will not be able to return to the fold without the help of its shepherd. Therefore, Psalm 119 is characterized from beginning to end as a song of praise, submission and work in understanding the precepts of God.

The book of Psalms, reading and how they can help

The Book of Psalms contains teachings that were taken from the lives of the psalmists, real people who went through difficulties, and who had doubts like all mortals. In the following texts you will find more information about this important book of the old testament, and how its reading helps believers.

The book of psalms

The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers in the form of poems composed by different authors in different periods of history. There is a consensus among historians that most of the 150 psalms were written by King David. However, many of them have an unknown authorship.

One of the teachings of the psalms is perseverance in faith even in the face of great difficulties, and also the importance of praising the Lord. The psalms encourage inspiration, and reading them also has a historical usefulness in showing how prayers were prayed in those times.

How to read the Psalms

The psalms are prayers that can be sung, although you won't see any rhymes as you read them. However, like all prayers, the reading needs to be done with emotion, because there is no point in reading a psalm as one reads an unimportant piece of news in a newspaper, for example.

Once you start reading, the energy of the words and the devotion the author reveals will keep you going. The psalms show a living, pulsating prayer that stirs faith, emotion and purifies the feelings of those who can read with an open mind towards God.

Benefits and how the Psalms can help

Reading a psalm can offer peace and harmony, which are two benefits of relevant importance in the hectic modern world. In addition, the emotion that the authors reveal can unlock noble to unselfish feelings that may be in latent form in your heart.

The psalms, like all edifying readings, bring the reader closer to the reality that the author lived, and exemplify the support he found when composing and singing praises to God. The psalms help when they show the state of ecstasy reached by those who have pure faith, and also show their submission to the Lord, even in the worst moments.

Recommended Psalms for different times in life

The authors wrote the psalms in different situations, but always with the same devotion even if they were facing harsh trials. Thus, you can find a psalm that gives you hope and strength in the face of various difficulties.

Psalm 5 to ward off negative energies

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, attend to my meditation.

Hear the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for I will pray to you.

In the morning, O LORD, you will hear my voice; in the morning I will present my prayer to you, and I will watch.

For you are not a God who takes pleasure in iniquity, nor shall evil dwell with you.

The foolish will not stop at your sight; you hate all who do evil.

You will destroy those who speak lies; the LORD will hate the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

But I will come into thy house for the greatness of thy lovingkindness; and in thy fear will I bow myself unto thy holy temple.

Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.

For there is no uprightness in their mouth; their inward parts are true wickedness, their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

Declare them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out because of the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against thee.

But let all those who put their trust in thee rejoice; let them exult for ever, because thou defendest them; and let those who love thy name boast in thee.

For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; you will surround him with your kindness as with a shield."

Negative energies can overwhelm the believer who neglects vigilance and prayer, attacking him where he is weakest. The faithful servant can cry out for God to keep him on the path of truth, not only through prayer, but mainly through good attitudes.

The daily practice of prayer, associated to the exercise of charity and benevolence build a shield of protection around the true believer, who remains firm and unshakable in his faith. The positive energies acquired in a prayer block the feelings contrary to faith.

Psalm 14 to purify your heart

"Said the foolish man in his heart 'There is no God.

They have corrupted themselves, they have made themselves abominable in their works, there is none who does good.'

The Lord looked down from heaven on the sons of men, to see if there were any who had understanding and sought God.

They all went astray and together they became unclean 'There is none who does good, not one.

Have they no knowledge of those who work iniquity, who eat up my people as though they ate bread, and do not call upon the LORD? There they were in great fear, because God is in the generation of the righteous.

Ye put to shame the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is their refuge.

O, if the redemption of Israel had already come out of Zion, when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad."

Observing the current situation of this world, where selfishness, falsehood and arrogance reign, can shake the believer's confidence. It seems that the more churches there are, the worse it gets, and everything resembles chaos. However, the goal of faith is for the believer to follow God even though everything indicates that He does not exist or does not care.

It is at this moment that the reading of a psalm can make a difference, purifying the heart and renewing hope for those who remain firm in the promises of the Creator. The reading of God's word changes the tuning of the soul, and makes it feel that those who persevere in the faith will enjoy a better life, in another world that is also better.

Psalm 15 to resolve difficult love situations

"Lord, who shall dwell in your tabernacle?

Who shall dwell in thy holy mountain?

One who walks uprightly, and practices righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

He that slandereth not with his tongue, neither doeth evil to his neighbour, neither taketh up any reproach against his neighbour;

In whose eyes the reprobate is despised; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD;

He who swears with damage of his own, and yet does not change. He who does not give his money with usury, nor take up bribes against the innocent. He who does this will never be shaken."

