Psalms 119–168
Psalm 119:161-168
Psa.119.161 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רדפוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,obj1sg
- חנם: ADV
- ומדברך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- פחד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
Parallels
- Psalm 69:4 (verbal): Speaks of being hated without cause ('they that hate me without a cause'), paralleling 'princes persecute me without cause' in wording and theme.
- John 15:25 (allusion): Jesus cites scriptural precedent—'they hated me without a cause'—reflecting the motif of unjust persecution found in Ps 119:161.
- Isaiah 66:2 (thematic): God esteems those who 'tremble at my word,' echoing the Psalmist's reverent fear/awe of God's word ('my heart stands in awe of your words').
- Psalm 119:157 (thematic): Within the same psalm: many persecutors and enemies contrasted with steadfastness in God's testimonies—links the experience of persecution to devotion to God's word.
- Psalm 119:120 (verbal): Immediate context expresses physical trembling and fear ('my flesh trembles for fear of you; I am afraid of your judgments'), paralleling the Psalmist's fear/awe of God's word in v.161.
Alternative generated candidates
- Princes pursue me without cause; yet my heart trembles at your word.
- Princes persecute me without cause; yet my heart trembles at your word.
Psa.119.161 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רדפוני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,obj1sg
- חנם: ADV
- ומדברך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m
- פחד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
Parallels
- Psalm 69:4 (verbal): Speaks of being hated without cause ('they that hate me without a cause'), paralleling 'princes persecute me without cause' in wording and theme.
- John 15:25 (allusion): Jesus cites scriptural precedent—'they hated me without a cause'—reflecting the motif of unjust persecution found in Ps 119:161.
- Isaiah 66:2 (thematic): God esteems those who 'tremble at my word,' echoing the Psalmist's reverent fear/awe of God's word ('my heart stands in awe of your words').
- Psalm 119:157 (thematic): Within the same psalm: many persecutors and enemies contrasted with steadfastness in God's testimonies—links the experience of persecution to devotion to God's word.
- Psalm 119:120 (verbal): Immediate context expresses physical trembling and fear ('my flesh trembles for fear of you; I am afraid of your judgments'), paralleling the Psalmist's fear/awe of God's word in v.161.
Alternative generated candidates
- Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
- Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word.
Psa.119.162 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- על: PREP
- אמרתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2f
- כמוצא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 119:14 (verbal): Both verses use the language of rejoicing/delighting in God's testimonies/word (ׂשַׂשְׂ/I rejoice) and equate that joy with the value of the divine revelation.
- Psalm 119:111 (thematic): Speaks of God's testimonies as an abiding possession and the joy of the heart—parallels the idea of finding great spoil in the word.
- Psalm 19:10 (thematic): God's commands/word are described as more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, a similar valuation of scripture as precious treasure.
- Matthew 13:44 (allusion): Parable of a hidden treasure found in a field—echoes the metaphor of discovering great spoil/treasure when one finds the value of God's kingdom/word.
- Proverbs 2:4–5 (thematic): Urges seeking wisdom 'as for silver' and searching for it like treasure; parallels the motif of pursuing/obtaining divine wisdom/word as priceless spoil.
Alternative generated candidates
- I rejoice in your words like one who finds great spoil.
- I rejoice in your words like one who finds great spoil.
Psa.119.162 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- על: PREP
- אמרתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2f
- כמוצא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 119:14 (verbal): Both verses use the language of rejoicing/delighting in God's testimonies/word (ׂשַׂשְׂ/I rejoice) and equate that joy with the value of the divine revelation.
- Psalm 119:111 (thematic): Speaks of God's testimonies as an abiding possession and the joy of the heart—parallels the idea of finding great spoil in the word.
- Psalm 19:10 (thematic): God's commands/word are described as more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, a similar valuation of scripture as precious treasure.
- Matthew 13:44 (allusion): Parable of a hidden treasure found in a field—echoes the metaphor of discovering great spoil/treasure when one finds the value of God's kingdom/word.
- Proverbs 2:4–5 (thematic): Urges seeking wisdom 'as for silver' and searching for it like treasure; parallels the motif of pursuing/obtaining divine wisdom/word as priceless spoil.
Alternative generated candidates
- I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
- I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
Psa.119.163 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ואתעבה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- תורתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- אהבתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 119:113 (verbal): Shares the exact contrast formula — personal hatred of false/vanity and the contrasting love of God's law ('but thy law do I love').
