Psalm 119:31 kjv
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
Psalm 119:31 nkjv
I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame!
Psalm 119:31 niv
I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame.
Psalm 119:31 esv
I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
Psalm 119:31 nlt
I cling to your laws.
LORD, don't let me be put to shame!
Psalm 119 31 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 4:4 | "But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day." | Cleaving to God for life and protection. |
| Deut 10:20 | "Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave..." | To cleave to God is an act of worship. |
| Josh 23:8 | "But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day." | Perseverance in faithfulness to God. |
| Acts 11:23 | "...with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." | Christian commitment and perseverance. |
| Ps 25:3 | "Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: they shall be ashamed which transgress without cause." | Trust in God leads to vindication, not shame. |
| Ps 31:1 | "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed..." | A plea for preservation from shame due to trust in God. |
| Ps 69:6 | "Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake..." | Shame related to the failure of God's servant. |
| Ps 125:1 | "They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." | Stability and security for those who trust God. |
| Isa 45:17 | "...Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end." | God's eternal salvation prevents shame. |
| Isa 49:23 | "...and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." | Waiting on the LORD prevents shame. |
| Isa 50:7 | "For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded..." | The Suffering Servant's resolve to not be shamed. |
| Joel 2:26-27 | "...and my people shall never be ashamed." | God's restoration removing past shame. |
| Rom 10:11 | "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." | Belief in Christ ensures no shame. |
| Phil 1:20 | "...that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body..." | Desire for Christ's glory over personal shame. |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed..." | Diligence in study prevents spiritual shame. |
| 1 Pet 2:6 | "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." | Believing in Christ as the cornerstone avoids shame. |
| Ps 19:7-11 | Explains the perfection and benefits of God's Law, testimonies, statutes. | Elaboration on the nature and value of God's testimonies. |
| Ps 119:2 | "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." | Blessing upon those who keep testimonies. |
| Ps 119:14 | "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches." | Finding joy in God's testimonies. |
| Ps 119:24 | "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." | Delight and guidance found in testimonies. |
| Ps 119:100 | "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." | Understanding from keeping God's word. |
| John 8:31-32 | "...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth..." | Continuing in Christ's word brings true discipleship and truth. |
| Heb 4:14 | "Seeing then that we have a great high priest... let us hold fast our profession." | Hold fast to our confession of faith. |
| Heb 10:23 | "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" | Hold fast to hope, as God is faithful. |
| 1 Thes 5:21 | "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." | Discernment and adherence to what is good. |
Psalm 119 verses
Psalm 119 31 Meaning
The psalmist expresses a steadfast, intimate commitment to God's divine revelations, known as His testimonies. Based on this unwavering adherence and choice to live by God's truth, the psalmist humbly appeals to the LORD, asking that He not allow His faithful servant to be disgraced, disappointed, or suffer public humiliation. It is a heartfelt plea for God's protective vindication and the assurance that trusting in His word will not lead to futility or shame.
Psalm 119 31 Context
Psalm 119 is an extended acrostic poem, where each section of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is primarily an elaborate meditation on the divine law (Torah), exploring its various facets through synonyms like testimonies, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, and word. The psalm articulates the profound blessing of keeping God's law, the deep desire of the psalmist to understand and obey it, and persistent pleas for divine enablement, wisdom, and deliverance in pursuing this path.
Verse 31 falls within the "Daleth" section (verses 25-32), which begins with a plea for spiritual quickening amidst prostration (v. 25), progresses to confessions of weariness (v. 28) and aversion to deceit (v. 29), leading to a decisive choice for God's truth (v. 30). Against this backdrop of commitment, verse 31 is a petition for divine preservation from shame. The historical context of Israel saw God's law as foundational to national identity and covenant relationship; failure to keep it could result in national disgrace (exile) and bring shame upon God's name among surrounding nations. The psalmist's plea reflects a deep personal and spiritual stake in the honor of God's truth.
