Psalm 119 95

Psalm 119:95 kjv

The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

Psalm 119:95 nkjv

The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies.

Psalm 119:95 niv

The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.

Psalm 119:95 esv

The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.

Psalm 119:95 nlt

Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.

Psalm 119 verses

Psalm 119 95 Meaning

Psalm 119:95 articulates the Psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's testimonies even when facing grave threats from the wicked. It highlights a sharp contrast between the malicious intentions of adversaries to destroy him and his steadfast resolve to diligently contemplate and immerse himself in the divine Word. This verse serves as a declaration of reliance on God's truth as a refuge and guide amidst persecution.

Psalm 119 95 Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each of the 22 sections containing eight verses beginning with the same Hebrew letter. It is an extensive hymn exalting and proclaiming love for God's Law (Torah) under various synonyms (statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, word, promise, testimonies, ways). Verse 95 falls within the Tsade (צ) section (vv. 153-160), where the Psalmist continues to cry out to God from a place of distress and opposition. He often portrays himself as surrounded by enemies, specifically the "proud" or "wicked," who despise God's Law and persecute those who follow it. In this immediate context, the Psalmist consistently expresses his dependence on God and His Word despite adversity, asserting his adherence to divine truth while seeking God's mercy and justice against his foes. Historically, following God's commands often invited antagonism from those who did not, reflecting the ancient conflict between fidelity to YHWH and the idolatrous or ungodly practices prevalent in Israel and surrounding nations. The Psalmist's steadfastness is a quiet yet profound polemic against the temporal power and evil intentions of the wicked, affirming that true stability and life are found only in God's revealed will.

Psalm 119 95 Word analysis

• The wicked: From Hebrew רְשָׁעִים (r'sha'im). This term describes those who are habitually estranged from God's way, living in rebellion against His commands. In biblical thought, the "wicked" are not merely those who do bad things occasionally, but those whose orientation and lifestyle are characterized by opposition to God and righteousness. They often stand in direct antithesis to the righteous (צדיקים, tsaddiqim), reflecting a moral and spiritual divide. They represent forces hostile to God's people and His truth.
• have waited for me / wait: From Hebrew קִוּוּ (qivvu), derived from the root קוה (qavah). This root means to "wait," "hope," or "expect." In this context, it carries a hostile nuance, meaning "to lie in wait," "to ambuscade," or "to anticipate with evil intent." It suggests a predatory patience, a lurking danger, implying deliberate and cunning preparation to cause harm.
• to destroy me: From Hebrew לְאַבְּדֵנִי (l'abdēni), derived from the verb אָבַד (abad). This powerful verb means "to perish," "to be lost," "to destroy," or "to utterly wipe out." It denotes complete ruin or annihilation, not just minor harm or setback. The intention of the wicked is severe and absolute: to end the Psalmist's existence or spiritual vitality.
• but I: From Hebrew וַאֲנִי (va'ani), a strong conjunction ("and" or "but") followed by the emphatic personal pronoun "I." This construction creates a dramatic contrast, highlighting the Psalmist's determined and active choice. Despite the severe threat and the "wicked's" focused malice, "I" – in sharp opposition – will choose a different path. This emphasizes his personal resolve and commitment.
• will consider: From Hebrew אֶתְבּוֹנֵן (et'bônēn), a reflexive form of בִּין (bin), which means "to understand," "to perceive," "to discern," "to consider carefully." The reflexive (Hithpael) stem suggests an intensive, reflective action upon oneself or one's understanding. It implies not just casual reading, but a deep, meditative engagement; an active and purposeful mental application to comprehend and gain insight from the subject. It is an internalizing and spiritual process.
• Your testimonies: From Hebrew עֵדֹתֶיךָ (edoteykha). This is one of the key synonyms for God's law or Word used throughout Psalm 119. "Testimonies" refer to God's divine decrees, commands, and statutes which serve as "witnesses" to His character, will, and covenant faithfulness. They are declarations of truth, providing a standard for living, bearing witness to what is right and wrong. They are not merely suggestions but authoritative, revealed truth that forms the basis of God's covenant relationship with His people.

Psalm 119 95 Bonus section

The active and internal verb "will consider" or "will ponder" highlights a volitional and intensely personal commitment. It's not a passive act but an deliberate choice made by the Psalmist, underscoring the spiritual warfare aspect: one can choose to focus on the threat or on the divine solution. This verse exemplifies the spiritual discipline of meditation on the Word, which is crucial for spiritual resilience. It suggests that a deep immersion in God's testimonies provides a counter-narrative and a source of wisdom that empowers the faithful to transcend their circumstances rather than be consumed by them. The Psalmist doesn't seek vengeance; his "action" is profound spiritual reflection, demonstrating that strength against wickedness comes from spiritual depth, not reciprocal malice.

Psalm 119 95 Commentary

Psalm 119:95 presents a vivid juxtaposition of danger and devotion. The Psalmist is under immediate, existential threat from the "wicked," who are not just passively wishing him ill, but actively "waiting to destroy" him. This implies a cunning, patient, and total malevolence aimed at his demise. In such a dire situation, a natural human response might be fear, panic, or seeking revenge or protection by human means. However, the Psalmist's reaction is profoundly spiritual and counter-intuitive to the natural man: "but I will ponder Your testimonies."

This response is a powerful declaration of trust and an example of profound spiritual discipline. Instead of focusing on his enemies or their destructive intentions, the Psalmist turns his gaze and his mind toward God's Word. The Hebrew word for "ponder" (אֶתְבּוֹנֵן, et'bônēn) signifies deep, reflective, insightful contemplation—it is not merely reading but understanding, internalizing, and discerning the divine truth within. It suggests a process of aligning his thoughts, will, and actions with God's perfect law.

The "testimonies" of God are his revealed will, His authoritative truths that testify to His nature and His demands for humanity. By choosing to immerse himself in these testimonies, the Psalmist finds not only comfort and direction but also a fortified resolve against the onslaught of evil. His strength does not come from his own power or strategy, but from his unwavering commitment to the immutable Word of God. This act of pondering is a spiritual anchor, providing stability and peace in the face of violent opposition. It serves as a reminder that the believer's ultimate security and solace, even amidst dire threats, lie in persistent engagement with divine truth rather than reacting in fear to temporal evils.

Practically, this verse teaches believers that when surrounded by adversaries or challenges (whether spiritual, emotional, or physical) that seek to "destroy" their faith or well-being, the most potent and stable recourse is to turn deliberately and deeply to the Scriptures.

• When faced with unjust accusations, one can turn to God's testimonies for truth and righteousness, rather than engaging in fruitless arguments.
• When feeling overwhelmed by a hostile environment, one can immerse oneself in God's promises of protection and presence, finding peace that surpasses understanding.
• When experiencing betrayal, focusing on the unchanging character of God revealed in His Word can mend a broken spirit.