Psalm 119 60

Psalm 119:60 kjv

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

Psalm 119:60 nkjv

I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.

Psalm 119:60 niv

I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

Psalm 119:60 esv

I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.

Psalm 119:60 nlt

I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 60 Meaning

Psalm 119:60 is a fervent declaration of the psalmist's immediate and unwavering commitment to obey God's divine instructions. It expresses a proactive and eager resolve to put God's precepts into practice without procrastination or hesitation, reflecting a heart wholly devoted to the divine will.

Psalm 119 60 Context

Psalm 119 is an alphabetical acrostic poem, each section of eight verses beginning with the same Hebrew letter. Verse 60 falls within the "Mem" section (verses 49-56). This entire Psalm is a grand and lengthy meditation on the excellence, perfection, and benefit of God's law, precepts, statutes, testimonies, and commandments. The psalmist expresses deep love, dependence, and commitment to these divine instructions, frequently asking for understanding, strength, and preservation while promising to obey.

Within this overarching theme, verse 60 is a personal confession of the psalmist's active response to God's word, specifically emphasizing the immediacy and wholeheartedness of his obedience. It follows expressions of comfort found in God's word (v. 50), memories of God's rules even in distress (v. 52), and praise for the night-time recollection of God's name (v. 55). Verse 60 acts as a declaration stemming from this deep reverence and affection: "Because of my profound appreciation for your commands, I do not hesitate to keep them." It stands in contrast to common human tendencies toward procrastination or selective obedience.

Psalm 119 60 Word analysis

• I made haste (חָשְׁתִּי - chash-ti, from חוּשׁ - chush):

  • Meaning: To hurry, to be eager, to hasten, to come quickly.
  • Significance: Implies a prompt and decisive action driven by an inner conviction. It denotes a readiness and zeal, not merely speed. The psalmist doesn't wait to be told twice or need coaxing; he is internally motivated to act. It's a proactive rush towards obedience, indicative of a willing spirit.

• and did not delay (וְלֹא הִתְמָהְמָהְתִּי - v'lo hitmahmhahti, from מָהַהּ - mahah in Hithpael stem):

  • Meaning: And did not tarry, linger, hesitate, postpone, waver, procrastinate.
  • Significance: This is a strong negative reinforcement of "made haste." The Hithpael stem suggests a reflexive or intensive action, meaning he personally and intentionally did not allow himself to linger. It emphasizes a conscious resistance to putting off obedience, highlighting a struggle against the natural human inclination towards dilly-dallying or seeking convenience over immediate compliance. This phrase powerfully conveys the absence of procrastination and indecision.

• to keep (לִשְׁמֹר - lishmor, from שָׁמַר - shamar):

  • Meaning: To guard, observe, watch over, heed, obey, protect.
  • Significance: This verb encompasses more than just intellectual assent or passive hearing. It means actively guarding the commands within one's heart, meticulously observing them in daily life, and preserving them as a precious treasure. It speaks of a careful, intentional, and thorough application of God's instructions, not just a superficial acknowledgment.

• Your commandments (מִצְוֹתֶיךָ - mitzvotekha, from מִצְוָה - mitzvah):

  • Meaning: Divine injunctions, precepts, laws, statutes, divine ordinances.
  • Significance: Refers to the whole body of God's revealed will, not just a select few rules. The plural form signifies a holistic commitment to all of God's directives. It underlines that the psalmist's eagerness is directed towards the entirety of God's instructions, acknowledging their divine source and authority. It highlights the believer's desire to conform every aspect of their life to God's good and perfect will.

Words-group analysis:

• "I made haste and did not delay": This tandem expression creates a powerful emphasis on immediacy and determination. It uses both a positive declaration ("I made haste") and a negative reinforcement ("and did not delay") to unequivocally state the psalmist's prompt and eager response. It reflects a heart unburdened by resistance or sluggishness, acting out of spontaneous willingness.
• "to keep Your commandments": This phrase reveals the object and purpose of the psalmist's promptness. It signifies that the eager, undelayed action is specifically directed towards a diligent and thorough adherence to the totality of God's divine instructions. This demonstrates that his zeal is for obedience, stemming from a high regard for the Lord's authoritative and beneficial guidance.

Psalm 119 60 Bonus section

The active and immediate obedience described in Psalm 119:60 implies a profound trust in the goodness and wisdom of God's commands. It suggests that the psalmist views divine law not as an external imposition but as an intrinsic part of a righteous and fulfilling life. This posture contrasts sharply with superficial obedience, which might involve mere compliance without internal conviction, or delayed obedience, which often signals a lack of delight in God's will. The zeal demonstrated here signifies that obedience is perceived as a primary way to honor God and express true devotion.

Psalm 119 60 Commentary

Psalm 119:60 offers a profound glimpse into the heart of a truly devout believer: one who embraces God's commandments with enthusiasm and acts upon them without hesitation. This verse is not a legalistic burden but a joyful affirmation. The psalmist expresses an inner drive, a spiritual fervor that impels him to obey promptly. This isn't just about speed; it's about the absence of internal conflict, the rejection of procrastination, and the presence of a willing spirit. It means prioritizing God's will above one's own comfort, convenience, or self-interest.

The doubling of phrases – "made haste" and "did not delay" – amplifies the psalmist's intentionality and intensity. It contrasts sharply with the common human tendency to put off difficult tasks, rationalizing delays or succumbing to apathy. Instead, the psalmist actively resists sluggishness and procrastination when it comes to divine directives. This promptness stems from a deep reverence and love for God and His word, viewing the commandments not as burdensome rules but as wise, loving guidance leading to life and blessing.

Practically, this verse calls believers to:

• Respond immediately: When the Holy Spirit prompts or Scripture clearly instructs, act now. Do not put off repentance, acts of kindness, or duties.
• Act without hesitation: Resist the urge to overthink, rationalize away, or simply postpone obedience.
• Embrace proactive living: Cultivate a heart that eagerly seeks to please God in all things, not just reactively or reluctantly.
• Cherish God's Word: See the commandments as a delight and a privilege to obey, not a chore.

Examples: When prompted to forgive someone, do so promptly. When recognizing a need for prayer, pray immediately. When understanding a scriptural call to generosity, give readily.