Psalm 119 31 Word analysis
- I have stuck (דָּבַק - dabaq): This Hebrew verb signifies a very strong and intimate attachment, to cleave, cling, adhere, or hold fast to something. It is not merely a superficial compliance or temporary choice, but indicates a profound, enduring, and inseparable commitment. Used to describe the union between a man and his wife (Gen 2:24), or Israel's loyalty to the LORD (Deut 4:4; Josh 23:8). Here, it portrays the psalmist's unwavering loyalty and adherence to God's precepts, as if bound tightly to them. This choice is deliberate, personal, and maintained with resolve.
- unto thy testimonies (עֵדֹתֶיךָ - 'edoteyka): From the Hebrew root 'edut, meaning "testimony" or "witness." These are God's explicit declarations, decrees, or stipulations, bearing witness to His character and will. They are part of God's revealed law (Torah) but specifically emphasize the idea of God bearing witness to Himself and His moral standard. Clinging to them means anchoring one's life in God's authoritative, divine witness concerning how to live righteously and honor Him. This phrase contrasts with worldly standards or false teachings.
- O LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH / Adonai): This is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful God who keeps His promises. By addressing God with this specific name, the psalmist appeals directly to God's character as the dependable and covenant-keeping deity. It underscores a relationship of trust and dependence, asserting that the plea is made to the One who is able and willing to respond in faithfulness.
- put me not to shame (אַל־תְּבִישֵׁנִי - 'al-tevishani): Derived from the Hebrew verb bosh, meaning "to be ashamed," "disappointed," "confounded," or "disgraced." The negative imperative expresses an earnest plea. The psalmist is not confessing sin or fear of deserved punishment but is requesting that God's faithful adherence be validated and that he should not face reproach or disgrace. This disgrace could be a public humiliation implying God's abandonment, a personal disappointment in trusting God's word, or an experience that undermines the credibility of a life committed to divine testimonies. It suggests a desire for God to honor His servant's faithfulness and to prevent any outcome that might cast doubt on the wisdom or efficacy of following God's ways.
- "I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.": This phrase groups the psalmist's action with his urgent petition. It reveals a reciprocal expectation in the covenant relationship: "Because I have been faithful to You and Your word, O LORD, act in faithfulness towards me and protect me from disgrace." It encapsulates the essence of biblical piety, where obedience to God's word is foundational to receiving His favor and vindication. The statement connects steadfast commitment to a confident appeal for divine intervention, preventing any appearance that obedience to God might be a path to failure or reproach.
Psalm 119 31 Bonus section
The deep commitment expressed by "stuck" (dabaq) suggests a personal identification with the testimonies, not just external compliance. It means absorbing them into one's very being. This aligns with the overall theme of Psalm 119, which emphasizes the personal delight, meditation, and life-shaping power of God's law. The "shame" prayed against is the spiritual antithesis of God's blessing. For one committed to God, shame would imply that their spiritual pursuit was in vain, and thus, that God Himself was unreliable. This verse, therefore, implicitly acts as a prayer for God's glory, that His faithfulness might be evident in the life of His servant. This anticipates New Testament themes where believers are assured that those who believe in Christ will never be put to shame (Rom 10:11; 1 Pet 2:6), emphasizing God's perfect vindication for all who trust and obey Him.
Psalm 119 31 Commentary
Psalm 119:31 beautifully encapsulates the earnest longing of a soul committed to God's divine word. The psalmist asserts an active, intentional, and persistent attachment to God's "testimonies," which are His established declarations of truth and morality. This "sticking" is not passive; it's a resolute determination to live by and cling to what God has revealed, implying a wholehearted embrace of His wisdom and authority over one's life.
Building on this unwavering adherence, the psalmist offers a poignant plea: "O LORD, put me not to shame." This isn't a prayer from one who has stumbled, but rather from one who has conscientiously chosen God's way and now seeks divine assurance and protection. The anticipated "shame" could involve public humiliation if faith were perceived as futile, or an internal spiritual disappointment if God's promises appeared to fail. Ultimately, the plea is for God to validate His own word through the experience of His faithful servant, preventing any perception that His way is unprofitable or unreliable. It signifies a profound trust that God is faithful to uphold those who are faithful to Him, never allowing their dedication to lead to ultimate defeat or discredit. It reminds believers that steadfastness in God's word forms the basis for confidence in His protective and vindicating hand.