Psalm 119 79

Psalm 119:79 kjv

Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

Psalm 119:79 nkjv

Let those who fear You turn to me, Those who know Your testimonies.

Psalm 119:79 niv

May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.

Psalm 119:79 esv

Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.

Psalm 119:79 nlt

Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 79 Meaning

Psalm 119:79 is a heartfelt prayer and aspiration of the Psalmist for association with those who genuinely reverence God and faithfully apply His divine decrees. It expresses a desire for companionship and solidarity with fellow believers whose lives are marked by devotion to the Lord and understanding of His testimonies. This plea arises from a profound love for God's Word, seeking confirmation and fellowship amidst potential scorn or opposition from those who disregard it.

Psalm 119 79 Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, each stanza of eight verses beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This particular verse (79) falls within the Yodh section (verses 73-80), where the Psalmist reflects on God's active role in his creation, his desire for God's presence, and his enduring hope amidst affliction. The surrounding verses express confidence in God's righteousness, longing for His mercies (Ps 119:76-77), and seeking vindication against the proud (Ps 119:78). Verse 79, therefore, is a personal plea for camaraderie with those who truly share his reverence for God and dedication to His divine instruction, especially valuable in times when he might feel isolated or challenged for his faith. He seeks those who understand and live by God's truth as a counterpoint to the proud and deceitful who seek to pervert him (Ps 119:78, 80).

Psalm 119 79 Word analysis

• Let those who fear you (יְרֵאֶיךָ, yir'eikha):

  • Word Level: From the root יָרֵא (yare), meaning "to fear, reverence, stand in awe of." In biblical context, "fear of the Lord" is not servile dread but profound respect, awe, and submission that leads to obedience and wisdom (Prov 1:7, Job 28:28). It signifies a proper relational posture towards God as sovereign and holy.
  • Significance: The Psalmist is seeking companionship with those who truly acknowledge and live under God's authority, recognizing Him as the ultimate truth and authority. This distinguishes them from those who merely give lip service to God or follow their own ways.

• turn to me, (יָשׁוּבוּ לִי, yashuvu li):

  • Word Level: From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to turn, return, repent, restore." In this context, it suggests coming into fellowship, agreement, or shared purpose. It implies a convergence of paths or minds.
  • Significance: This is a longing for connection, a turning towards shared values and a common spiritual trajectory. The Psalmist does not seek personal recognition but recognition of shared faith and understanding of God's ways. It’s an appeal for association based on mutual devotion to God's commandments.

• those who understand your testimonies. (וְיֹדְעֵי עֵדֹתֶיךָ, v'yode'ey 'edoteikha):

  • Word Level:
    • Understand (יֹדְעֵי, yode'ey): From the root יָדַע (yada), meaning "to know, perceive, understand." This knowledge is not merely intellectual assimilation but often denotes intimate, experiential, or relational knowledge that influences one's behavior (Gen 4:1, Hos 4:6). It implies a deep comprehension that leads to living according to that understanding.
    • Testimonies (עֵדֹתֶיךָ, 'edoteikha): From the root עוּד ('ud), referring to God's decrees, precepts, and covenant stipulations. These are God's divine declarations and witnesses to His will, often signifying a more detailed and personal aspect of the Law than generic "law" (Torah).
  • Significance: The Psalmist seeks fellowship not just with those who passively "know about" God's Word, but those who have grasped its truth deeply enough to be shaped by it. Their understanding is lived out in obedience, making them discerning followers of God’s path (Ps 119:104). This implies active engagement and application of God's revealed will in their lives.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Let those who fear you turn to me": This phrase expresses the Psalmist's desire for the right kind of company—fellowship with true believers. It’s not a request for general popularity, but for the discerning and righteous to recognize and align with him. In a world often hostile or indifferent to God's ways, seeking out those who reverence Him becomes vital for spiritual support and encouragement.
• "those who understand your testimonies": This expands upon the previous phrase by specifying the quality of the "fearers of God." Their fear is not a blind awe but is informed by a deep comprehension and active application of God's revealed truth. This understanding is the key element defining the Psalmist's desired community, distinguishing those who genuinely abide in God's truth from those who may just outwardly observe religious forms. It suggests a bond forged in shared devotion to and active engagement with God's written Word.

Psalm 119 79 Bonus section

The prayer "Let those who fear you turn to me" also implies a sense of shared vindication or alignment in faith. In Psalm 119, the Psalmist frequently suffers scorn or opposition for his devotion to God's law. His appeal for the God-fearing and understanding to "turn to him" could be a plea for them to recognize his faithfulness and perhaps offer their support or affirmation, differentiating him from his persecutors (as seen in v. 78, "Let the proud be put to shame..."). This deepens the understanding of his desire for fellowship: it's not merely companionship but solidarity in truth, especially vital when surrounded by adversaries or misunderstandings. This prayer for convergence with the godly implies that living according to God's word often draws others who share that devotion, creating a community centered on divine truth.

Psalm 119 79 Commentary

Psalm 119:79 articulates a profound spiritual longing for fellowship with kindred spirits. The Psalmist, amidst potential trials and the presence of the proud (implied from prior verses), desires the company and recognition of those who genuinely revere the Lord and whose lives are profoundly shaped by His revealed truth. This is not a selfish request for personal validation, but a yearning for shared commitment to God's testimonies in a world that often disdains them. The "fear of the Lord" implies a life of worship and obedience, while "understanding His testimonies" points to a deep, experiential knowledge of His Word that translates into wise and righteous living. Such companions would affirm his own dedication, provide encouragement, and share in the journey of faith and obedience. This desire for spiritual communion highlights the importance of accountability, mutual strengthening, and collective witness among God's people.