- Psalm 119:128 (verbal): Declares hatred of 'every false way' while upholding the righteousness of God's precepts, echoing the Psalm 119 theme of rejecting falsehood and embracing the Torah.
- Psalm 119:97 (thematic): Expresses profound love for God's law ('O how I love thy law!'), paralleling the affirmation of love for the Torah in 119:163.
- Proverbs 12:22 (thematic): Contrasts falsehood and truth—'lying lips are an abomination to the LORD'—which corresponds to the denunciation of falsehood in 119:163 and the valuing of truth embodied in God's law.
- Ephesians 4:25 (thematic): Calls for putting away falsehood and speaking truth, reflecting the same moral imperative to reject lies and to live according to truth linked with God's word in 119:163.
Alternative generated candidates
- I hate falsehood and loathe it; your law I love.
- Falsehood I hate and loathe; your law I love.
Psa.119.163 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ואתעבה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- תורתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- אהבתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 119:113 (verbal): Shares the exact contrast formula — personal hatred of false/vanity and the contrasting love of God's law ('but thy law do I love').
- Psalm 119:128 (verbal): Declares hatred of 'every false way' while upholding the righteousness of God's precepts, echoing the Psalm 119 theme of rejecting falsehood and embracing the Torah.
- Psalm 119:97 (thematic): Expresses profound love for God's law ('O how I love thy law!'), paralleling the affirmation of love for the Torah in 119:163.
- Proverbs 12:22 (thematic): Contrasts falsehood and truth—'lying lips are an abomination to the LORD'—which corresponds to the denunciation of falsehood in 119:163 and the valuing of truth embodied in God's law.
- Ephesians 4:25 (thematic): Calls for putting away falsehood and speaking truth, reflecting the same moral imperative to reject lies and to live according to truth linked with God's word in 119:163.
Alternative generated candidates
- I hate and abhor falsehood; I love your law.
- I hate and abhor falsehood; I love your law.
Psa.119.164 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שבע: NUM,card
- ביום: PREP
- הללתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg,obj:2ms
- על: PREP
- משפטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- צדקך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
Parallels
- Psalm 119:62 (verbal): Same psalm: 'At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws'—both speak of praising God at set times for his 'righteous laws/judgments' (similar Hebrew terms).
- Psalm 119:7 (verbal): Uses closely related language ('I will praise you with upright heart... your righteous rules')—the theme and key vocabulary of praising God for his righteous statutes are parallel.
- Psalm 145:2 (thematic): 'Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name...' Echoes the regular/daily commitment to praise God expressed in Ps 119:164's seven-times-a-day.
- Psalm 34:1 (thematic): 'I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.' Both verses emphasize continual/frequent praise as a response to God's character and deeds.
- Daniel 6:10 (thematic): Daniel's practice of praying three times a day offers a parallel of punctuated, repeated devotion in set daily times—comparable to the seven-times-a-day praise of Ps 119:164.
Alternative generated candidates
- Seven times a day I praise you for the judgments of your righteousness.
- Seven times a day I praise you for the righteousness of your judgments.
Psa.119.164 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שבע: NUM,card
- ביום: PREP
- הללתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg,obj:2ms
- על: PREP
- משפטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- צדקך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
Parallels
- Psalm 119:62 (verbal): Same psalm: 'At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws'—both speak of praising God at set times for his 'righteous laws/judgments' (similar Hebrew terms).
- Psalm 119:7 (verbal): Uses closely related language ('I will praise you with upright heart... your righteous rules')—the theme and key vocabulary of praising God for his righteous statutes are parallel.
- Psalm 145:2 (thematic): 'Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name...' Echoes the regular/daily commitment to praise God expressed in Ps 119:164's seven-times-a-day.
- Psalm 34:1 (thematic): 'I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.' Both verses emphasize continual/frequent praise as a response to God's character and deeds.
- Daniel 6:10 (thematic): Daniel's practice of praying three times a day offers a parallel of punctuated, repeated devotion in set daily times—comparable to the seven-times-a-day praise of Ps 119:164.
Alternative generated candidates
- Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances.
- Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances.
Psa.119.165 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לאהבי: PREP+PTC,qal,mp,pl,suff1s
- תורתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- למו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מכשול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:17 (allusion): Wisdom (often equated with Torah) is described as producing pleasantness and peace — parallels the idea that lovers of God's law enjoy great peace.
