Psalm 119 15

Psalm 119:15 kjv

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Psalm 119:15 nkjv

I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.

Psalm 119:15 niv

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

Psalm 119:15 esv

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psalm 119:15 nlt

I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 15 Meaning

Psalm 119:15 expresses the psalmist's fervent commitment to internalize God's specific commands through deep reflection and to align his entire life course with God's revealed path of righteousness through focused observation. It signifies a devotion that is both intellectually profound and practically lived out, ensuring that divine truth guides every action and decision.

Psalm 119 15 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem (though this particular verse falls within a section for one letter, Gimel, rather than starting a new letter's stanza). It is entirely devoted to exalting God's Law— His Word— using at least ten different synonymous terms (statutes, precepts, decrees, commandments, rules, judgments, testimonies, law, word, ways, promises). The historical context places it within the life of a devout Israelite who deeply valued the Mosaic Law as the living expression of God's covenant with His people. For this psalmist, God's Word is not merely a collection of rules, but the source of life, wisdom, guidance, and joy. This specific verse aligns with the psalm's broader theme, emphasizing a personal and deliberate engagement with God's truth as the foundational element of a righteous life, contrasting with any tendency towards forgetfulness or negligence of divine instruction prevalent in surrounding cultures or even within Israel at times.

Psalm 119 15 Word analysis

• I will meditate:
  • Hebrew: אֶתְבּוֹנְנָה (etbōnanāh).
  • This is from the root בִּין (bin), which means "to understand, discern, consider deeply, give attention to."
  • The Hithpael imperfect tense with a cohortative ending signifies an intentional, sustained, and active process of discerning and understanding. It suggests self-directed, intensive mental exertion.
  • It is a thoughtful, comprehensive processing of information, moving beyond simple knowledge to gain true insight and wisdom, aiming for a deep apprehension of the subject matter.
• on Your precepts:
  • Hebrew: בְּפִקּוּדֶיךָ (bəpiqqûdeḵā).
  • "Precepts" (פִּקּוּדִים, piqqûdîm) derives from the verb פָּקַד (paqad), meaning "to visit, appoint, command, take account of."
  • These are God's specific, detailed, and authoritative instructions or directives. They are mandates laid upon humanity by the divine will, precise commands for moral and ethical conduct.
  • They highlight God's care in providing clear and specific guidelines for living righteously.
• and fix my eyes:
  • Hebrew: וְאַבִּיטָה (wəʾabbîṭāh).
  • From the root נָבַט (nabat), "to look, gaze, behold, observe intently."
  • The Hifil imperfect with a cohortative ending conveys an intense, deliberate, and sustained visual focus. It means to direct one's full attention to something, observing it carefully and continuously, not just a casual glance.
  • This action signifies attentive consideration, suggesting the setting of one's sight and life direction upon something as the ultimate point of reference.
• on Your ways:
  • Hebrew: אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ (ʾōrḥōteḵā).
  • "Ways" (אֹרְחוֹת, ʾōrḥōt) refers to a "path, road, course of life, manner of conduct."
  • These are God's established methods, principles, and customary patterns of action or behavior, which also represent the righteous path for humans to follow.
  • It signifies the moral and practical direction given by God, indicating how life is meant to be lived in alignment with His character and will.

Words-group analysis

• "I will meditate on Your precepts": This phrase highlights an internal, cognitive, and spiritual act. It's about a deep, analytical pondering of God's detailed commands. The emphasis is on comprehension and internalization, allowing the specific truths of God's Word to permeate one's mind and heart. This inner contemplation forms the foundation.
• "and fix my eyes on Your ways": This phrase complements the first by pointing to an outward, volitional, and practical act. "Fixing eyes" on God's ways means not just knowing them, but deliberately aligning one's actions, direction, and life's course with God's moral and righteous standards. It signifies intentional living in accordance with His prescribed path.
• The connection between these two clauses demonstrates a comprehensive devotion: inward meditation leads to outward action. Pondering God's specific commands shapes one's understanding of His broader path, ensuring that spiritual insight results in a transformed and obedient life. It's a progression from internalizing the specific details to walking faithfully in the general course laid out by God.

Psalm 119 15 Bonus section

The Hebrew word pair piqqûdeḵā (precepts) and ʾōrḥōteḵā (ways) is an excellent example of synthetic parallelism, where the second line expands upon or clarifies the first. "Precepts" often refers to the specific, explicit divine ordinances and statutes that give form to God's will. "Ways," on the other hand, speaks more broadly of the general course, manner, or character of life lived in accordance with those precepts. Thus, the verse implicitly communicates that intellectual and spiritual engagement with God's particular instructions should directly influence and shape the entirety of one's practical life and conduct. This active 'turning toward' God's revealed will through consistent attention contrasts sharply with 'turning aside' (Deut 5:32) which leads to disobedience and spiritual drift. The continuous act of 'fixing one's eyes' implies reliance solely on God's path as the infallible guide, avoiding all diversions or self-chosen detours.

Psalm 119 15 Commentary

Psalm 119:15 articulates a profound, dual commitment central to biblical faithfulness: an internal devotion to God's revealed truth and an external commitment to living it out. The phrase "I will meditate on Your precepts" signifies much more than mere casual thought. The Hebrew term implies a deep, active intellectual and spiritual discernment of God's detailed commands (piqqudim). It's an internal process of thoroughly considering, understanding, and integrating divine instructions into one's innermost being. This thorough introspection is paralleled by "and fix my eyes on Your ways," which denotes an intense, deliberate observation and focus on God's established course for righteous living (orhoth). This is not just looking at a path, but continuously gazing upon it as the sole guide, implying careful and persistent attention to ensure one's own steps follow God's prescribed moral and practical trajectory. Together, these two intentions demonstrate a holistic dedication: the intellectual assimilation of God's specific commands naturally culminates in the active alignment of one's entire life with His general principles. It's an unbroken loop of discerning God's will and then intentionally walking in it, showing that true spiritual growth marries deep contemplation with unwavering obedience.

• Practical Usage: A person might read a passage from the Gospels, reflecting deeply (meditating) on Christ's words about forgiveness, and then consciously and intentionally choose to forgive someone who has wronged them (fixing their eyes on His ways). Or, one could ponder the warnings in Proverbs about idleness, prompting a diligent, focused effort in their daily work rather than procrastination.