Psalm 119 62

Psalm 119:62 kjv

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Psalm 119:62 nkjv

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

Psalm 119:62 niv

At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

Psalm 119:62 esv

At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.

Psalm 119:62 nlt

I rise at midnight to thank you
for your just regulations.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 62 Meaning

Psalm 119:62 expresses the psalmist's profound and unusual devotion to God, declaring a commitment to rise specifically at "midnight" to offer thanks to God. The motivation for this extreme act of worship is "Because of Your righteous judgments," indicating deep gratitude and recognition of the perfect justice, wisdom, and benevolence inherent in God's laws and decrees. It highlights a personal, zealous commitment to praising God for His revealed will, even at a time typically reserved for rest.

Psalm 119 62 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a poetic acrostic dedicated entirely to the excellence, perfection, and benefit of God's Word, represented by various synonyms such as "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "ordinances," "decrees," "words," and "judgments." The psalmist pours out his deep love, obedience, and dependence on God's divine revelation. Each of the 22 sections, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, consists of eight verses beginning with that letter. Verse 62 falls within the "Ayin" (ע) section (verses 65-72). The broader context of the Psalm demonstrates a life lived in constant contemplation and reverence for God's directives. The psalmist regularly refers to his trials, the opposition he faces, and his longing for God's help, always rooting his hope and resilience in the reliability of God's Word. This specific verse portrays an extreme form of personal piety, going beyond regular observance to a spontaneous, heartfelt burst of worship rooted in a profound appreciation for God's justice. Historically, communal worship had prescribed times (morning, evening sacrifices), but private devotion at "midnight" highlights extraordinary zeal, transcending conventional piety to reflect a uniquely personal and deep-seated devotion.

Psalm 119 62 Word analysis

• At midnight (חֲצוֹת לַיְלָה - chatzot laylah): This phrase precisely denotes the midpoint of the night. It is a highly specific and unusual time for an intentional act of rising and thanksgiving, particularly as the average person would be in deep sleep. This isn't merely waking up, but a deliberate decision to rise at this particular time. Its significance lies in demonstrating exceptional zeal and self-denial. It signifies a devotion that permeates all hours and is not bound by convenience or typical schedules. It underscores a sacrificial aspect, giving up personal comfort (sleep) for God's praise. This choice contrasts with superficial religiosity and highlights genuine, fervent piety.
• I will rise (אָקוּם - aqum): This is the Qal imperfect, first common singular, of the verb קוּם (qum), meaning "to rise," "to stand up," or "to arise." The imperfect tense indicates an ongoing commitment or a determined intention. It signifies a conscious, active choice to elevate oneself from a position of rest (sleep) to a posture of readiness and engagement in worship. It is not a passive happening, but a resolute action taken by the psalmist. It denotes urgency and prioritization of spiritual devotion above physical comfort.
• to give thanks (לְהוֹדוֹת - l'hodot): This is the infinitive construct of the verb יָדָה (yadah), related to the root meaning "to throw" or "to cast forth." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it means "to praise," "to confess," or "to give thanks." It implies an outward expression of gratitude, often with uplifted hands or verbal acknowledgment. This thanksgiving is an active expression, a "sacrifice of praise," stemming from a heart overflowing with appreciation, rather than mere acknowledgment.
• to You (לָךְ - lakh): The second person singular feminine pronominal suffix attached to the preposition "to," directly addressing God. This emphasizes the intensely personal and intimate nature of the psalmist's worship. The thanksgiving is directly aimed at God, a dialogue between the psalmist's soul and the Divine.
• Because of Your (עַל - al...צִדְקֶךָ - tzidqekha): The preposition al here conveys causality, "because of" or "on account of." The phrase ties the act of thanksgiving directly to God's attributes, specifically His judgments and righteousness. It's a fundamental reason, not just an incidental one.
• righteous judgments (מִשְׁפְּטֵי צִדְקֶךָ - mishp'tey tzidqekha):
  • Judgments (מִשְׁפְּטֵי - mishp'tey): From the noun מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), meaning "judgment," "ordinance," "statute," "justice," or "decree." In Psalm 119, mishpatim refers to God's judicial decisions, His governing principles, His rulings, and the righteous standards He establishes. It includes His decrees concerning what is right and wrong, and His providential workings in the world according to these standards.
  • Righteous (צִדְקֶךָ - tzidqekha): From the noun צֶדֶק (tzedek), meaning "righteousness," "justice," or "equity." When referring to God, it speaks to His intrinsic nature as utterly just, morally perfect, and in alignment with His holy character. God's judgments are not arbitrary but are expressions of His perfect righteousness. This implies that His decrees are always fair, true, and beneficial, worthy of profound thanksgiving. The combination "righteous judgments" highlights that God's laws are not only commands but also emanations of His perfect and just nature. The psalmist gives thanks not just for the laws, but for the inherent righteousness embedded within them and their operation.

Psalm 119 62 Bonus section

The Hebrew tradition places great emphasis on diligent study and prayer, often citing this verse as an example of ultimate dedication. Jewish sources and some Christian interpretations understand "midnight" not just as a specific hour but as symbolic of the "dead of night" or the most challenging times in one's life. Rising to give thanks then signifies unwavering faith and gratitude even amidst adversity or darkness, demonstrating that one's commitment to God is not circumstantial. This nocturnal vigil, often referred to in biblical context as a "watch," connects with themes of spiritual watchfulness, anticipation, and preparedness (e.g., Jesus' nocturnal prayers, the virgins waiting for the bridegroom). The psalmist's action is proactive praise, initiating communion with God rather than waiting for circumstances to prompt it. It reflects a life thoroughly permeated by divine truth, so much so that even rest cannot fully suppress the urge to praise the Lord.

Psalm 119 62 Commentary

Psalm 119:62 captures an extraordinary moment of devotion, revealing a heart captivated by God's truth and justice. The act of rising "at midnight" to give thanks signifies more than just early prayer; it is an act of supreme dedication, where personal comfort (sleep) is willingly sacrificed for the sake of spiritual communion and expression of gratitude. This is a private, intentional discipline that underscores the psalmist's deep-seated love for God's "righteous judgments." These "judgments" (His divine decrees, ordinances, and moral standards) are perceived not as burdensome rules but as expressions of God's perfect justice and wisdom, sources of joy and confidence. The psalmist's thanksgiving is therefore an intelligent and informed praise, based on a recognition of the inherent goodness and righteousness of God's ways, regardless of personal circumstances. It’s a powerful testimony to the transforming power of God's Word, eliciting spontaneous, heartfelt worship even in the quietest, darkest hours, demonstrating that true piety permeates every aspect of life and every moment, demanding vigilance and discipline.