Psalm 119:46 kjv
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Psalm 119:46 nkjv
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.
Psalm 119:46 niv
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
Psalm 119:46 esv
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,
Psalm 119:46 nlt
I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.
Psalm 119 46 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Courageous Proclamation | ||
| Acts 4:19-20 | But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight... speak of what we have seen and heard." | Speaking God's word over human authority. |
| Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men." | Obedience to God above human rulers. |
| Jer 1:17 | "But you, dress yourself for work; arise and say to them everything... dismayed by them..." | Prophet's call to speak fearlessly. |
| Ezek 3:8-9 | "...I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like a diamond... steel, I have made your forehead." | Divine empowerment for firmness. |
| Eph 6:19-20 | "...for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains..." | Apostolic prayer for boldness. |
| 2 Tim 4:2 | "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." | Command to constantly preach the Word. |
| Vindication / No Shame | ||
| Rom 10:11 | For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." | Trust in God leads to no shame. |
| 1 Pet 2:6 | For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone... and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." | Confidence in Christ brings no disgrace. |
| Ps 25:2 | "O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me." | Prayer for vindication and not shame. |
| Ps 31:1 | "In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!" | Reliance on God for deliverance and honor. |
| Isa 50:7 | "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." | Messiah's resolve despite opposition. |
| Rom 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... | Unashamed declaration of the Gospel. |
| 2 Tim 1:8 | "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God..." | No shame in testimony or suffering for Christ. |
| Facing Authority with Truth | ||
| Dan 3:16-18 | Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said... "Our God... is able to deliver us... even if not, be it known... we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image." | Standing firm against a king's decree. |
| Mt 10:18 | "and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles." | Anticipation of bearing witness before rulers. |
| Acts 26:1-29 | (Paul's defense before Agrippa) "...And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God..." | Apostolic witness before a king. |
| Lk 21:15 | "for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." | Divine promise of enablement in witness. |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you..." | Readiness to give an answer to anyone. |
| Phil 1:12-14 | "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ." | Gospel spread even through imprisonment before authorities. |
Psalm 119 verses
Psalm 119 46 Meaning
Psalm 119:46 expresses the psalmist's bold resolve to proclaim God's divine instructions and covenant stipulations even in the presence of earthly rulers, trusting that such unwavering faithfulness will not result in disgrace or humiliation. It signifies a profound confidence in God's word and His ultimate vindication of those who champion His truth.
Psalm 119 46 Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a poetic acrostic where each of the 22 stanzas (corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet) begins with a successive letter. Every verse within the psalm is dedicated to extolling the virtues, wisdom, and life-giving power of God's Word, using synonyms like law, statutes, decrees, commandments, precepts, testimonies, and judgments. Verse 46 falls within the "Vav" (ו) section (verses 41-48), where the psalmist expresses a longing for God's steadfast love and salvation according to His promises. This section particularly emphasizes finding liberty and delight in God's precepts, and openly speaking of them. Historically, to "speak before kings" implied an act of considerable courage and risk, as earthly monarchs wielded absolute power, often demanding complete subservience. For the psalmist to commit to speaking God's testimonies publicly to such figures, reflects a confidence that transcends the fear of human retribution or potential ridicule. It is an act of defiance against any worldview that exalts human authority or wisdom above divine revelation.
Psalm 119 46 Word analysis
I will speak (אֲדַבֵּר - 'adabber): This is a strong, definitive future verb. From the root dabar (דָּבַר), meaning "to speak, to declare, to command." It implies a deliberate, firm resolution and active proclamation, not just casual conversation. It signifies an authoritative or resolute declaration, much like a prophet delivering God's message.
of your testimonies (בְעֵדֹתֶיךָ - b'edōteykha): "Testimonies" (edōt) refers to God's covenant stipulations, decrees, and revealed truths. These are divine witness-statements, laws given by God as a guide for His people. The plural form emphasizes the comprehensive body of God's unchanging and trustworthy revealed will, bearing witness to His character and His demands. These are not human opinions but divine certainties.
before kings (נֶגֶד מְלָכִים - neged melakhim): "Before" (neged) signifies in the full, public presence of, in opposition to, or confronting. "Kings" (melakhim) are the highest earthly authorities, symbolizing human power, wealth, and often, resistance to divine rule. Speaking before kings was perilous, demanding exceptional boldness due to their absolute power and the potential for severe consequences (imprisonment, execution). It highlights a commitment to declare God's truth where it is most challenging and potentially unpopular.
and will not be put to shame (וְלֹא אֵבוֹשׁ - w'lo evōsh): This phrase conveys strong assurance and confident expectation. The verb bosh (בּוּשׁ) means "to be ashamed," "disgraced," "confused," or "disappointed." The negative "not" (lo) indicates a certain conviction that divine vindication will follow the proclamation of truth. The psalmist trusts that God will uphold him and His word, preventing any disgrace or humiliation from stemming from his faithfulness. True courage is sustained by this certainty that God honors those who honor Him.
Words-group analysis:
- "I will speak of your testimonies": This phrase encapsulates the psalmist's active commitment to faithful proclamation. It highlights his role as a proclaimer of divine truth, not merely a recipient. His life is defined by adherence to and dissemination of God's Word.
- "before kings and will not be put to shame": This forms a powerful juxtaposition. It contrasts human authority (kings) and its potential for intimidation, with divine assurance (no shame). The phrase demonstrates radical dependence on God for courage and outcome, implying that speaking God's truth to power, however challenging, is a path that ultimately leads to honor and not disgrace. The anticipated lack of shame signifies God's vindication of His messenger and His message.
Psalm 119 46 Bonus section
The resolve to speak "before kings" goes beyond just governmental rulers; it can also represent confronting any form of influential worldly power or dominant cultural narrative that stands contrary to God's truth. This could be intellectual authorities, popular movements, or societal norms that defy God's Word. The psalmist’s confidence that he "will not be put to shame" suggests not necessarily an absence of immediate earthly struggle or persecution, but rather a certainty of ultimate vindication by God. This implies that true honor and glory come from faithfulness to God's testimonies, rather than from conformity to human expectations or the avoidance of worldly discomfort. The strength for such an act of boldness is rooted not in personal charisma or debating skill, but entirely in the divine origin and infallible nature of the "testimonies" themselves. The verse embodies the spiritual principle that obedience to God provides an inner fortitude that overcomes outward pressures.
Psalm 119 46 Commentary
Psalm 119:46 reveals a heart utterly devoted to God's Word, finding in it not only personal delight and guidance but also the courage to boldly proclaim its truth in the most intimidating environments. The psalmist's readiness to speak "before kings" underscores his fearless commitment, understanding that the authority of God's testimonies far outweighs any earthly power. This isn't merely a private confession but a public declaration, recognizing that divine truth is meant to be proclaimed without compromise, even when it challenges worldly authority or popular opinion. The accompanying assurance, "and will not be put to shame," is pivotal. It signifies a profound trust in God's faithfulness to uphold and vindicate His servant. The psalmist believes that upholding God's Word will never lead to ultimate defeat, embarrassment, or disappointment, regardless of the immediate human response. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the liberating effect of internalizing God's truth, enabling one to live and speak with an integrity that transcends the fear of human judgment or consequence. It's a commitment to live as a fearless witness to the supremacy of God's law.
- Example 1: A believer in a professional setting who stands firm on Christian ethics, even when facing pressure from superiors to compromise, trusting that upholding truth brings no ultimate shame.
- Example 2: A youth sharing their faith with friends who are skeptical or even hostile, relying on the truth of the Gospel to give them courage and confidence, believing God will honor their stand.