Psalm 119:61 kjv
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
Psalm 119:61 nkjv
The cords of the wicked have bound me, But I have not forgotten Your law.
Psalm 119:61 niv
Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
Psalm 119:61 esv
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
Psalm 119:61 nlt
Evil people try to drag me into sin,
but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
Psalm 119 61 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 4:9 | "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen..." | Not forgetting God's commandments. |
| Josh 1:8 | "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; but you shall meditate in it day and night..." | Continual adherence to God's law. |
| Ps 1:2 | "but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." | Love for God's law in the face of all. |
| Ps 9:15 | "The nations have fallen into the pit they dug; their foot is caught in the net they hid." | Wicked ensnared by their own devices. |
| Ps 35:7 | "For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my soul." | Unjust plots of the wicked. |
| Ps 40:8 | "I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” | Internalizing God's law, a counter to forgetfulness. |
| Ps 124:7 | "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped." | Deliverance from wicked traps. |
| Ps 140:5 | "The proud have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out nets with cords along the path; they have set traps for me." | Wicked's specific tactics of ensnaring. |
| Prov 1:11 | "If they say, 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without cause..." | The wicked plotting to ambush and harm. |
| Prov 3:1 | "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments..." | The importance of remembering God's commands. |
| Jer 18:22 | "Let a cry be heard from their houses, when you bring plunderers suddenly upon them; for they have dug a pit to catch me, and hidden snares for my feet." | Plots against the righteous. |
| Mt 5:10-12 | "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." | Enduring persecution for following God. |
| Lk 21:19 | "By your endurance you will gain your lives." | Perseverance during tribulation. |
| Jn 15:20 | "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also..." | Expectation of persecution for disciples. |
| Rom 8:35 | "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine..." | Nothing can separate from God's love or truth. |
| Heb 12:1-3 | "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight..." | Endurance in the race of faith. |
| 1 Pet 4:16 | "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." | Suffering for Christ and the gospel. |
| Rev 2:10 | "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison..." | Faithfulness even unto death. |
Psalm 119 verses
Psalm 119 61 Meaning
Psalm 119:61 expresses the unwavering faithfulness of the psalmist amidst intense persecution and adversarial schemes. Despite being entangled in the snares and oppressive plots of the wicked, the psalmist firmly declares an unyielding devotion to God's law, demonstrating steadfastness in obedience even when facing extreme hardship and danger. This verse highlights the deep commitment to divine instruction that empowers resilience against evil.
Psalm 119 61 Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic psalm (each stanza of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) entirely devoted to extolling God's Word—His law, statutes, decrees, commands, precepts, ordinances, and testimonies. It is a profound declaration of love and devotion for divine instruction. Verse 61 falls within the Teth section (verses 65-72). The preceding verses often lament affliction and the treachery of the wicked, making the psalmist's resolute declaration here even more impactful. The psalmist likely represents any righteous individual in ancient Israel, possibly a king, priest, or devout follower, facing the practical challenges of living righteously in a society where powerful figures or the general populace might disregard God's covenant. The "wicked" are those who defy God's standards and actively oppose those who uphold them, embodying a spirit contrary to the divine order. This ongoing tension forms the backdrop for the psalmist's unwavering commitment.
Psalm 119 61 Word analysis
- Though (כִּי, kî): This conjunction indicates a concessive or contrasting relationship. It acknowledges the severe reality of the opposition without denying its impact, setting up the defiance that follows.
- the cords (חַבְלֵי, ḥavlê): From חֶבֶל (ḥevel), meaning "cord," "rope," "snare," "trap," or even "pain/travail." In this context, it metaphorically denotes the oppressive bonds, plots, or schemes devised by the wicked to entrap, control, or harm the psalmist. It implies being tied down or ensnared, signifying an experience of being persecuted or severely afflicted. The term suggests entanglement or being caught in a trap laid by enemies.
- of the wicked (רְשָׁעִים, rešā‘îm): Those who are morally wrong, guilty, lawless, and actively oppose God and His followers. This word highlights the moral character of the psalmist's oppressors, contrasting sharply with the psalmist's own commitment to God's law. They are agents of unrighteousness.
- ensnare me (עִוְּטוּנִי, ʿiwwĕṭūnî): From the verb עָוַט (‘awat), meaning "to bend," "twist," "pervert," "oppress," or "make crooked." In the pi'el stem here, it suggests active, deliberate perversion of justice or oppressive acts, akin to tying someone up or making their path difficult. It conveys the idea of their actions being a distortion of what is right, binding the psalmist in a morally corrupt manner.
- I do not forget (לֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי, lo' shakhachְti): This is a strong negative declaration. To "forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach) in biblical context is often more than a lapse of memory; it signifies neglecting, abandoning, or failing to act upon divine commands, a failure of covenant loyalty. The psalmist’s assertion means a conscious, active commitment to remember and obey God’s law, rejecting any impulse to stray or succumb to the pressures of the wicked.
- your law (תּוֹרָתֶךָ, toratekhā): Torah is often translated as "law," but it encompasses more broadly divine "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance." It refers to God's revealed will, principles, and commands as a complete system for life, especially as given through Moses. This phrase signifies the psalmist’s object of unwavering loyalty—the divinely revealed way of life as opposed to the corrupt ways of the wicked.
Psalm 119 61 Bonus section
The active choice embodied in "I do not forget" is significant. It's not a statement of mere absence of amnesia but a firm decision against spiritual compromise or apathy, especially when challenged by life's "snares." In Hebrew thought, forgetting the law was tantamount to disobedience, a deliberate turning away from covenant responsibilities. The psalmist actively resists this, highlighting that fidelity to God’s Word is a conscious act of the will, requiring mental and spiritual engagement against opposing forces. This deliberate remembering is a form of spiritual warfare, where the "law" itself becomes the psalmist's defense and guide through the "cords." The emphasis on "your law" points to the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, reinforcing that the Torah is not just a set of rules but the benevolent instruction from a beloved Heavenly Father.
Psalm 119 61 Commentary
Psalm 119:61 provides a powerful testament to unshakeable devotion to God's Word in the face of grave adversity. The psalmist is not ignorant of the severity of their situation; the "cords of the wicked" graphically illustrate deliberate attempts to entangle and harm them through injustice and malice. Yet, amidst these overwhelming pressures and temptations to deviate, the psalmist's resolute declaration, "I do not forget your law," stands as a defiant banner of faithfulness. This isn't merely a passive remembrance but an active choice to uphold God's truth, internalizing His instructions so deeply that no external threat can dislodge them. It implies that genuine love for God's law provides the strength and moral compass necessary to navigate and resist the darkest plots. The verse is an implicit polemic against those who disregard God's law, contrasting their oppressive methods with the liberating steadfastness found in adherence to divine truth. It teaches that our commitment to God's Word should be unwavering, serving as our anchor even when earthly circumstances are hostile and designed to pull us away from Him.Practical Example: A believer might face severe social ostracism or career threats for upholding Christian principles, but like the psalmist, they choose not to compromise their integrity, continuing to live by God's commandments regardless of the cost.