Psalm 119 14

Psalm 119:14 kjv

I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

Psalm 119:14 nkjv

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.

Psalm 119:14 niv

I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

Psalm 119:14 esv

In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

Psalm 119:14 nlt

I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 14 Meaning

The psalmist declares profound joy and delight in adhering to and living according to God's divine instructions, declarations, and statutes. This spiritual joy is portrayed as being as great as, if not surpassing, the happiness one might derive from possessing immense material wealth. It emphasizes the superior value placed upon a relationship with God through obedience to His revealed will over any worldly acquisition.

Psalm 119 14 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a deeply contemplative acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each of the 22 letters. Every stanza and nearly every verse references God's Word by one of its many synonyms (law, testimonies, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, decrees, promises, word). This verse (14) falls within the Bet (ב) section (verses 9-16), which centers on how a young person (or any individual) can keep their path pure through adherence to God's Word. The surrounding verses express a fervent desire to seek, obey, and delight in the Lord's instruction, indicating a deliberate choice to live by divine truth. Historically, the Psalmist (likely a wise teacher or king, such as David) reflects on the timeless spiritual truths in a culture that often valued material prosperity and external display.

Psalm 119 14 Word analysis

• I have rejoiced (שַׂשְׂתִּי, śāśtî): Derived from the root שׂוּשׂ (sūs), meaning "to be glad, exult, rejoice greatly." This is a strong expression of delight, not a passive acknowledgment but an active, internal wellspring of joy. It indicates an experiential, heartfelt pleasure rather than a mere intellectual agreement. The Psalmist is finding deep contentment and exultation.

• in the way of your testimonies (בְּדֶרֶךְ עֵדְוֺתֶיךָ, bə-dereḵ ʿēdōwōteykā):

  • way (דֶּרֶךְ, dereḵ): Signifies a path, course of life, lifestyle, or manner of conduct. It's not just intellectual assent to doctrines but living out the divine revelation. It speaks of a chosen course of action or daily habit.
  • testimonies (עֵדְוֺתֶיךָ, ʿēdōwōteykā): Plural of עֵדוּת (ʿēdūt), which comes from עֵד (ʿēd), meaning "witness." These are God's solemn declarations, His revealed laws, decrees, or commands that bear witness to His character, His will, and His covenant relationship with His people. They are not merely rules but divine self-disclosure. They bear witness to what is true and right, embodying God’s unwavering character.

• as much as (כְּכָל־, kəḵāl-): The Hebrew prefix כְּ (kə-) means "as" or "like," followed by כָּל (kāl), meaning "all" or "every." This powerful comparison elevates the joy in God's law to be equivalent to the joy found in the entirety of one's riches. It's an emphatic statement of comparative value, suggesting either equality or even superiority.

• in all riches (הוֹן, hōn): Refers to wealth, substance, possessions, or an estate. This term typically denotes material possessions that contribute to security, status, and worldly enjoyment. The use of "all" (כָּל, kāl) preceding it indicates a comprehensive reference to a vast sum of wealth, emphasizing that the joy derived from God's law matches even this immense material gain.

• Words-group Analysis: "rejoiced in the way of your testimonies": This phrase captures the dynamic, personal nature of the psalmist's relationship with God's Word. It's not abstract reverence for laws, but an active, joyous commitment to walking the path God has set out. The delight is found in the living, doing, and embodying of the divine declarations. It is a source of joy for the journey, not just the destination.

• Words-group Analysis: "as much as in all riches": This powerful simile serves as a polemic against the pervasive human inclination to find ultimate security, satisfaction, and happiness in material wealth. It fundamentally reorders value, positioning spiritual obedience as comparable (or even greater) in generating joy than any earthly possession. It contrasts the temporary nature of wealth with the eternal validity and enduring joy found in God’s testimonies. This challenge aligns with a recurring theme throughout scripture that true blessedness is found in God, not in material prosperity.

Psalm 119 14 Bonus section

The concept of "testimonies" (עֵדֹת) being sources of joy highlights that God's laws are not burdensome rules but revelatory witnesses of His good and loving character. They provide clear guidance, bringing order and peace to life, which naturally leads to profound joy. The emphasis on "all riches" suggests the psalmist considers even the fullest possible human experience of wealth to be no greater than the joy in God's Word, implying God's truth brings an unquantifiable, often greater, satisfaction. This particular verse reinforces the comprehensive scope of the psalm's adoration for God's instruction, viewing it holistically as the true treasure of existence.

Psalm 119 14 Commentary

Psalm 119:14 offers a profound declaration of where true joy is found for the believer. It is a verse steeped in conviction, illustrating a heart that has truly reoriented its values. The psalmist, through deep personal experience, asserts that the pleasure derived from walking in obedience to God's "testimonies"—His revealed will and perfect standards—is equal to, or surpasses, the delight commonly associated with the acquisition of vast wealth. This is not merely an intellectual agreement with God's Word, but an intense emotional and spiritual rejoicing in it as the chosen "way" of life.

The significance lies in the stark comparison. In any age, including ancient Israel, riches were often equated with security, comfort, power, and happiness. Yet, the psalmist consciously elevates God's directives to this same pinnacle of desirability, implying their infinite spiritual richness. This delight is active; it's in the way, signifying that the joy is experienced through the very act of living out God's principles, step by step, rather than merely knowing them. This inward delight fortifies the individual against the transient allure of worldly possessions, grounding their satisfaction in the enduring truth of God.

• Practical Usage: When faced with a choice between integrity based on God's Word and a shortcut promising material gain, recall this verse's affirmation of joy in righteousness. When external circumstances bring stress, finding joy in studying and obeying God's revealed will can become an unshakable source of contentment. It encourages evaluating our pursuits by whether they contribute to our spiritual wealth and delight in God, rather than merely our material accumulation.