Psalm 119 106

Psalm 119:106 kjv

I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

Psalm 119:106 nkjv

I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.

Psalm 119:106 niv

I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

Psalm 119:106 esv

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.

Psalm 119:106 nlt

I've promised it once, and I'll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 106 Meaning

Psalm 119:106 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's personal and unwavering commitment to God's law. It conveys a solemn oath to actively and consistently obey the righteous ordinances of the Most High. This verse highlights a deliberate, deeply personal resolve to live in accordance with divine principles, not as a burdensome duty, but as a joyful and integral part of one's covenant relationship with God.

Psalm 119 106 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem consisting of 22 stanzas, each with eight verses beginning with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is entirely devoted to exalting, delighting in, and meditating upon the Word of God, using nearly all of its synonyms (e.g., law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, ways, faithfulness, truth).

Verse 106 falls within the 'Samekh' stanza (verses 105-112). This immediate context opens with the psalmist declaring God's word as a "lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (v. 105), establishing it as the indispensable guide for life. Immediately following the solemn vow in verse 106, the psalmist laments being "greatly afflicted" (v. 107), yet finds comfort in God's word, highlighting the commitment as something made in the face of life's challenges. The psalmist has chosen God's testimonies as an everlasting heritage (v. 111), illustrating the deep-seated loyalty that undergirds this specific oath. Historically and culturally, vows in ancient Israel were exceptionally serious commitments, legally binding, and viewed as pledges made directly before God. Breaking a vow was considered a grave offense (Num 30:2; Deut 23:21). The psalmist’s public and self-initiated oath here signifies the utmost seriousness of their dedication to God’s righteous path.

Psalm 119 106 Word analysis

• I have sworn (נִשְׁבַּ֤עְתִּי֙ - nishba'ti): This word derives from the Hebrew root shava', meaning "to swear an oath" or "to make a solemn promise." The form here (Nifal perfect, first person singular) indicates a completed action by the speaker, a definitive and binding commitment. The act of swearing an oath invoked divine witness and potential divine consequence for failure, making it the most serious form of pledge in ancient Israel. It goes beyond a simple promise, implying a sacred obligation taken upon oneself.

• and I will perform it (וָאֲקַיֵּמָה - va'aqayyemah): From the root qum, meaning "to rise, stand up," or in its Piel stem (as here), "to cause to stand, confirm, fulfill, accomplish, perform." The consecutive imperfect with the cohortative/emphatic ending (-ah) expresses a strong, definite future resolve, signifying active and persistent fulfillment of the oath. It emphasizes translating the sworn commitment into consistent, real-life action and establishing its truth through practice. It indicates a firm intention to bring the vow to fruition, to make it stable and enduring.

• that I will keep (לִשְׁמֹ֖ר - lishmor): The infinitive form of shamar, meaning "to guard, observe, preserve, protect, pay attention to." This word denotes careful and diligent obedience, not just passive adherence but active vigilance and intentional observance. It implies valuing something highly and guarding it from neglect or violation. It encapsulates the ongoing diligence required to live according to God's decrees.

• Your righteous judgments (מִשְׁפְּטֵ֥י צִדְקֶֽךָ - mishpetei tzidqecha):

  • judgments (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): Refers to God's ordinances, statutes, decrees, legal decisions, or the way He governs righteously. These are the divine rulings and principles by which God orders the world and His relationship with humanity. They are not arbitrary rules but reflections of God's perfect justice and governance.
  • righteous (צֶדֶק - tzedeq): Meaning "righteousness, justice, uprightness." It describes the inherent character of God and, by extension, the nature of His judgments. They are intrinsically fair, just, and morally perfect. They align with truth and promote what is right, ensuring blessing and harmony when followed.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I have sworn, and I will perform it": This powerful phrase encapsulates the core message of personal accountability and integrity. It links the solemn internal commitment (swearing) with the active outward execution (performing). It demonstrates the psalmist’s resolve to bridge the gap between spoken intent and lived reality, confirming a decision with immediate and future action.
  • "that I will keep Your righteous judgments": This clarifies the specific object of the vow. The commitment is not abstract, but focused precisely on diligently observing and preserving God's decrees. The emphasis on "Your righteous judgments" underscores the psalmist's understanding that God's laws are inherently good, just, and perfect, deserving of such a weighty oath.

Psalm 119 106 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrasing for "I have sworn, and I will perform it" conveys not just an oath to try but an oath to accomplish. It speaks to the integrity of word and deed. Many rabbinic commentaries emphasize that God expects sincerity from the heart (the 'swearing') but also genuine action and persistence in obedience (the 'performing'). While salvation in the New Testament is by grace through faith, this verse exemplifies the sanctifying work of faith, where a true believer, out of love and gratitude, eagerly commits to living in conformity to God's moral will. The psalmist's pledge also subtly acknowledges the cost of obedience; such a vow isn't light but embraces the discipline and potential hardship that following God's paths might entail, secure in the knowledge that God's "judgments" are inherently "righteous" and therefore always lead to the best outcome. It’s an act of worship in daily living.

Psalm 119 106 Commentary

Psalm 119:106 serves as a powerful testament to the psalmist's personal resolve to walk in obedience to God's word. This is not merely a statement of good intention, but a sworn oath—a covenantal act that was the most binding promise an Israelite could make. By using "I have sworn," the psalmist elevates the commitment to a sacred and irrevocable level, reflecting a heart deeply devoted to the Lord and His instructions. The addition "and I will perform it" signifies that this is not an empty declaration but a living vow, to be consistently enacted through diligent practice. The object of this vow—"Your righteous judgments"— underscores the inherent goodness, fairness, and perfection of God's decrees. The psalmist recognizes that God's laws are not arbitrary commands but just and upright principles derived from His holy character, which are intended for humanity's good and flourishing. This verse, therefore, embodies a radical, proactive commitment to God's will, rooted in understanding, love, and a profound respect for the divine source of all truth. It speaks of a life intentionally lived in alignment with Heaven’s dictates, pursued not out of obligation alone, but from a deliberate, joyful decision of the will.

• Example 1: When faced with temptation to cut corners morally, remembering a personal vow to obey God's 'righteous judgments' empowers resistance.
• Example 2: After deeply studying a biblical command (e.g., generous giving), one might resolve with God to put it into practice consistently, solidifying the commitment through a spiritual vow.