Psalm 119:1 kjv
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Psalm 119:1 nkjv
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!
Psalm 119:1 niv
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Psalm 119:1 esv
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
Psalm 119:1 nlt
Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Psalm 119 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 1:1-2 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the LORD… | Directly parallels the theme of the blessed man delighting in God's law. |
| Prov 3:13 | Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding. | Wisdom, like God's law, brings blessing and prosperity. |
| Matt 5:3-12 | Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… | Jesus' Beatitudes define character traits of the truly blessed. |
| Rev 22:14 | Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life… | End-time blessing connected to purification and obedience. |
| Gen 17:1 | Walk before me, and be blameless. | God's instruction to Abraham, linking walking with Him to integrity. |
| Deut 18:13 | You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. | Divine standard of integrity for His people. |
| Job 1:1 | …a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright… | Example of a man whose life embodied blamelessness. |
| Ps 24:3-4 | Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart… | Qualities of purity and integrity needed to approach God. |
| Phil 2:15 | …that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation… | Christian call to blameless conduct in a corrupt world. |
| Titus 1:7 | For an overseer must be above reproach… | Emphasizes the requirement of blameless character for spiritual leadership. |
| Jas 1:27 | Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows… | Practical definition of undefiled and sincere faith. |
| Deut 5:33 | You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live… | Exhortation to obey God's commands for a thriving life. |
| Deut 10:12 | …to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart… | Summarizes the requirements for walking faithfully with God. |
| Josh 22:5 | Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses… commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways… | The importance of strict adherence to God's Law for Israel. |
| 1 Ki 2:3 | …and keep his charge, his commandments, his statutes, and his rules, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper… | David's counsel to Solomon, linking obedience to prosperity. |
| Ps 128:1 | Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! | Directly echoes the blessing upon those who walk in God's ways. |
| Ez 11:20 | …that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them, and that they may be my people and I may be their God. | Covenant promise connected to walking in God's ordinances. |
| Luke 1:6 | And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. | Example of Zechariah and Elizabeth's blameless obedience. |
| Rom 8:4 | …in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. | The New Covenant understanding of walking according to God's will. |
| Ps 19:7-11 | The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul… | Exalts the inherent perfection and life-giving qualities of God's law. |
| Isa 55:11 | So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty… | Emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's Word. |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for teaching… | The divine origin and practical purpose of God's inspired Word. |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword… | Describes the dynamic and piercing nature of God's Word. |
Psalm 119 verses
Psalm 119 1 Meaning
Psalm 119:1 declares a state of profound flourishing and divine favor for those whose lives are characterized by integrity and whose daily conduct aligns completely with the revealed instructions of the Almighty. It proclaims that true happiness, inner completeness, and deep well-being come not from worldly pursuits or human wisdom, but from a wholehearted, unblemished commitment to the Lord's divine wisdom and commandments. This verse identifies the "blessed" as those who have chosen a lifestyle of purity and steadfast obedience to God's divine teaching.
Psalm 119 1 Context
Psalm 119 stands as the longest psalm and chapter in the entire Bible, meticulously structured as an acrostic poem. It comprises 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with all eight verses within a given stanza commencing with that letter. Verse 1 initiates the first stanza, which begins with the Hebrew letter Aleph. The psalm is an extensive and fervent meditation on God's divine revelation, consistently referring to it by various synonyms such as "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "judgments," "testimonies," and "words." This intricate structure underscores the psalmist's profound reverence and thorough contemplation of God's instruction.
In its historical context, ancient Israel's unique identity and well-being were predicated upon their covenant relationship with Yahweh, meticulously defined by the Mosaic Law. This "Torah" was not merely a legalistic code but comprehensive divine guidance encompassing moral, spiritual, and communal life. Psalm 119:1 lays the cornerstone for the entire composition by presenting the "blessedness" and "undefiled way" as the ultimate human state, attained through unwavering and devoted adherence to God's instruction. This emphasis implicitly contrasts with the prevalent human-centric philosophies or pagan practices of surrounding nations, which lacked divine authority and perfect design for human flourishing, asserting Yahweh's supremacy as the sole law-giver and guide for a truly fulfilled life.
