Psalm 119 86

Psalm 119:86 kjv

All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

Psalm 119:86 nkjv

All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me!

Psalm 119:86 niv

All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.

Psalm 119:86 esv

All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

Psalm 119:86 nlt

All your commands are trustworthy.
Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 86 Meaning

Psalm 119:86 expresses a profound declaration of trust in God's faithfulness juxtaposed with a heartfelt cry for help in the face of unjust persecution. The psalmist affirms that every one of God's commands is utterly reliable and true, forming an unshakeable foundation. This truth stands in stark contrast to the experience of being pursued with deceit and false accusations. In this predicament, the psalmist appeals directly to God for deliverance, recognizing His unique ability to bring justice and salvation.

Psalm 119 86 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic psalm celebrating God's Word in its various forms: law, statutes, precepts, commandments, rules, decrees, testimonies. Each of the 22 stanzas, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, develops a theme related to the Torah, often reflecting the psalmist's personal commitment, struggle, and plea. Verse 86 falls within the 'Pe' (פ) section (verses 81-88). This section, generally, speaks of the psalmist's intense longing for God's salvation amidst overwhelming suffering. He feels consumed, his life like a "wineskin in the smoke" (v. 83), and asks how long he must wait for divine judgment against his persecutors (v. 84). Amidst this deep distress and weariness, the psalmist holds onto the truth of God's reliable commandments as his sole hope, asserting their trustworthiness even as he faces unjust attacks. The verse articulates the psalmist's steadfast trust in God's immutable character and His Word, which contrasts sharply with the deceit and falsehood originating from his human adversaries. Historically, this struggle echoes the experiences of the righteous in ancient Israel, often facing opposition from those who rejected God's Law or perverted justice.

Psalm 119 86 Word analysis

• All: From the Hebrew כָּל־ (kol), meaning "the whole of, all, every." This emphasizes the completeness and totality of God's commands. It signifies that not a single command is excluded; their faithfulness is universal.

• your commandments: From מִצְוֹתֶ֗יךָ (mitzvoteykha), the plural of מִצְוָה (mitzvah), referring to God's divine ordinances or specific injunctions given to His people. This term denotes God's revealed will that humanity is called to obey. The possessive suffix "your" directly ties these commands to God, emphasizing their divine origin and authority.

• are faithful: From אֱמוּנָה (emunah), meaning "firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, trustworthiness, truth." This is a foundational theological concept often attributed to God Himself (e.g., Deut 32:4). When applied to His commandments, it means they are utterly reliable, true, and will never fail. They provide a stable and unwavering standard in a chaotic world. It contrasts directly with "falsehood" in the next clause, asserting the absolute integrity of God's word against human deception.

• they persecute me wrongfully: A single clause in English but critical Hebrew words are involved: שֶׁ֣קֶר רְדָפ֑וּנִי (sheqer radafuni).

  • they persecute me: רְדָפ֑וּנִי (radafuni) from the root רָדַף (radaf), meaning "to pursue, chase, follow, persecute." Here it denotes active, aggressive, and hostile pursuit or harassment, signifying malicious intent against the psalmist.
  • wrongfully: From שֶׁ֣קֶר (sheqer), meaning "lie, deception, falsehood, fraud." This is the crucial element that clarifies the nature of the persecution. The psalmist is not being persecuted for legitimate wrongdoing, but based on false accusations, lies, or a deceitful pretense. This implies that his adversaries are operating out of injustice, directly opposing God's truth.

• help me!: From עָזְרֵֽנִי (ozreni), an imperative form of the verb עָזַר (azar), meaning "to help, support, assist." This is a direct, urgent cry to God. It highlights the psalmist's feeling of powerlessness in the face of his persecutors and his absolute reliance on divine intervention for deliverance and vindication. It acknowledges God as the sole source of effective aid.

• "All your commandments are faithful": This phrase asserts the absolute truth and reliability of God's entire body of divine instruction. It is a declaration of unwavering trust in the divine character, whose faithfulness is reflected in His every word. This stands as a theological anchor for the psalmist amidst distress, contrasting God's steadfastness with the changing, deceptive nature of human actions.

• "they persecute me wrongfully": This phrase identifies the specific nature of the psalmist's suffering. The opposition is not merely difficult or challenging, but unjust, based on lies and deception. This highlights the ethical battle: the righteous adherent of God's truth against the world's falsehood. The implication is that following God's faithful commands often leads to confrontation with those who walk in falsehood.

Psalm 119 86 Bonus section

The psalmist's use of "wrongfully" (שֶׁקֶר - sheqer) is a strong theological statement, contrasting with God's perfect "emunah" (faithfulness). This word "sheqer" signifies not just error, but deliberate deceit and perversion of truth. This highlights a fundamental conflict: those who oppose the righteous are not simply mistaken, but are actively engaging in falsehood, standing in direct opposition to the character of God, who is truth and faithfulness. The plea "help me" is thus an appeal to God's very nature and justice, asking Him to intervene in a world that denies His truth through the practice of deception. This anticipates the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood, which is a key eschatological theme in the Bible.

Psalm 119 86 Commentary

Psalm 119:86 is a poignant cry from the heart of a believer who, while fully confident in the integrity of God's revealed truth, simultaneously experiences profound and unjust suffering at the hands of those who live by deceit. The initial affirmation, "All your commandments are faithful," serves as the bedrock of the psalmist's existence. It is not just an intellectual statement but a profound, personal trust in the unchangeable character of God, which is expressed perfectly through His commands. These commands are dependable, unlike human words or systems of justice that can be corrupted. This declaration acts as a shield against the disillusionment that wrongful persecution might bring.

The lament, "they persecute me wrongfully," directly contrasts the divine fidelity with human depravity. The Hebrew "sheqer" (falsehood, lies) is vital here; the persecution is not earned through genuine misdeeds but stems from fabrication or distorted accusations. This exposes the malice of the adversaries and validates the psalmist's righteous stance. This scenario is a common thread throughout the biblical narrative, from Abel to the prophets, to Jesus Christ, and to His followers—that adherence to God's truth often provokes the antagonism of a world aligned with falsehood.

In this stark dichotomy—divine faithfulness versus human falsehood—the psalmist's only recourse is to God. His desperate plea, "help me!", is born out of a realization that no human agency can rectify such fundamental injustice. It is an appeal for divine intervention, for God to uphold His own righteous standards by delivering His faithful servant. This verse powerfully illustrates that true faith maintains its grip on God's character and word even when suffering unjustly, knowing that only God can bring vindication and true help.