Psalm 119 162

Psalm 119:162 kjv

I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

Psalm 119:162 nkjv

I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure.

Psalm 119:162 niv

I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.

Psalm 119:162 esv

I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

Psalm 119:162 nlt

I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 162 Meaning

Psalm 119:162 expresses the psalmist's intense joy in God's word, likening it to the exultation of a victorious warrior discovering abundant plunder after battle. This deep rejoicing is not merely an emotion but a profound appreciation for the intrinsic value, provision, and triumph found in God's revealed truth, demonstrating that spiritual wealth surpasses any earthly gain.

Psalm 119 162 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a poetic acrostic praising the divine Law, often using various synonyms like "word," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," and "judgments." The chapter, divided into 22 sections, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, expresses the psalmist's deep devotion, love, and unwavering commitment to God's revelation. Verse 162 falls within the "Tsade" (צ) section (verses 161-168), which continues to highlight the psalmist's unyielding allegiance to God's word despite opposition from princes and the wicked. Historically, God's word served as the very foundation of Israelite life, identity, and their covenant relationship with God, distinguishing them from surrounding nations whose religious practices often revolved around idols and earthly gain. In this context, the joy in God's word as "spoil" reflects its invaluable, life-sustaining, and victorious nature against any worldly alternatives or pressures.

Psalm 119 162 Word analysis

• I rejoice: Hebrew: śāś (שָׂשׂ). This verb denotes intense joy, exultation, or leaping for joy. It signifies an exuberant, heartfelt delight, far beyond mere happiness. In a biblical context, śāś often accompanies themes of salvation, triumph, and divine favor, highlighting the profound emotional connection to God's truth.
• at your word: Hebrew: ’imrāh (אִמְרָה). This term refers to a divine utterance, a specific promise, or a declaration from God. In Psalm 119, it functions as one of many terms describing the entirety of God's revealed will or instruction (Torah). The joy is not in an abstract concept, but in the living, active, and specific revelation of God.
• as one who finds: The phrase emphasizes an unexpected, perhaps undeserved, discovery. It's not something earned but a valuable find. This implies the immediate, overwhelming feeling of blessing upon encountering God's word, as if stumbling upon a hidden gem.
• great spoil: Hebrew: šālāl rav (שָׁלָל רַב).
  • spoil (šālāl): Refers to booty or plunder taken from a defeated enemy in war. In ancient warfare, such spoil was crucial, representing tangible victory, wealth, provision, security, and a symbol of God's blessing on His people. It provided sustenance, resources, and even national treasury.
  • great (rav): Indicates abundance, signifying a massive amount of valuable plunder. This intensifies the analogy, suggesting the vast and overflowing benefits the psalmist derives from God's word.

Words-group analysis:

• "I rejoice at your word": This phrase succinctly states the psalmist's deep devotion and primary source of profound emotional delight. It signifies a joy rooted not in circumstances but in God's eternal truth.
• "as one who finds great spoil": This powerful simile articulates the immense value and benefit that God's word holds for the psalmist. It contrasts worldly treasures obtained through conflict or material pursuits with the spiritual enrichment gained from divine revelation. The analogy also suggests that God's word equips one for spiritual victory, providing the necessary resources for overcoming life's battles. The joy is not just in acquisition, but in the associated feelings of triumph, security, and abundant provision.

Psalm 119 162 Bonus section

The intense language of "great spoil" serves as a direct counter-cultural statement in societies often obsessed with accumulating material wealth or military conquests. The psalmist declares that the true, most fulfilling "spoils" are not gold or conquered territories, but the living, revealed will of God. This profound joy found in spiritual treasure elevates God's word above all perceived worldly gain, challenging individuals to reassess their priorities. Furthermore, the act of "finding" implies a revelation, a personal discovery of the Word's transformative power, making the joy intensely personal and deeply felt, not merely theoretical. This personal connection reinforces the active, relational aspect of obeying and delighting in God's commands.

Psalm 119 162 Commentary

Psalm 119:162 encapsulates the extraordinary value the psalmist places on God's word. The simile of finding "great spoil" conveys not just the worth of earthly riches, but the exultation and relief of obtaining abundant provision, victory, and security after strenuous effort. For the psalmist, God's precepts are more precious than any worldly treasure because they provide true life, wisdom, and eternal security. This joy is not fleeting or superficial; it is a profound, life-altering experience akin to the relief and prosperity gained by soldiers returning victorious with vast plunder. It highlights that encountering and embracing God's word brings a tangible sense of enrichment, overcoming power, and deep satisfaction that surpasses all material gains. Practically, it encourages believers to seek and engage with God's word as a priceless treasure, yielding far greater dividends than any fleeting earthly pursuit. For example, when faced with overwhelming temptation, finding a relevant biblical truth can bring a powerful sense of strength and relief, akin to discovering the perfect weapon against an adversary. Similarly, when navigating complex life decisions, a clear insight from scripture can feel like finding a hidden map to vast resources.