Psalm 119 4

Psalm 119:4 kjv

Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

Psalm 119:4 nkjv

You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.

Psalm 119:4 niv

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Psalm 119:4 esv

You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.

Psalm 119:4 nlt

You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 4 Meaning

Psalm 119:4 reveals that God has given specific, authoritative instructions—His precepts—with the clear and resolute command that they are to be observed and guarded with the utmost diligence and care. It emphasizes not just the existence of divine law, but the essential manner of its adherence: wholehearted and precise obedience.

Psalm 119 4 Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, with each of its 176 verses meditating on some aspect of God's Word using different synonyms like "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "rules," "decrees," "words," and "promises." This particular verse (Psalm 119:4) is part of the second eight-verse stanza, beginning with the Hebrew letter Beth. It builds on the opening verses, which express the psalmist's blessedness for keeping God's law (v. 1) and his longing to seek God wholeheartedly (v. 2). Verse 4 shifts from the human desire to the divine imperative, stating that God Himself has commanded the diligent keeping of His precepts. It frames human obedience not as an option but as a solemn requirement set by the Divine Legislator. Historically, it reflects the emphasis in Israelite culture on strict adherence to the Torah as the foundation of national identity and covenant relationship with God, often standing in contrast to the capricious deities and laws of surrounding pagan nations.

Psalm 119 4 Word analysis

• You have commanded (צִוִּיתָה - tzivvitha):
  • Word: The verb is tsavah, meaning "to command," "to appoint," "to direct," or "to ordain."
  • Significance: It emphasizes God's supreme authority. This is not a suggestion or advice, but a direct, authoritative order from the sovereign Lord to His people. It implies a legal, binding instruction from the divine lawmaker. The perfect tense indicates a definitive, past act of command with continuing force.
• your precepts (פְּקֻדֶּיךָ - pequddekha):
  • Word: From piqqudim, often translated as "precepts," "statutes," or "ordinances."
  • Significance: These refer to God's specific appointments, regulations, or detailed instructions. They are particular mandates, not just general principles. They are God's directions on how His people are to conduct themselves in all aspects of life, distinct from general laws or broader judgments. They reveal God's detailed will.
• to be kept (לְנִשְׁמָר - lenishmar):
  • Word: Derived from shamar, meaning "to guard," "to keep," "to observe," "to preserve," or "to watch over."
  • Significance: This goes beyond simple obedience. It implies diligent vigilance, active preservation, and careful observance. It means to hold the precepts closely, protect them from violation, and live by them scrupulously. It's a proactive, ongoing commitment. The niphal infinitive construction emphasizes the commanded state of being guarded.
• diligently (מְאֹד - me'od):
  • Word: An adverb meaning "very," "exceedingly," "greatly," or "with great strength."
  • Significance: This intensifier underscores the level of effort and care required. It conveys a comprehensive, earnest, and unreserved commitment to keeping God's precepts. It's not a casual or partial observance, but one done with all one's might, seriousness, and attention to detail. This single word transforms "keep" into "keep meticulously" or "keep with supreme dedication."

Words-group analysis:

• "You have commanded your precepts": This highlights the divine origin and authoritative nature of God's laws. It's a direct divine imposition, emphasizing that God, as the Creator and Sovereign, has the absolute right to set the terms for human conduct and relationship with Him.
• "to be kept diligently": This phrase defines the necessary response from humanity. It's not enough to simply have the precepts; they must be guarded, protected, and followed with great care, seriousness, and sustained effort. It speaks to the active responsibility of the believer. The pairing of "kept" and "diligently" demands a focused and thorough commitment, signifying an internal disposition alongside external action.

Psalm 119 4 Bonus section

The word "precepts" (piqqudim) specifically refers to divine appointments or ordinances. It implies something meticulously designed and ordained by God. This detail emphasizes that God's laws are not arbitrary or abstract principles, but precise guidelines given for humanity's benefit and His glory. This verse subtly contrasts the detailed, diligent requirement of the Lord's precepts with the potential for human carelessness or the vagueness often associated with human laws or the practices of pagan worship which might involve less moral scrutiny or detailed instruction. The repeated emphasis on "keeping" and "diligence" throughout the Torah underscores the vital importance of this active obedience for Israel's prosperity and covenant faithfulness. It highlights that understanding God's commands must necessarily lead to their implementation, and a lack thereof demonstrates a fundamental failure in reverence.

Psalm 119 4 Commentary

Psalm 119:4 serves as a foundational declaration of God's sovereign authority and the unreserved obligation of His people. It is a pivot point in the psalm, moving from the psalmist's personal yearning to the objective reality of God's will. The phrase "You have commanded" elevates the divine word beyond mere advice or human tradition; it is a direct and irrevocable mandate from the ultimate Lawgiver. These "precepts" are specific instructions, divinely appointed ordinances that guide every facet of life, ensuring order, holiness, and true relationship with God. The added imperative "to be kept diligently" elevates the expectation, demanding not passive acceptance, but active, careful, and intense preservation and adherence. It speaks to the seriousness with which God intends His Word to be received and applied—with absolute thoroughness and wholehearted devotion, recognizing the immense value and binding nature of His instructions. This verse reminds believers that their relationship with God is intrinsically tied to obeying His revealed will with meticulous care, not as a burden but as the pathway to blessing and right living.For practical usage, this means:

• Intention: Approach God's Word with the understanding that it is a command, not an option.
• Application: Apply specific Biblical instructions with precision and commitment, avoiding laxity or selectivity.
• Persistence: Continually strive to guard and follow God's principles in daily life, knowing the effort is divinely mandated.