Psalm 119 161

Psalm 119:161 kjv

Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

Psalm 119:161 nkjv

Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word.

Psalm 119:161 niv

Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.

Psalm 119:161 esv

Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Psalm 119:161 nlt

Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 161 Meaning

Psalm 119:161 reveals a profound contrast: the psalmist experiences intense and baseless persecution from powerful individuals, described as "princes." Despite this external threat and profound injustice, his inner being, his heart, is not gripped by fear of man, but rather by deep reverence and awe for God's revealed Word. This reverence serves as an unshakeable anchor, empowering him to remain steadfast and spiritually unperturbed amidst severe trials.

Psalm 119 161 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, a poetic acrostic where each section of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is entirely devoted to exalting and praising the excellency of God's Law (Torah), which is variously referred to as His word, testimonies, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, and ordinances. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist continually expresses his profound love for God's word, his commitment to obey it, and his reliance upon it as a source of comfort, guidance, and strength amidst various adversities, often specifically persecution from proud or wicked individuals. Verse 161 is located within the "Shin" section (verses 161-168). The broader context of the psalmist suffering at the hands of those in authority, but maintaining unwavering devotion to God's truth, frames this particular verse, highlighting a constant theme of finding inner solace and fortitude through God's Word despite outward pressure.

Psalm 119 161 Word analysis

• Princes (שָׂרִים - Sarim): This Hebrew term refers to rulers, officials, or commanders. The choice of "princes" rather than generic "enemies" or "wicked men" emphasizes that the persecution originates from those in positions of authority, wielding institutional power. This makes the injustice particularly grievous, as those who should uphold justice are perverting it against the righteous.
• have persecuted (רָדְפוּנִי - Radphuni): From the verb radaph, meaning to chase, pursue, harass, or persecute. This implies active, relentless, and often hostile pursuit. It denotes an aggressive, persistent effort to bring harm or distress upon the psalmist.
• me: Refers to the psalmist, representing any individual committed to God's Word and experiencing unrighteous opposition.
• without a cause (חִנָּם - Hinnam): This adverb means gratuitously, undeservedly, or for no legitimate reason. It powerfully underscores the complete injustice and malice of the persecutors' actions. The psalmist asserts his innocence of any wrongdoing that would warrant such treatment, aligning his experience with later prophetic declarations about the suffering of the Messiah (e.g., Ps 35:19, Jn 15:25). It reveals the arbitrary and ungodly nature of the opposition.
• but: A strong adversative conjunction, "but" marks a sharp contrast, shifting the focus dramatically from the external, negative reality of persecution to the psalmist's internal, spiritual response. It sets up the antithesis between worldly power and divine allegiance.
• my heart (לִבִּי - Libbi): Refers to the innermost being of a person – the seat of one's thoughts, emotions, will, conscience, and moral character. It indicates that the psalmist's reverence for God's Word is not superficial but deeply rooted within his core, impacting his entire disposition and choices.
• standeth in awe (יָרָא - Yare): From the verb yare, meaning to fear, revere, be afraid, or dread. In this context, it signifies a profound, reverential fear or awe of God, rather than a cowering fear of terror. This holy dread is born of an understanding of God's majesty, power, and justice. This fear is a source of strength, enabling the psalmist to remain unyielding in the face of human threats, embodying the truth that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps 111:10; Pr 9:10).
• of thy word (אִמְרָתֶךָ - Imratekha): This refers to God's specific spoken revelation, His command, promise, or decree. It emphasizes God's active, personal communication with humanity. This is the ultimate object of the psalmist's reverence, providing clarity, guidance, and stability in a world driven by unjust power.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Princes have persecuted me without a cause": This phrase paints a picture of systemic injustice and personal suffering. The powerful ("princes") are engaged in malicious and unjustified (hinnam) aggression against the righteous individual. This highlights the reality that believers often face hostility not due to their wrongdoing, but precisely because of their faithfulness to God, revealing the world's inherent opposition to divine truth. It also shows the deep vulnerability of even the righteous when confronted with corrupt human authority.
• "but my heart standeth in awe of thy word": This phrase offers the powerful resolution and defiant spiritual posture of the psalmist. Despite the severe external pressure, his inner self (my heart) is entirely captivated by a deep reverence for God's spoken truth (thy word). This profound awe functions as an internal anchor, effectively displacing any fear of human persecutors. His ultimate allegiance and focus remain firmly fixed on the divine, enabling him to transcend the immediate suffering and the intimidation of earthly powers.

Psalm 119 161 Bonus section

• The acrostic structure of Psalm 119, with each 'Shin' verse like 161 starting with this letter, would have reinforced the importance of 'setting' or 'placing' God's word before one's eyes and heart, a spiritual posture that resists worldly pressures.
• The tension described in this verse—between unrighteous human authority and steadfast devotion to God—is a recurring prophetic theme that culminates in the New Testament with the persecution of Christ and His followers, who likewise faced "causeless" hatred and oppression from both religious and political powers (Acts 4:18-20; 5:29).
• The 'fear of God' presented here is an active principle that liberates one from the paralyzing 'fear of man.' It generates spiritual courage and bolsters conviction, enabling faithfulness even at great cost.

Psalm 119 161 Commentary

Psalm 119:161 eloquently portrays the ultimate confrontation between earthly authority and divine authority in the life of a devoted believer. The psalmist, like many faithful throughout history, faces persecution not for any genuine offense, but simply because of his unwavering commitment to God's ways. This "causeless" (hinnam) oppression highlights the inherent malice and unrighteousness of those in power who oppose truth. Yet, the verse immediately shifts to reveal the source of the psalmist's strength: his "heart" (his inner being) is wholly consumed by a profound "awe" (yare) of God's "word" (imratekha). This isn't a cowering fear of punishment, but a holy reverence for God's majesty, wisdom, and authority as expressed in His revealed truth. This inner reverence empowers him, rendering the external threats from human rulers insignificant by comparison. His fear of God dwarfs any fear of man, providing an unshakable foundation and resolute peace amidst turmoil. It signifies that genuine faith prioritizes God's commands above human intimidation, demonstrating a higher loyalty and a confidence derived not from circumstances, but from an eternal divine source.