Psalm 119 75

Psalm 119:75 kjv

I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

Psalm 119:75 nkjv

I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

Psalm 119:75 niv

I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Psalm 119:75 esv

I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Psalm 119:75 nlt

I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 75 Meaning

Psalm 119:75 states the Psalmist's deep conviction and experiential knowledge that God's judgments—His divine decrees, ordinances, and governing acts—are inherently righteous and just. Furthermore, the psalmist affirms that the personal affliction or suffering he experiences is not arbitrary or punitive in a retributive sense, but is administered by God's perfect faithfulness, serving a redemptive and righteous purpose. This verse demonstrates profound trust and submission to God's will, even in times of difficulty.

Psalm 119 75 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem of 176 verses divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Within each stanza, every one of the eight verses begins with that letter. The psalm is singularly focused on the divine Word—referring to it with various synonymous terms like law, statutes, precepts, commandments, rules, decrees, and judgments. It expresses deep love, devotion, and obedience to God's revelation.

Verse 75 falls within the Yodh stanza, a section where the psalmist continues to reflect on the nature of God's commands and their personal impact. The overall context of the psalm reveals a profound reliance on God's word as a guide, comfort, and source of life, especially in times of affliction and opposition. The psalmist frequently mentions suffering (e.g., 119:50, 67, 71, 92, 107, 153), persecution, and enemies. Against this backdrop of personal distress, the psalmist continually reaffirms his unwavering faith in the just and faithful character of God. The "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim) in this context refer not primarily to condemnation, but to God's righteous ordinances and the way He governs the world and interacts with His people. The verse explicitly states that even affliction is part of His faithful administration.

Historically and culturally, ancient Israelites understood suffering not as random chance but often linked to divine action, whether as consequence of sin or for disciplinary/refining purposes. This psalm reinforces the latter, demonstrating a theological understanding that goes beyond simplistic cause-and-effect to embrace God's sovereignty and faithfulness even in difficult circumstances. There's an implicit rejection of the notion that suffering means God is absent or uncaring; instead, it is an act of His just and faithful hand.

Psalm 119 75 Word analysis

• I know (יָדַע, yada): This is not merely intellectual awareness but a profound, experiential knowing, deeply ingrained conviction, or understanding gained through personal experience. It implies recognition and affirmation based on observation and internalization. The psalmist has personally come to know this truth through life's trials.
• O LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): The sacred covenant name of God, indicating His personal, revealed character and His eternal, self-existent nature. Addressing Him by this name emphasizes the intimate and covenantal relationship the psalmist has with God.
• that Your judgments (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim): Refers to God's divine decrees, ordinances, established principles, or acts of righteous governance. It encompasses His just rulings and His actions in ordering the world and dealing with humanity. These are not merely abstract laws but the active expression of God's will in human affairs.
• are righteous (צֶדֶק, tzedek): Signifies being just, morally right, in conformity with a perfect divine standard, and equitable. God's judgments are not arbitrary, but consistently and perfectly fair, true, and good.
• and that in faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה, 'emunah): Refers to God's steadfastness, trustworthiness, loyalty, and constancy. It implies His adherence to His promises and His unchanging character. The affliction is not due to caprice or abandonment but is a direct outcome of God's consistent, trustworthy nature and His purposes.
• You have afflicted (עִנִּיתָ, innita from עָנָה, 'anah): To humble, discipline, chastise, bring low, or cause suffering. It speaks of intentional divine action that is difficult or painful. Crucially, the suffering is presented as an action by God, not by chance or circumstance, and is purposed to achieve a desired end for the psalmist's spiritual benefit.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I know, O LORD": This phrase establishes a direct, personal confession and declaration of conviction addressed to God Himself. It underlines the intimate nature of the psalmist's faith and his personal engagement with divine truth.
• "Your judgments are righteous": This part highlights God's absolute moral character. It affirms that every action and decree originating from God is inherently just and upright, without flaw or error. This provides the foundational truth for understanding the second part of the verse.
• "and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me": This is a profound and often challenging statement. It connects personal suffering directly to God's attribute of faithfulness. It implies that the affliction is not a sign of God's unfaithfulness or wrath (in this specific context), but rather an evidence of His enduring commitment to the psalmist's spiritual well-being. God, in His faithfulness, disciplines and refines, seeking to bring His child into deeper obedience and conformity to His righteous standards. The means (affliction) are painful, but the motive (faithfulness) and end (righteous purpose) are good.

Psalm 119 75 Bonus section

The profound acknowledgment in Psalm 119:75—that God's hand in affliction is a manifestation of His righteousness and faithfulness—resonates throughout Christian theology. It subtly prefigures the New Testament understanding of God's purposeful suffering, particularly through the cross of Jesus Christ. The affliction of Christ, while unjust by human standards, was supremely righteous in God's eternal plan to provide salvation for humanity. Moreover, for believers, spiritual discipline and affliction are presented as means by which God conforms us to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29) and sanctifies us. This verse counters the simplistic idea that piety always brings material ease, promoting instead a trust in divine wisdom that can use any circumstance for ultimate good. The psalmist's statement is not one of resignation, but of profound understanding and settled peace regarding God's just and good governance, even when His methods are severe.

Psalm 119 75 Commentary

Psalm 119:75 presents a deep theological truth wrapped in personal testimony. It’s a remarkable declaration of faith in the face of pain, asserting God’s character—His righteousness and faithfulness—as the lens through which one can understand personal suffering. The psalmist doesn't merely believe God is just; he has experientially come to know it, having traversed periods of deep personal affliction. He sees his hardships not as arbitrary blows of fate, nor as evidence of God's disregard, but as deliberate, righteous acts from a faithful God who seeks to refine, instruct, or draw His child closer to Himself and His Word. This perspective elevates suffering from a senseless ordeal to a purposeful, albeit painful, part of God’s redemptive work. The verse teaches that accepting God's sovereignty over affliction enables us to discover a profound meaning and divine hand even in our deepest valleys.

Practical usage:

• When facing personal hardship, rather than questioning God's love, affirm that His judgments are righteous.
• Seek to discern the faithful hand of God in your afflictions, trusting that He is working all things for your good and His glory, even if the path is painful.
• Allow trials to deepen your reliance on God's Word and character, recognizing they are part of His plan to shape you.