Psalm 119 39

Psalm 119:39 kjv

Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

Psalm 119:39 nkjv

Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good.

Psalm 119:39 niv

Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.

Psalm 119:39 esv

Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.

Psalm 119:39 nlt

Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 39 Meaning

Psalm 119:39 is a heartfelt prayer where the psalmist implores God to avert or remove the disgrace and mockery that he dreads. The plea is grounded in the firm conviction that God's statutes and decrees are inherently good, just, and righteous. This contrasts human judgment, which may bring reproach upon the faithful, with divine judgment, which ultimately validates and vindicates those who walk in God's ways. The psalmist trusts that adhering to God's perfect law will not lead to true shame but to honor in God's sight.

Psalm 119 39 Context

Psalm 119 is an extended meditation on the excellence and sufficiency of God's law, characterized by its acrostic structure, where each of the 22 sections corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses beginning with that letter. This specific verse, Psalm 119:39, falls within the "Yodh" section (verses 33-40). The preceding verses (33-38) reveal a psalmist intensely devoted to God's statutes, requesting understanding, an obedient heart, a turn away from worthless things, and revitalization according to God's word. The psalmist expresses deep internal desires and anxieties related to his walk with God. Within this personal appeal for divine guidance and empowerment, the dread of reproach arises. The "reproach" can refer to the scorn from the wicked who disdain the Law and mock those who follow it, a recurrent theme throughout Psalm 119 where the psalmist laments the arrogant and disobedient who despise God's ways (e.g., Ps 119:21, 51, 61, 69, 78, 85, 110, 157). The historical context is often understood as the experience of an Israelite living faithfully amidst a society, or even within Judah itself during periods of apostasy, where adherence to God's covenant was mocked or punished.

Psalm 119 39 Word analysis

• Turn away (Hebrew: הָסֵר, hāśēr): This is an imperative verb, "remove," "take away," or "avert." It signifies a direct and urgent plea for God's active intervention to rescue the psalmist from an impending or perceived threat of disgrace. The psalmist acknowledges God's power to intervene decisively in his circumstances.
• my reproach (Hebrew: חֶרְפָּתִי, ḥerpāṯî): This term denotes shame, disgrace, insult, scorn, or mockery. It implies an outward manifestation of humiliation, often coming from enemies or those who oppose God's ways. In Psalm 119, the psalmist frequently experiences such contempt because of his adherence to God's commandments (e.g., Ps 119:22). This is a deep form of suffering because it questions one's identity and righteousness before others.
• which I dread (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר יָגֹרְתִּי, 'ăšer yāgōrəttî): The verb yagōr means "to be afraid," "to dread," "to fear." This highlights the psalmist's deep internal anxiety and apprehension about this specific reproach. It is not a passing worry but a profound, settled dread. The fear might stem from the perceived injustice of the reproach or the potential damage to his witness for God's ways.
• for (Hebrew: כִּי, kî): This is a conjunction introducing a causal clause, meaning "because," "for," "indeed." It provides the profound theological reason and confident justification for the psalmist's plea. His confidence in God's character and Word is the foundation of his petition.
• Your judgments (Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ, mišpāṭeyḵā): In Psalm 119, mishpatim refers to God's decrees, ordinances, or righteous acts—His just decisions and commands revealed in His Law. These are God's authoritative rulings on what is right and wrong, embodying His perfect justice and will.
• are good (Hebrew: טוֹבִים, ṭōvîm): "Good" here means inherently right, beneficial, pleasing, morally perfect, and fitting. This quality of God's judgments provides the assurance that the one who adheres to them cannot ultimately be shamed. The goodness of God's judgments ensures that His way is truly the best path, leading to true honor rather than lasting disgrace.

• "Turn away my reproach which I dread": This phrase encapsulates the psalmist's vulnerable yet resolute dependence on God. It reveals an understanding that while human opinion may cast a shadow, ultimate vindication comes from the Lord. The dread indicates a genuine human fear of being wrongly perceived or suffering ignominy, particularly for one's fidelity to God. This highlights the cost of discipleship in a world hostile to divine truth.
• "for Your judgments are good": This forms the theological anchor of the prayer. It’s a bold declaration of faith and an argument for divine intervention. Because God's standards are intrinsically good and true, those who live by them must ultimately be found righteous by God Himself. This assertion turns human scorn into an opportunity for God to demonstrate the goodness of His ways by upholding His faithful servant.

Psalm 119 39 Bonus section

This verse resonates with the experience of Christ Himself, who "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb 12:2) and bore the reproaches meant for God (Ps 69:9; Rom 15:3). Believers throughout history have likewise suffered scorn for Christ's name (1 Pet 4:14). The psalmist's plea thus becomes a timeless prayer for those facing cultural pressure or persecution for living according to God's absolute standards in a relativistic world. The paradox is that following "good" judgments might invite earthly reproach, but it secures eternal glory and affirmation from God. This also underscores the difference between true honor, which comes from God based on His righteous judgments, and worldly approval, which is fleeting and often misaligned with divine truth. The prayer implies a longing for God's public vindication, not just personal reassurance, serving as a powerful testimony to the truth and ultimate triumph of God's Word.

Psalm 119 39 Commentary

Psalm 119:39 stands as a powerful prayer for vindication against the unjust scorn of the world. The psalmist, walking diligently in God's ways, faces or anticipates deep humiliation. His "dread" signifies the painful awareness of being mocked or belittled for precisely what God deems good. However, his petition is not based on his own merit, but solely on God's unchanging nature. The "goodness" of God's judgments assures the psalmist that ultimately, following divine truth can never lead to legitimate or eternal shame. This is a profound affirmation of God's righteousness over human perception. In a practical sense, it encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions, knowing that even if they suffer temporary scorn for their faith, God's perfect judgment will eventually prevail, distinguishing His faithful from the world's false values. This verse teaches us to commit our fears and reputation to the One whose character is impeccable, and whose justice will ultimately bring honor to those who live by His word.