- Isaiah 26:3 (thematic): God preserves 'perfect peace' for those whose minds are steadfast on him; thematically links trustful devotion (here to God/His ways) with peace.
- Isaiah 32:17 (thematic): Righteousness produces peace and quietness; connects obedience/righteous living (akin to keeping the law) with absence of stumbling and calm.
- Psalm 119:1-2 (structural): Opening beatitudes of the same psalm bless those who walk in and keep the law — closely related theme of blessing for Torah-lovers that culminates in v.165's 'great peace.'
- Jeremiah 6:16 (thematic): Call to 'ask for the old paths' and 'walk therein' promises rest for souls; parallels the promise of peace for those who follow God's ways/teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- Great peace have those who love your law; for them there is no stumbling-block.
- Great peace for those who love your law; for them there is no stumbling block.
Psa.119.165 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לאהבי: PREP+PTC,qal,mp,pl,suff1s
- תורתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- למו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מכשול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:17 (allusion): Wisdom (often equated with Torah) is described as producing pleasantness and peace — parallels the idea that lovers of God's law enjoy great peace.
- Isaiah 26:3 (thematic): God preserves 'perfect peace' for those whose minds are steadfast on him; thematically links trustful devotion (here to God/His ways) with peace.
- Isaiah 32:17 (thematic): Righteousness produces peace and quietness; connects obedience/righteous living (akin to keeping the law) with absence of stumbling and calm.
- Psalm 119:1-2 (structural): Opening beatitudes of the same psalm bless those who walk in and keep the law — closely related theme of blessing for Torah-lovers that culminates in v.165's 'great peace.'
- Jeremiah 6:16 (thematic): Call to 'ask for the old paths' and 'walk therein' promises rest for souls; parallels the promise of peace for those who follow God's ways/teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- Great peace have those who love your law; for them there is no stumbling-block.
- Great peace have those who love your law; for them there is no stumbling.
Psa.119.166 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,common,sg
- לישועתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומצותיך: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,construct,2,m
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Ps.119:174 (verbal): Uses near-identical language expressing longing for the LORD’s salvation and love for his law/statutes — a direct verbal parallel within the same acrostic psalm.
- Ps.40:8 (verbal): “I delight to do thy will” parallels the idea of gladly doing God’s commandments (Ps.119:166’s second clause) — both stress obedience as heartfelt devotion.
- Ps.119:165 (thematic): Affirms that those who love God’s law experience peace; connects the theme of love for the commandments in 119:166 with the moral/spiritual fruit of such love.
- Deut.30:20 (thematic): Links loving the LORD with obeying his voice and holding fast to him — parallels the coupling of hope/relationship with God and practical obedience reflected in Ps.119:166.
- John 14:15 (thematic): “If you love me, keep my commandments” expresses the New Testament equivalent of the psalmist’s inseparable association of love for God and doing his commandments.
Alternative generated candidates
- I waited for your salvation, O LORD, and I kept your commandments.
- I hoped for your salvation, O LORD, and I have kept your commandments.
Psa.119.166 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,common,sg
- לישועתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומצותיך: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,construct,2,m
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Ps.119:174 (verbal): Uses near-identical language expressing longing for the LORD’s salvation and love for his law/statutes — a direct verbal parallel within the same acrostic psalm.
- Ps.40:8 (verbal): “I delight to do thy will” parallels the idea of gladly doing God’s commandments (Ps.119:166’s second clause) — both stress obedience as heartfelt devotion.
- Ps.119:165 (thematic): Affirms that those who love God’s law experience peace; connects the theme of love for the commandments in 119:166 with the moral/spiritual fruit of such love.
- Deut.30:20 (thematic): Links loving the LORD with obeying his voice and holding fast to him — parallels the coupling of hope/relationship with God and practical obedience reflected in Ps.119:166.
- John 14:15 (thematic): “If you love me, keep my commandments” expresses the New Testament equivalent of the psalmist’s inseparable association of love for God and doing his commandments.
Alternative generated candidates
- I waited for your salvation, O LORD, and I acted according to your commandments.
- I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments.
Psa.119.167 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שמרה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- עדתיך: NOUN,f,pl,suff_2ms
- ואהבם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Psalm 119:97 (verbal): “Oh how I love Your law!” — direct verbal and thematic echo of love for God’s law expressed in Ps. 119:167.
