Psalm 119 5

Psalm 119:5 kjv

O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

Psalm 119:5 nkjv

Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!

Psalm 119:5 niv

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

Psalm 119:5 esv

Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!

Psalm 119:5 nlt

Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 5 Meaning

Psalm 119:5 expresses a profound yearning for consistent and unwavering adherence to God's divine commands. It is a heartfelt prayer, a longing that the psalmist's entire life—his 'ways' or conduct—would be perfectly aligned, established, and stable in diligent obedience to God's statutes. This is not a wish for casual observance but a fervent desire for the foundational integrity and unwavering permanence of one's walk with God according to His revealed will.

Psalm 119 5 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem (or a series of 22 acrostic sections, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet) devoted entirely to extolling and meditating upon God's Law (Torah). Each section of eight verses begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 5 is part of the 'Aleph' section, which lays a foundational tone for the entire psalm. It expresses the psalmist's personal devotion to God's Word. The consistent use of synonyms for God's Law (e.g., statutes, decrees, commandments, precepts, ordinances, word, law, truth) throughout the chapter emphasizes the multifaceted nature of God's revelation. The historical and cultural context is one where the Law was the covenant blueprint for Israel's life, defining their relationship with Yahweh and distinguishing them from surrounding nations whose "ways" were characterized by idolatry and moral depravity. The psalmist's desire here contrasts with any temptation to follow "ways" (moral conduct, religious practices) other than God's.

Psalm 119 5 Word analysis

• Oh, that (מִי יִתֵּן, mi yitten): Literally, "Who will give?", an idiom common in Hebrew scripture (e.g., Deut 5:29) expressing a strong, fervent wish or longing. It conveys a sense of earnest prayer and a deep, almost desperate desire, acknowledging that such alignment does not happen naturally or by mere human effort.

• my ways (דְּרָכָי, d'rakhay): From דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), meaning "path," "road," or "journey," but metaphorically signifying one's course of life, conduct, moral disposition, or character. It encompasses the entirety of one's actions and decisions, internal and external.

• were steadfast (כּוֹנוּ, konu): From כּוּן (kun), meaning to "be firm," "be established," "be prepared," "be fixed." It denotes stability, permanence, unwavering commitment, and reliability. This implies more than just occasional adherence; it means being firmly rooted and consistent in one's life according to God's will, with an internal stability that comes from a settled disposition. This steadfastness requires divine enablement.

• in keeping (לִשְׁמֹר, lishmor): The infinitive form of שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to keep," "to guard," "to observe," "to obey." It implies diligent attention, careful preservation, and faithful adherence to God's instructions, guarding them as precious treasures.

• Your statutes! (חֻקֶּיךָ, chukekha): From חֹק (khoq), referring to God's "decrees," "ordinances," or "statutes." These are typically defined as fixed laws or divine enactments, often carrying the idea of something carved or inscribed, indicating their unchangeable and authoritative nature. They are expressions of God's sovereign will for human conduct.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "Oh, that my ways were steadfast": This phrase encapsulates a plea for internal and external consistency in righteousness. It highlights the psalmist's awareness of human fickleness and the need for divine grace to achieve stable, consistent living according to God's standard. The "steadfastness" desired is not merely effort but a God-given spiritual state.
  • "in keeping Your statutes!": This defines the precise objective of the desired steadfastness. The psalmist's life goal is to perfectly align with God's revealed will. This emphasis underscores that true spiritual stability is found not in self-devised paths but in diligent obedience to God's authoritative commands. The focus is outward on God's word, not inward on personal sentiment.

Psalm 119 5 Bonus section

The psalmist's plea "Oh, that my ways were steadfast" subtly acknowledges the inherent human struggle with consistency and the allure of straying from God's path. It is a humble admission of dependence, a recognition that perfect obedience isn't achieved through self-will alone, but requires a foundational stability that God Himself must establish. This verse also lays the groundwork for the rest of Psalm 119, where the psalmist continually praises God's Law and seeks His help to obey it. It's not a boast of current perfection, but a prayer for a transformation into sustained conformity to God's holy standard. This echoes the broader biblical truth that genuine righteous living is both desired by humanity and divinely enabled.

Psalm 119 5 Commentary

Psalm 119:5 captures the heart of a devoted servant of God—a fervent longing not just to know or admire God's Law, but to live it out consistently and unwaveringly. The expression "Oh, that!" conveys an intense aspiration, revealing a deep sense of human inadequacy coupled with a profound desire for divine enablement. The psalmist recognizes that consistent, established adherence to God's ways—encompassing all aspects of life and conduct—is not an automatic outcome but a spiritual goal requiring persistent effort and God's intervention. This is a prayer for inner resolve and outer expression to be perpetually aligned with God's perfect "statutes," recognizing that true blessedness lies in such obedience. It's a confession of present imperfection paired with a yearning for future and sustained faithfulness, indicating that righteousness is a process that relies on God's grace to firm up one's spiritual footing.