What does Psalm chapter 119 mean?

The 119th psalm is famously the longest chapter in the Bible. Chapter and verse divisions are not part of the original text, and each psalm is considered an individual work collected into the Book of Psalms; still, this length is notable. This single psalm contains 176 verses: more than the books of Esther, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and all the minor prophets except Hosea and Zechariah. Psalm 119 is twice as long as the entire book of Ruth. It has more verses than seventeen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament.

This passage is also renowned for its structure. The song is made up of twenty-two stanzas—sometimes called "strophes"—which are each eight lines long. Each stanza corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with every line in that stanza starting with the same Hebrew letter.

Psalm 119 emphasizes God's Word, using terms such as law, precept, command, and so forth. The psalmist loves God's Word and intends to honor it even when persecuted. The song celebrates the benefits of obedience to the Lord's rules, declares that the psalmist has been obedient, and also prays for divine help in remaining on a godly path through life.

Aleph (א) focuses on devotion to God's law and the psalmist's commitment to live in obedience to those commands. Those who do so are blessed. Psalm 1, Joshua 1:7–8, and Proverbs 3:5–8; 8:34–36 reinforce those ideas (Psalm 119:1–8).

Beth (ב) considers the ways in which studying the Word of God leads a person to a purer life. Through memorizing and enthusiastic study, the psalmist intends to apply and obey these commands. First Timothy 4:13–16, Joshua 1:7–8 and Proverbs 1:4–5 offer similar remarks (Psalm 119:9–16).

Gimel (ג) notes that the psalmist, who faithfully believes in God, is ultimately just a visitor to earth, passing through. While here, the writer prays for deeper understanding of the Lord's Word. Influential people may disagree, but those who reject God's commands suffer the consequences. So, the psalmist will keep studying and obeying. Parallel ideas can be found in Hebrews 11:14–16 and 2 Timothy 3:15–17 (Psalm 119:17–24).

Daleth (ד) grapples with feelings of defeat or oppression. Despite hardships, the psalmist is committed to ever-deepening his faith. Anxious emotions are countered by prayer and a sincere request for the Lord's guidance. James 1:2–8 gives similar advice (Psalm 119:25–32).

He (ה) declares deep loyalty to God's Word, both now and for a lifetime. Even so, the psalmist hopes to be led into an even deeper commitment to the Lord's truth. Related texts are 2 Timothy 4:6–8 and Revelation 2:10 (Psalm 119:33–40).

Waw (ו) requests the Lord continue to provide consistent, caring love. Declaring God's goodness in public without fear makes the psalmist happy and reinforces a hunger to obey God's law (Psalm 119:41–48).

Zayin (ז) is a cry for rescue. The psalmist is deeply committed to growing in his knowledge of God's Word. God is where he places his trust. The writer feels blessed, thanks to the presence of Scripture, despite hardships, persecution, and ridicule (Psalm 119:49–56).

Heth (ח) pleads for a greater understanding of the Lord's Word and commandments. As one of those who properly fears God, the psalmist intends to study Scripture carefully. Enemies may attack, but that will not change this resolve. Proverbs 12:7 offers a related piece of advice (Psalm 119:57–64).

Teth (ט) shows how the Lord's discipline can bring someone back to truth, and out of error. The difficult times which this psalmist experienced are interpreted as God's way of bringing the writer back onto the right path. James 1:12–18 and Hebrews 12:6–11 reinforce this lesson, which is also echoed in the yodh stanza (Psalm 119:65–72)

Yodh (י) is founded in the same ideas expressed in the teth stanza. Knowing that God has created him, the psalmist can more easily accept hardship as loving discipline. The writer's hope is that others who believe in the Lord will be inspired to see his resolve and ability to grow even closer to God. Related ideas are in Hebrews 12:6–11 and Psalm 139 (Psalm 119:73–80).

Kaph (כ) describes both suffering and faith. The psalmist prays for rescue and insists on his loyalty to the Lord. Even under these pains, the writer's faith is strong. In the face of death, his greater wish is that these circumstances won't cause him to sin. Second Corinthians 11:23–33 and 2 Timothy 3:12 also remark on suffering for the sake of faith (Psalm 119:81–88).

Lamedh (ל) establishes the eternal nature of the Word of God. That, and the evidence of creation, give the psalmist reason for praise. There are evil people in the world, but God's commands have kept the obedient psalmist alive. From his point of view, everything on earth is flawed—but the perfection of God's law is infinite. Inspiration and power of the Word is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:5–17 (Psalm 119:89–96).

Mem (מ) indicates that obeying the Lord and studying His Word create wisdom, which in turn leads a person closer to success and life than to failure and death. This stanza echoes major themes of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 3:5–8; 8:34–36), while Joshua 1:1–9 and Psalm 1 make similar statements (Psalm 119:97–104).

Nun (נ) utilizes the Hebrew concept of "light," used as a symbol of all that is good and true. Proverbs 6:23 offers a condensed version of this same message. The Lord provides rules and truths which keep a person on the right path. So, the writer prays for even stronger faith and guidance into an even more obedient life (Psalm 119:105–112).

Samekh (ס) states firm expectations that God will honor His promises. The psalmist expects righteous treatment of those who violate God's law. Because he honors God, as noted in Proverbs 1:7, and the enemies do not, the psalmist prays for rescue with confidence (Psalm 119:113–120).

Ayin (ע) begs for justice in response to some unnamed evil. While asking for deeper understanding, the psalmist also asks God to make good on His promises. The writer truly adores God's Word and wants to know it better (Psalm 119:121–128).

Pe (פ) appreciates all the wisdom which comes from the Lord's principles. Sadly, many turn away from those commandments and testimonies, which causes the psalmist to mourn. He desires even more guidance, so he can continue to follow a godly path in life (Psalm 119:129–136).

Tsadhe (צ) expresses absolute faith in the Word of God, along with an intent to obey those commands. The psalmist knows that the Lord's instructions are righteous. It makes the writer emotional to see people disobey. He loves the law of God and wants to understand it still more. Psalm 19:7–9 covers some of the same subjects (Psalm 119:137–144).

Qoph (ק) is another call for rescue. Whether this is from harassment, persecution, or a physical threat, the psalmist's response is the same. He will remain loyal to God and continue to obey the Word of God. Risks are near enough to create anxiety, but for the psalmist, the Lord and His Scriptures are always near (Psalm 119:145–152).

Resh (ר) explains that the psalmist will maintain faith in God and enthusiastic study of God's Word, no matter how many enemies arise. Those who reject God are doomed to never find salvation. In some ways, the psalmist seems to expect that God will answer this prayer because of the psalmist's own obedience (Psalm 119:153–160)

Shin (ש) explores the psalmist's relationship to the Word of God. The Lord's commands and instructions bring the writer great peace and happiness. This also creates reassurance in the face of powerful enemies and persecution. None of these can shake the psalmist's commitment to obeying God and studying His law (Psalm 119:161–168).

Taw (ת) combines many of the major themes of Psalm 119. The psalmist intends to praise God for His Word, while asking for safety and guidance to better understand that law. The writer's prayers also include asking the Lord for help in maintaining obedience to His instructions (Psalm 119:169–176).