Psalm 119 128

Psalm 119:128 kjv

Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:128 nkjv

Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:128 niv

and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

Psalm 119:128 esv

Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:128 nlt

Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 128 Meaning

Psalm 119:128 is a profound declaration by the psalmist of complete affirmation of God's precepts and a corresponding absolute rejection of falsehood. It expresses a deep conviction that every single one of God's instructions is universally right and true in all aspects of life, leading to an unwavering abhorrence of any path or teaching that deviates from His divine standard. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God's truth and the exclusive devotion it demands.

Psalm 119 128 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a lengthy acrostic poem (alphabetical Psalm) structured around 22 stanzas, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a stanza begins with that stanza's Hebrew letter. The overriding theme of Psalm 119 is an intense love and devotion to God's Torah (His law, word, statutes, precepts, commands, decrees, testimonies, judgments), and a declaration of its perfection and sufficiency for guiding one's life. The psalmist repeatedly expresses joy, strength, wisdom, and life found in obeying God's commands.

Verse 128 falls within the 'Pey' (פ) section of the Psalm (verses 121-128). This section, generally associated with 'mouth' or 'utterance' (from the Hebrew letter's form), often highlights themes of speaking truth, open declaration, seeking God's face, and longing for deliverance based on God's just word. In this context, the psalmist expresses profound distress over the lawless (v. 126), yet he solidifies his own resolve. Despite facing affliction and opposition, he doubles down on his commitment to God's precepts. Verse 128 serves as a strong summary of the psalmist's core conviction: because God's law is flawless and applicable to everything, he embraces it entirely and completely repudiates anything that stands against it. It's a bold confession of faith in God's universal and objective truth, in contrast to the error prevalent in the world.

Psalm 119 128 Word analysis

• Therefore (עַל־כֵּ֭ן, al-kēn): This conjunctive phrase means "for this reason," "on this account," or "consequently." It connects the psalmist's profound distress over the rampant violation of God's law in verse 126 and his realization of the need for divine intervention, to his personal, resolute conviction in the absolute rightness of God's word. It signals a logical conclusion drawn from the circumstances.

• I esteem / I consider / I approve (יָשַׁ֣רְתִּי, yāšartî): This is from the root yashar (יָשַׁר), meaning "to be straight, right, upright, just, level." It doesn't merely mean "to think highly of" (as "esteem" might suggest in modern English) but conveys an internal act of finding, confirming, or establishing something as true, correct, and upright. The psalmist discerns and affirms God's precepts as fundamentally straight and right. It signifies intellectual conviction and moral alignment.

• all Your precepts (כָּל־פִּקּוּדֶ֬יךָ, kol-piqqūdeykā):

  • all (כָּל, kol): Denotes comprehensiveness, every single one without exception. This emphasizes the totality of God's commands, not picking and choosing.
  • Your precepts (piqqūdeykā): This specific term for God's commands (plural possessive "Your") refers to God's specific charges or ordinances, often implying close supervision and careful instruction. They are particular directives, designed to guide and guard.

• concerning all things (כֹּל, kol): This is a second instance of the Hebrew word "all," emphasizing an absolute universality. It signifies that God's precepts are right not just in some areas of life, or on certain matters, but in their totality and regarding every aspect of existence. There are no exceptions, no blind spots, no areas where His truth doesn't apply.

• to be right (often implied by the usage of yāšartî with kol piqqūdeykā kol, but conceptually reinforced): This speaks to the inherent rectitude, flawlessness, and truthfulness of God's divine instructions. They align perfectly with God's just and holy character.

• and I hate (וְכָל־שָׂנֵֽאתִ֗י, wəśānē’tî): From the root sane’ (שָׂנֵא), meaning "to hate." This is not a casual dislike but a strong moral repugnance and active rejection. In biblical terms, "hating" what is evil (Prov 8:13, Rom 12:9) is often a sign of righteousness and devotion to God. It indicates a firm moral stance and a complete non-conformity to anything that contradicts divine truth.

• every false way (כָּל־אֹ֥רַח שֶׁ֖קֶר, kol-ōraḥ šeqer):

  • every (kol): Again, emphasizing the totality and exclusion of all false ways.
  • false way (ōraḥ šeqer):
    • way (ōraḥ): A key biblical metaphor (דרך, derekh) referring to a path, course of life, manner of conduct, or general approach to living. It encompasses one's worldview, moral philosophy, and habitual actions.
    • false (šeqer): Deceit, lie, falsehood, illusion, treachery. It signifies anything that is not grounded in God's truth, but rather is misleading, empty, or based on lies. This encompasses idolatry, immorality, erroneous doctrines, and any path that leads away from God.

Psalm 119 128 Bonus section

The dual declaration in this verse—affirmation of divine truth and rejection of falsehood—is foundational for a truly biblical worldview. It teaches us that commitment to God's word is not passive but requires active discernment and decisive rejection of anything that stands opposed to it. This stance means developing a moral framework that views God's precepts not as burdensome rules but as inherently perfect guides for human flourishing. The repeated emphasis on "all" (kol) highlights that no area of life is exempt from God's sovereignty and His moral claim, urging believers towards integrity where private life aligns with public profession of faith. This perspective helps in spiritual formation by fostering a love for truth and a corresponding revulsion for error, shaping character in conformity to God's own righteousness.

Psalm 119 128 Commentary

Psalm 119:128 encapsulates the unwavering spiritual conviction of the psalmist concerning the absolute supremacy of God's revealed truth. His affirmation that all of God's precepts are right, concerning all things, speaks to a worldview entirely saturated with divine wisdom. It leaves no room for relativism or for selective obedience. Every command, every principle, every word from God is embraced as inherently perfect, just, and applicable across the entirety of life – in ethics, relationships, worship, governance, and personal conduct. This comprehensiveness demands a similar comprehensiveness in acceptance and application.

The direct consequence of this comprehensive acceptance of divine truth is an equally comprehensive and intense rejection of all falsehood. "I hate every false way" is not merely an expression of dislike, but a statement of moral abhorrence rooted in discernment. Since God's ways are "right," all contrary paths—which include deceitful doctrines, ungodly lifestyles, misleading ideologies, and human traditions that contradict God's Word—are unequivocally "false" and therefore worthy of deep, righteous hatred. This is not hatred of people, but of principles and practices that deviate from God's holiness. This commitment guards against syncretism and compromise, demanding a distinct, set-apart life aligned with God's perfect standard. The psalmist's posture models a radical commitment to discerning and adhering to biblical truth in a world rife with deceptive paths.