- Psalm 119:111 (thematic): “I have inherited Your testimonies… they are the joy of my heart.” — links keeping God’s testimonies with loving and treasuring them.
- Psalm 119:163 (verbal): “I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love Your law.” — contrasts love for God’s statutes with rejection of falsehood, similar affirmation of love for the testimonies.
- 1 John 5:3 (thematic): “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments…” — New Testament formulation that love is demonstrated by keeping God’s commands, paralleling Psalm’s connection between keeping and loving the testimonies.
- John 14:15 (thematic): “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — reciprocal principle: love is shown by obedience, echoing the psalmist’s devotion to God’s testimonies.
Alternative generated candidates
- My soul has kept your testimonies; I have loved them greatly.
- My soul has kept your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.
Psa.119.167 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שמרה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- עדתיך: NOUN,f,pl,suff_2ms
- ואהבם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Psalm 119:97 (verbal): “Oh how I love Your law!” — direct verbal and thematic echo of love for God’s law expressed in Ps. 119:167.
- Psalm 119:111 (thematic): “I have inherited Your testimonies… they are the joy of my heart.” — links keeping God’s testimonies with loving and treasuring them.
- Psalm 119:163 (verbal): “I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love Your law.” — contrasts love for God’s statutes with rejection of falsehood, similar affirmation of love for the testimonies.
- 1 John 5:3 (thematic): “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments…” — New Testament formulation that love is demonstrated by keeping God’s commands, paralleling Psalm’s connection between keeping and loving the testimonies.
- John 14:15 (thematic): “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — reciprocal principle: love is shown by obedience, echoing the psalmist’s devotion to God’s testimonies.
Alternative generated candidates
- My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.
- My soul keeps your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
Psa.119.168 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- פקודיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- ועדתיך: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- כי: CONJ
- כל: DET
- דרכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,sg
- נגדך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
Parallels
- Psalm 119:2 (structural): Same psalm’s opening affirmation: blessing on those who keep God’s testimonies—connects keeping precepts/testimonies as the core theme.
- Psalm 119:11 (thematic): Expresses inward preservation of God’s word to avoid sin—parallels the commitment to keep God’s precepts.
- Psalm 139:3 (verbal): Speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of a person’s going and ways ('you are acquainted with all my ways'), echoing 'all my ways are before you.'
- Proverbs 5:21 (verbal): Declares that a person’s ways are before the LORD and he weighs all their paths—near verbal parallel about divine oversight of human conduct.
- Jeremiah 23:23-24 (thematic): Affirms the LORD’s omnipresence/omniscience—no one can hide from God—resonates with the reason given for obedience: 'all my ways are before you.'
Alternative generated candidates
- I have kept your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
- I have kept your precepts and your testimonies; for all my ways are before you.
Psa.119.168 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- שמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- פקודיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- ועדתיך: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
- כי: CONJ
- כל: DET
- דרכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,sg
- נגדך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
Parallels
- Psalm 119:2 (structural): Same psalm’s opening affirmation: blessing on those who keep God’s testimonies—connects keeping precepts/testimonies as the core theme.
- Psalm 119:11 (thematic): Expresses inward preservation of God’s word to avoid sin—parallels the commitment to keep God’s precepts.
- Psalm 139:3 (verbal): Speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of a person’s going and ways ('you are acquainted with all my ways'), echoing 'all my ways are before you.'
- Proverbs 5:21 (verbal): Declares that a person’s ways are before the LORD and he weighs all their paths—near verbal parallel about divine oversight of human conduct.
- Jeremiah 23:23-24 (thematic): Affirms the LORD’s omnipresence/omniscience—no one can hide from God—resonates with the reason given for obedience: 'all my ways are before you.'
Alternative generated candidates
- I keep your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
- I keep your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
Princes persecute me without cause; yet my heart trembles at your word.
Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
I rejoice at your sayings like one who finds great spoil.
I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
I hate falsehood and abhor it; your law I love.
I hate and abhor falsehood; your law I love.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous judgments.
Great peace have those who love your law; there is no stumbling-block for them.
Great peace have those who love your law; for them there is no stumbling-block.
I wait for your salvation, O LORD; I have observed your commandments.
I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments.
My soul has kept your testimonies; I have loved them greatly.
My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.
I have kept your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
I keep your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.