In a religious context, love relationships must be understood not only as conjugal relationships, but involve love for children, parents, and by extension reach the whole of humanity, since they are all children of the same Father. The love of God has as a reference the supreme justice, and not a filial or paternal feeling of possession.

It is in this sense that many fall into the error of defending those closest to them only because they love them, without considering whether or not they are protected by the strict divine justice. Thus, loving relationships, which are a necessity, must have as a parameter the love of God that aims to attend to the righteous in the first place, since all are his children.

Psalm 16 to receive the right advice for an important decision

"Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

To the Lord I declare, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."

And (as for) those who believe in the earth, they are the notable ones in whom is all my delight.

Great will be the suffering of those who run after other gods.

I will not partake of their blood sacrifices, and my lips shall not even mention their names.

Lord, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who guarantee my future.

The currencies fell to me in pleasant places: I have a fine inheritance!

I will bless the Lord, who counsels me; in the dark night my heart teaches me!

I always have the Lord before me."

During life man needs to make all kinds of decisions, and some are crucial to his development, both material and spiritual. The great difficulty is to decide which aspect of development should have priority. Unfortunately most people choose material progress, and the situation of the world today is the result of this choice.

The study, and especially the practice, of religion is not aimed at abolishing wealth or abundance, but at distributing earthly goods in a balanced way that puts an end to misery. The decisions that lead to spiritual progress are made by those who direct their lives on the basis of the precepts of God's justice and love, and these precepts can be learned from reading the psalms.

Psalm 54 to protect yourself from sadness

"Save me, O God, by your name, and make me righteous by your power.

O God, hear my prayer; incline your ear to the words of my mouth.

For strangers rise up against me, and tyrants seek my life: they have not set God before their eyes.

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my soul.

He will reward my enemies with evil.

Destroy them in your truth.

I will willingly offer sacrifices unto thee; I will praise thy name, O LORD, for it is good; for it hath delivered me out of all trouble; and mine eyes have seen my desire upon mine enemies."

The moments of sadness and affliction can be overcome or even avoided when the believer lives immersed in his faith. Therefore, always keep in mind that God creates nothing bad, but the disobedience to the divine laws generates consequences like any other act.

True and everlasting joy is in the spirit that lives in communion with the Creator, and not in the futilities of earthly amusements. The exercise of reading the psalms increases confidence in God and joy in living. A different joy, pure and noble, without comparison with the joy that earthly goods provide.

Psalm 76 to be happy

"Known is God in Judah; great is his name in Israel.

And in Salem is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

There he broke the arrows of the bow; the shield, and the sword, and the war.

You are more illustrious and glorious than the hunting hills.

They that are bold in heart are spoiled; they have slept their sleep; and none of the men of strength have found their own hands.

At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, chariots and horses are cast into a deep sleep.

Thou, thou art to be feared: and who shall stand in thy sight when thou art angry?

From the heavens thou hast caused thy judgment to be heard: the earth trembled, and stood still.

When God arose to execute judgment, to deliver all the meek of the earth.

Surely man's anger shall be turned to thy praise: the rest of the anger thou shalt restrain.

Make vows, and pay unto the Lord your God; bring gifts, ye that are round about Him, unto Him that is fearful. He shall reap the spirit of princes; He is terrible to the kings of the earth."

Happiness is something that everyone seeks, but very few manage to find it because they seek it in the ephemeral and trivial things, which have a short duration. Matter and spirit are different energies, and the state of material happiness means nothing to the eternal spirit, who lives in harmony with the laws of God.

Therefore, to live happily, even in an unhappy world, one must be in tune with God, which can only be done by living with the psalms, or other types of prayers, provided they come from the heart which is the only and true temple of God.

How can Psalm 119 and its study help my life?

Psalm 119 is only one among the 150 psalms present in the Book of Psalms, and all were written with the same fervor of worship and praise, so if the words of this psalm have touched your heart there is no problem in having a preference for it. However, all the other psalms lead to the same destination: thoughtful communion with the Divine.

The study of the psalms in a continuous and dedicated manner lifts the soul out of worldly concerns, elevating it to a different mental dimension where it finds inspiration and strength to overcome life's challenges. Note that the problems will not disappear, but it is the solution that will emerge clearly in your mind.

God is the supreme wisdom and as you tighten your bonds with Him you come to absorb some of that knowledge, limited to the knowledge that man is worthy to possess. So meditate on these words, not just the ones in this article or Psalm 119, but on God's word to see life in a different light.