Psalm 1:2 kjv

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:2 nkjv

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:2 niv

but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalm 1:2 esv

but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:2 nlt

But they delight in the law of the LORD,
meditating on it day and night.

Psalm 1 verses

Psalm 1 2 Meaning

Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person as one whose inner being finds profound pleasure and joy in the divine instruction given by God. This delight manifests not merely in passive acknowledgment but in a continuous, active engagement with God's teaching, pondering it deeply and thoroughly throughout their daily and nightly existence. It signifies a life entirely absorbed and guided by the truth of God's Word.

Psalm 1 2 Context

Psalm 1 opens by contrasting two paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Verse 1 describes the negative aspects of the unrighteous path – avoiding counsel, standing with sinners, and sitting with scoffers. Verse 2 immediately follows, defining the positive characteristics of the blessed person. The historical and cultural context points to ancient Israel where the "Torah" (Law) was not merely a set of rules but God's divine instruction, given for the life and well-being of the covenant people. It formed the foundation of their identity, distinct from surrounding pagan nations who relied on their own flawed human wisdom or capricious deities. This verse functions as a polemic against any life or philosophy that disregards or is indifferent to God's revealed will, positioning God's law as the sole source of true blessing and flourishing.

Psalm 1 2 Word analysis

• But: (Heb. Kî - כִּי) This conjunction serves as a strong adversative, introducing a contrasting condition to the preceding verse. It immediately sets the righteous apart from the wicked by describing their fundamental difference in orientation.
• his delight: (Heb. ḥep̄eṣ - חֵפֶץ) This word denotes a strong inner desire, pleasure, or purpose. It's not just intellectual assent or duty, but a deep emotional and volitional attachment. It signifies a person's inner bent or will. It speaks of finding true satisfaction and joy, similar to the joy of finding treasure. This delight arises from God as the source of true fulfillment.
• is in the law: (Heb. tōrāh - תּוֹרָה) More than merely "law" as a legal code, Torah fundamentally means "instruction" or "teaching," derived from the verb yarah meaning "to teach" or "to direct." It refers comprehensively to God's revealed will, encompassing the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses), but often extended to the entirety of God's instruction found in His Word. It represents God's authoritative guidance for life, leading to the well-being of His people.
• of the Lord: (Heb. Yahweh - יְהוָה) This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging character. The Law is His instruction, reflecting His nature and His relationship with His people.
• and in his law: (Heb. û·ḇə·ṯō·rā·ṯōw - וּבְתוֹרָתוֹ) The repetition emphasizes the singularity and complete focus of the blessed person. It's not delight in some law or any law, but specifically His law. This repetition reinforces the preceding point and transitions to the subsequent idea of meditation.
• he meditates: (Heb. hāgāh - הָגָה) This word literally means "to moan," "mutter," "utter," "muse," "ponder," or "chew over." It carries the connotation of a low, continuous sound, like a whisper. It suggests deep and constant reflection, where the truth is absorbed into one's being, becoming an internal and external reality. It's not a quick read but a thoughtful, continuous processing, a kind of internal conversation. It implies careful rumination, as an animal chews its cud, extracting all nutrients.
• day and night: This phrase signifies continuity, persistence, and consistency. It means constantly, at all times, making God's instruction an integral part of one's waking and even sleeping thoughts. It's a way of life, not an occasional activity or duty. It speaks of permeating one's entire existence with God's Word.

Psalm 1 2 Bonus section

The active "meditation" in Psalm 1:2 connects strongly with the ancient practice of oral recitation of scripture, often done in a low murmur or whisper. This wasn't silent, reflective meditation in the modern sense but an audible process that engaged the ears, mouth, and mind simultaneously, helping to engrain the text. This "muttering" would have reinforced memorization and allowed for deep pondering. The intensity of "day and night" means that for the blessed person, the "Torah" ceases to be an external rule and becomes an internalized standard and companion for all of life's moments. This verse emphasizes not just hearing or knowing the Law, but living within its sphere of influence constantly, reflecting God's heart and design for human flourishing.

Psalm 1 2 Commentary

Psalm 1:2 distills the essence of a truly blessed life: a passionate commitment to God's revealed truth. The delight mentioned is not superficial; it signifies that the law of the Lord has become the innermost pleasure of the soul. This isn't external obedience driven by fear, but an internal affinity. This delight is intrinsically linked to Yahweh's Torah, highlighting that it is not merely human ethics but divine instruction, carrying the authority and wisdom of God Himself.

The "meditation" (hāgāh) transforms passive delight into active engagement. It's more than casual reading; it involves a continuous, internal rumination, akin to deeply chewing on a thought or murmuring it aloud. This process allows the truth to seep into one's spirit, shaping convictions, attitudes, and actions. "Day and night" underscores the unceasing nature of this practice, making God's Word an ever-present influence on every decision, every thought, every step. It implies a life marinated in the divine. The result of this constant, joyous absorption of God's Word, as the following verses will reveal, is profound stability, fruitfulness, and true prosperity—a stark contrast to the fleeting existence of the wicked.Examples of practical application:

• Instead of just reading a chapter, select a verse to ponder throughout the day.
• Use morning and evening devotionals to anchor thoughts in scripture.
• Pray God's Word back to Him, allowing it to shape desires.