Psalm 119 122

Psalm 119:122 kjv

Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

Psalm 119:122 nkjv

Be surety for Your servant for good; Do not let the proud oppress me.

Psalm 119:122 niv

Ensure your servant's well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.

Psalm 119:122 esv

Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.

Psalm 119:122 nlt

Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don't let the arrogant oppress me!

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 122 Meaning

Psalm 119:122 is a fervent prayer asking God to take responsibility and act as a guarantor for His servant, ensuring well-being and protection from the oppressive actions of the arrogant. It is a plea for divine intervention to shield the Psalmist from injustice and harm inflicted by those who scorn God's ways, placing trust in God alone to secure a favorable outcome.

Psalm 119 122 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem praising God's Law (Torah). Each of its 22 stanzas, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, consists of eight verses beginning with that letter. Verse 122 belongs to the "Mem" (מ) section (verses 113-120), a block where the Psalmist expresses his profound love for God's testimonies, his hatred for hypocrites, and his trust in God as his refuge, even amidst personal suffering and opposition from the proud. The immediate context of verses 121-128 specifically emphasizes the Psalmist's plea for God to act according to His covenant faithfulness in response to injustice, aligning himself with God's just decrees. He experiences deep distress due to those who transgress the law and inflict suffering. The prayer is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice and kingship, where the monarch was expected to protect the weak from the strong. The Psalmist calls upon God, the true King, to fulfill this role.

Psalm 119 122 Word analysis

• Be surety (עָרַב - ‘ārav): This Hebrew verb signifies to take responsibility, to act as a guarantor, or to become security for another. It implies a strong, committed pledge, akin to standing legally liable for someone's well-being or debt. In this spiritual context, the Psalmist implores God to become his divine pledge, ensuring his safety and positive outcome, similar to a cosmic contract or covenant where God assumes full responsibility for His servant's welfare. This concept points to God's unfailing commitment to His people, even fulfilled definitively in the new covenant with Jesus as the ultimate Surety (Heb 7:22).
• for your servant (לְעַבְדֶּךָ - le‘avdekā): "Servant" (עֶבֶד - ‘eved) denotes a relationship of devoted submission, humility, and loyal service to God. It is not a position of mere subjugation, but one of honor and intimate relationship with the divine Master. The Psalmist identifies himself as one who consciously chooses to obey and follow God's Word, and therefore appeals to God's covenant responsibility towards His loyal followers. This acknowledges dependence on God rather than self-reliance or human connections.
• for good (לְטוֹבָה - leṭōvāh): "Good" (טוֹב - ṭōv) refers to well-being, benefit, prosperity, or favorable circumstances. It is a comprehensive term encompassing all that is beneficial and in alignment with God's will. The Psalmist is not just seeking protection from harm but positive divine intervention to ensure a life of flourishing and righteousness as defined by God. It implies an outcome that is ultimately beneficial from God's perspective, whether in this life or the next.
• let not (אַל - ’al): A strong negative imperative, expressing a fervent plea or prohibition. It emphasizes the intensity of the Psalmist's desire for this specific action to be prevented.
• the proud (זֵדִים - zeḏim): These are arrogant, presumptuous, insolent individuals who act with disdain for God's Law and often in defiance of moral standards. Their actions stem from self-exaltation and a rejection of divine authority, leading them to oppress the humble and righteous. This term frequently appears in contexts contrasting those who follow God's ways with those who rebel against them.
• oppress me (יַעַשְׁקֻנִי - ya‘ashqūniy): The verb "oppress" (עָשַׁק - ‘āšaq) means to wrong, defraud, extort, or deal violently with. It speaks of exploitation and injustice, where a more powerful entity misuses its position to afflict, disadvantage, or suppress a weaker party. The Psalmist is experiencing genuine hardship and injustice, making this a raw cry for deliverance from harmful human actions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Be surety for your servant for good": This phrase captures the core of the prayer: a profound act of trust in God as the ultimate protector and provider. It signifies the Psalmist's absolute dependence on God to intervene and guarantee his well-being. This is not merely asking for help but for God to stand as his covenant guarantor, ensuring his prosperity and righteousness are preserved in accordance with divine promise.
• "let not the proud oppress me": This expresses the specific threat from which the Psalmist seeks deliverance. The "proud" are depicted as embodying opposition to God's order, and their oppression is an act of injustice that God, as the righteous judge, is expected to redress. It highlights the stark contrast between the humble servant of God and the arrogant adversaries, presenting a spiritual conflict where the Psalmist appeals to divine justice.

Psalm 119 122 Bonus section

This verse reflects a key Old Testament theological tension: the suffering of the righteous in the face of the apparent prosperity and power of the wicked. By praying "Be surety for your servant for good," the Psalmist expresses belief in divine justice and covenant faithfulness, anticipating that God will ultimately vindicate those who trust Him and uphold His Law. The Hebrew concept of God as "surety" also carries a profound echo of intercession, suggesting that God Himself steps in to represent His servant, not just to act on their behalf but literally to stand in their place regarding their future well-being against adversarial claims or dangers. This anticipatory act of God finds its fullest redemptive expression in the person of Jesus Christ, who became the "surety of a better covenant" (Heb 7:22), guaranteeing salvation and good for all who are His servants through His atoning work.

Psalm 119 122 Commentary

Psalm 119:122 is a profound prayer of complete dependence and trust in God amidst adversity. The Psalmist, identifying himself as God's faithful "servant," recognizes his vulnerability to the injustice and power of the "proud" – those who scorn divine authority and oppress the righteous. His plea for God to "be surety" highlights a deep theological understanding: only God Himself can truly guarantee his safety and ultimate "good." This goes beyond merely asking for protection; it is a request for God to pledge Himself, as a reliable guarantor would, to secure the Psalmist's future and deliver him from malevolent forces. The verse implicitly recognizes that human systems and protectors can fail, but God's commitment is unwavering. It's a confession that real security comes not from personal strength or earthly alliances, but solely from divine pledge. This powerful plea invites believers to place their entire hope and future into God's sovereign hands when faced with overwhelming opposition or injustice, reminding us that God delights in defending those who humbly trust in Him. For example, when facing an unjust accusation, a believer might pray, "Lord, be my surety in this situation, ensure my integrity is recognized, and don't let those who revel in deception prevail against me."