Psalm 119:63 kjv
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Psalm 119:63 nkjv
I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts.
Psalm 119:63 niv
I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
Psalm 119:63 esv
I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
Psalm 119:63 nlt
I am a friend to anyone who fears you ?
anyone who obeys your commandments.
Psalm 119 63 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 13:20 | Walk with the wise, and become wise... | Companionship shapes character |
| Ps 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly... | Avoid ungodly associations |
| Acts 2:42 | And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship... | Early church devoted to fellowship |
| 1 Jn 1:7 | If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship... | Fellowship linked to walking in God's light |
| Heb 10:24-25 | ...consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together... | Encourage communal worship and good deeds |
| Mal 3:16 | Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another; the Lord paid attention and heard them... | God hears those who fear Him in fellowship |
| Ps 16:3 | As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. | Delight in God's people |
| Prov 9:10 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom... | Fear of the Lord is foundational wisdom |
| Ps 111:10 | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding. | Wisdom tied to fearing and practicing God's word |
| Job 28:28 | Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding. | Wisdom from fearing God and departing from evil |
| Deut 10:12 | What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him...? | God requires fear, walking, and love |
| Ps 1:2 | But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. | Delight in God's law characterizes the righteous |
| Ps 19:7 | The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul... | God's law revives the soul |
| Jn 14:15 | If you love me, you will keep my commandments. | Love for God demonstrated through obedience |
| 1 Jn 5:3 | For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. | Keeping commands is a sign of love for God |
| Jas 1:22 | But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. | Call to be doers of the word |
| Matt 7:24 | Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man... | Wisdom from hearing and doing God's word |
| 2 Cor 6:14 | Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers... | Warning against unrighteous partnership |
| Phil 2:2 | ...being of one mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. | Unity of mind and love in fellowship |
| Eph 4:1-3 | ...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility...eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit. | Worthy walk involves humility and unity |
| 1 Thes 5:11 | Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. | Mutual encouragement within the believing community |
Psalm 119 verses
Psalm 119 63 Meaning
Psalm 119:63 declares the psalmist's intentional identification and association with individuals who exhibit profound reverence for God and actively observe His divine commands. It expresses a personal commitment to finding companionship among those whose lives are characterized by devotion and obedience to God's revealed will. The psalmist defines himself by the company he keeps, choosing fellowship with the righteous.
Psalm 119 63 Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem celebrating the enduring perfection and transforming power of God's law, word, precepts, statutes, testimonies, and commandments. Each section of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 63 is part of the "Samekh" section (verses 65-72), which often speaks of God's goodness despite affliction, the psalmist's steadfast devotion, and his commitment to God's ordinances. In this larger context of unwavering dedication to God's word, verse 63 articulates a critical aspect of such devotion: choosing to associate with those who share the same reverence for God and obedience to His commands. This was particularly significant in ancient Israel where the surrounding nations often lived by different principles, and loyalty to God's covenant was a distinguishing mark. The psalmist's choice of companionship highlights his firm adherence to YHWH's ways, aligning himself with the righteous against any pervasive societal influences contrary to divine truth.
Psalm 119 63 Word analysis
- I am a companion: The Hebrew word here is chaver (חָבֵר), meaning "friend," "associate," or "fellow." It denotes more than a casual acquaintance; it implies a close relationship, shared purpose, and perhaps mutual participation in activities. The psalmist is actively identifying himself with these individuals, suggesting solidarity and a sense of belonging among them. It's a deliberate and personal choice to affiliate.
- of all them that fear thee: The phrase kol-ye're'ekha (כָּל-יִרְאֶיךָ) uses yirah (יִרְאָה) for "fear," which in a biblical context for God signifies much more than dread. It's a deep reverence, awe, and worshipful respect that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty, holiness, and majesty. This profound respect leads to humble submission and obedience. Those who "fear God" are typically seen as righteous, wise, and devoted followers of Him (e.g., Prov 9:10). The inclusion of "all" indicates a broad embrace of anyone who truly embodies this reverence, not limited by tribal or social distinctions but by spiritual alignment.
- and of them that keep thy precepts: The phrase uleshomre piqqudeyka (וּלְשֹׁמְרֵי פִקּוּדֶיךָ) uses shamar (שָׁמַר) for "keep," which means to guard, observe, watch, or preserve. It implies diligent adherence and careful preservation of something valuable. It's an active, ongoing obedience. Piqqudim (פִקּוּדִים) are "precepts," "mandates," or "ordinances," often referring to God's specific instructions for conduct and moral living, distinct commands that guide life.
- I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts: This entire phrase presents a parallelism, where "fear God" and "keep His precepts" are two facets of the same core spiritual reality. True fear of God is not abstract; it manifests in active obedience. The psalmist declares his identity through his chosen fellowship, deliberately aligning himself with the community defined by both reverence and obedience to divine instruction. This reflects a commitment to a life lived in accordance with God's word and surrounded by those who share that commitment, thereby fostering spiritual growth and upholding the truth collectively.
Psalm 119 63 Bonus section
- The declaration in Psalm 119:63 highlights the proactive nature of the psalmist's faith. He isn't merely a passive recipient of influence, but actively chooses his associations to align with his devotion to God's ways.
- This verse underpins the concept that righteousness is not lived in isolation but thrives within a supportive, godly community. The "fear of the Lord" naturally expresses itself in practical obedience, and those who exemplify both are the desired companions.
- It serves as a counter-cultural statement in any era, urging a distinction from the world's values and practices by consciously selecting relationships based on shared spiritual devotion and adherence to God's standards. This communal aspect of obedience helps solidify individual commitment.
Psalm 119 63 Commentary
Psalm 119:63 offers a profound insight into the character and choices of a true worshiper of God. It is not merely an expression of social preference, but a statement of spiritual conviction. The psalmist understands that companionship shapes destiny. By choosing to be a "companion" (or close associate) of those who both "fear God" (holding Him in awe and reverence) and "keep His precepts" (diligently obeying His commands), he ensures that his environment reinforces his devotion to God's law. This is a deliberate disengagement from those who disregard divine truth, and an intentional alignment with a community that prioritizes it. Such fellowship provides mutual encouragement, accountability, and strength in upholding God's word in a world that often deviates from it. It's a testament to the psalmist's discernment: he recognizes that those who truly reverence God will inevitably demonstrate it through their obedience, and these are the individuals with whom he desires to share his life and journey. This verse implicitly encourages believers to seek out and cultivate relationships that uphold and strengthen their faith, reinforcing the truth that healthy spiritual fellowship is crucial for a consistent walk with God.