Psalm 119 167

Psalm 119:167 kjv

My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

Psalm 119:167 nkjv

My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly.

Psalm 119:167 niv

I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.

Psalm 119:167 esv

My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.

Psalm 119:167 nlt

I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 167 Meaning

Psalm 119:167 proclaims the psalmist’s deep and heartfelt devotion to God's revealed truths. It signifies an internal commitment, where the "soul" (the entire inner being) actively guards and cherishes God's testimonies, not merely observing them outwardly, but loving them with an overwhelming intensity. This verse highlights the inseparable connection between genuine obedience and profound affection for the divine Word, portraying it as a joyous and complete submission stemming from the deepest core of one's being.

Psalm 119 167 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible, comprising 176 verses divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a section begins with that Hebrew letter. The entire psalm is an expansive acrostic poem extolling the multifaceted perfections and centrality of God's Word, using various synonyms for it (law, testimonies, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, ways, truth, word). It is a profound meditation on the divine revelation as a source of delight, guidance, comfort, and salvation for the faithful.

Verse 167 falls within the ץ (Tsade) section (verses 161-168). This section specifically addresses the psalmist's steadfastness and commitment to God's law even amidst persecution and threats from powerful adversaries ("princes have persecuted me without cause," v. 161). Despite external pressure and distress, the psalmist expresses hatred for falsehood and intense love for God’s instruction, finding great peace in it. The psalmist's declaration in verse 167 reinforces that his obedience is not born of fear or obligation but springs from an unshakeable inner love for God's testimonies, a contrast to the transient and oppressive edicts of human rulers. Historically, for the original audience, God's Torah was not just a legal code but the living covenant document defining their relationship with Yahweh and contrasting sharply with the capricious and often cruel laws and practices of pagan nations. The psalm champions the divine Law as the source of true life and blessing.

Psalm 119 167 Word analysis

• My soul: (Hebrew: nephesh / נֶפֶשׁ). This word refers to the entire person, the deepest inner being, vitality, and consciousness. It's not merely emotions or intellect but the animating principle of life itself. The psalmist implies a complete, total commitment stemming from the very core of his existence, beyond mere external observance or intellectual assent. This "soul" is given life by God and returns to God (Eccl 12:7).

• hath kept: (Hebrew: shamarti / שָׁמַרְתִּי, from the root shamar / שָׁמַר). Meaning "to guard, watch, preserve, observe, protect, heed." This verb suggests a careful, diligent, and active safeguarding. It’s not accidental or passive obedience, but a continuous, intentional effort to protect and adhere to God’s commands as one would guard a precious treasure (Ps 121:7; Gen 2:15 - "keep" the garden). This implies both adherence and protection from defilement or neglect.

• thy testimonies: (Hebrew: ‘ēdōteyḵā / עֵדֹתֶיךָ, from ‘ēdut / עֵדוּת). Refers to God's divine decrees, injunctions, or instructions that serve as a witness to His truth, character, and will. These are divine declarations that attest to reality and moral principles (Deut 4:45). They are God's own self-revelation, which stand as enduring evidence of His righteous nature and expectations for His covenant people. They are dependable because they originate from God Himself.

• and I love them: (Hebrew: wā’ohĕbēm / וָאֹהֲבֵם, from the root ’ahav / אָהַב). Expresses deep affection, devotion, and cherished regard. This is a crucial element that distinguishes mere duty from genuine submission. The psalmist's obedience is rooted in this heartfelt love, indicating a delight in God's character as revealed in His commands, not just fear of punishment or desire for reward (Deut 6:5; Mt 22:37).

• exceedingly: (Hebrew: mᵉ’ōd / מְאֹד). An intensifier meaning "very much, utterly, greatly, exceedingly." It emphasizes the profound depth and completeness of the love. It’s not just a casual or moderate affection, but a comprehensive, passionate love that saturates the psalmist’s being.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "My soul hath kept thy testimonies": This phrase emphasizes that the psalmist's obedience is total and internal, not merely external conformity. The "soul" acts as the guardian of God's revealed will. This points to a righteousness that originates from within the heart, aligning with later biblical teaching on true circumcision of the heart (Rom 2:29).
  • "and I love them exceedingly": This reveals the motive behind the "keeping." The keeping is a natural outflow of the intense love. The depth of affection (exceedingly) underscores that God’s Word is not viewed as a burden, but as an ultimate source of joy, purpose, and spiritual nourishment, transforming duty into delight (Ps 119:47). This love is what gives integrity and sincerity to the obedience, preventing it from being hypocritical or forced.

Psalm 119 167 Bonus section

The phrase "My soul hath kept" echoes the idea of guarding one's own heart and mind, where the principles of God's word reside. It's a proactive posture against spiritual declension (Prov 4:23). The concept of keeping God’s testimonies implies both a personal adherence to them and an active preservation of them within one's life and within the community, ensuring their purity and perpetuation. The psalmist's emphasis on "love" in relation to God's law anticipates the New Covenant reality where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people through the Spirit (Heb 8:10), making internalizing and loving His commands a natural outflow of the regenerated life. This verse highlights an aspect often missed in modern contexts: that true wisdom and life are found in a heart-level embrace of divine instruction, not merely in intellectual understanding or religious ritual.

Psalm 119 167 Commentary

Psalm 119:167 serves as a pinnacle statement of the psalmist's life devotion, revealing an obedience born not of coercion, but of fervent love. It demonstrates a holistic response where the entire being—the soul—is engaged in guarding God’s truths and cherishing them passionately. This is more than rote observance; it’s an internal embrace of God's will. The term "kept" (shamar) implies careful preservation and guarding, much like protecting a treasure. This active stewardship of divine truth is coupled with an "exceeding" love, meaning a love that is abundant, pervasive, and intensely personal. This verse beautifully portrays the essence of true discipleship: an allegiance to God’s word that transcends outward conformity, blossoming from an inner fountain of deep affection. It counters the notion of law as burdensome, transforming it into an object of delight, embodying the spiritual truth that love for God naturally leads to love for and obedience to His commandments. For example, a child genuinely loves a parent and thus joyfully adheres to their wise guidance, not seeing it as restriction but as an expression of the relationship itself.