Psalm 119 1 Word analysis
Blessed (אשרי - Ashrei): This is an exclamatory declaration, pronouncing someone as deeply fortunate, profoundly happy, or in a state of enviable prosperity. It goes beyond a fleeting emotion, signifying a divinely ordained state of well-being, indicating favor, spiritual flourishing, and true contentment rooted in a right relationship with God.
are the undefiled (תמים - Tamim): This Hebrew term signifies blamelessness, completeness, wholeness, integrity, or purity. It does not imply sinless perfection, but rather sincerity of heart and a moral rectitude that is undivided in its devotion to God, lacking any serious blemish or deviation from His path. It suggests inner purity and sincere purpose.
in the way (בדרך - Ba-derekh): This phrase uses "way" metaphorically to represent one's entire life course, daily conduct, chosen lifestyle, or overall manner of living. It indicates the path upon which one consistently journeys and acts.
who walk (ההלכים - Ha-holkim): This Hebrew participle denotes continuous, ongoing action. "Walking" in biblical parlance is a prevalent metaphor for one's ongoing behavior, consistent conduct, and active progress through life according to a certain standard or belief.
in the law (בתורת - Be-torah): Torah (instruction/teaching) refers to God's revealed will, divine guidance, and entire body of divine wisdom given to humanity. It encompasses all of God's precepts, commandments, and directions, serving as the blueprint for life, not merely a set of restrictive rules.
of the LORD (יהוה - Yahweh): This refers to the sacred, covenantal name of God. It signifies His personal, self-existent nature as the covenant-keeping God who has graciously revealed Himself and His perfect will to His people.
Words Group Analysis:
- "Blessed are the undefiled in the way": This powerful opening declaration directly connects a state of deep flourishing and divine approval (blessedness) with a life characterized by integrity and wholeness of heart. It sets the foundational premise that true happiness resides in living a life that is pure and complete in its moral and spiritual walk.
- "who walk in the law of the LORD": This defines the practical outworking and source of being "undefiled in the way." It articulates that the integrity and purity required for true blessedness are achieved and sustained by continuously and consistently living in harmony with God's divine instruction and covenantal revelation, making obedience the daily pathway to blessing.
Psalm 119 1 Bonus section
- The Psalm 119's intricate acrostic structure, where each of its 22 stanzas (corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet) is composed of 8 verses starting with the stanza's letter, serves not as a mere poetic device, but as a deliberate demonstration of the psalmist's comprehensive and exhaustive contemplation of every facet of God's Word. It suggests a thoroughness of commitment to the divine instruction from 'A to Z'.
- The placement of this verse at the very beginning of the psalm, starting with the letter Aleph (א), which is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and can symbolize beginning or origin, reinforces its foundational importance. It establishes the central theme of the entire psalm: the preeminence of God's Law as the source of true life and blessing.
- The repetition of terms for God's Word (Law, statutes, precepts, commands, judgments, etc.) throughout Psalm 119 underscores the manifold ways in which divine revelation impacts life, emphasizing its comprehensive and multi-faceted guidance for humanity. Verse 1 sets the stage for this expansive exploration.
Psalm 119 1 Commentary
Psalm 119:1 succinctly lays the cornerstone for the entire, magnificent exposition of God's Word that follows. It announces that genuine, deep-seated blessedness – a profound sense of inner well-being and divine favor – is the exclusive province of those whose lives are marked by integrity and who faithfully align their conduct with the instructions of the Almighty. To be "undefiled" means to possess a heart undivided in its devotion to God, free from the moral compromises that lead to internal conflict and spiritual corruption. This state of blamelessness isn't a passive attribute but is actively lived out as one "walks" continuously in "the law of the LORD." This "walking" represents an ongoing lifestyle of obedience to God's revealed truth, recognizing His "law" (Torah) as His benevolent guidance for human flourishing. The verse implicitly champions God's Word as the definitive standard for life, standing in stark contrast to human ideologies or the vacillating ways of the world. For practical usage, this verse calls believers to intentional, consistent immersion in Scripture, prayerfully seeking to apply its truths to daily choices, and cultivating a sincere heart that seeks to honor God in all things, knowing that this pursuit unlocks true contentment and God's abundant blessing.