Psalm 19 10

Psalm 19:10 kjv

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:10 nkjv

More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:10 niv

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:10 esv

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Psalm 19:10 nlt

They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.

Psalm 19 verses

Psalm 19 10 Meaning

Psalm 19:10 declares that the divine ordinances of the Lord are of immeasurable value and indescribable pleasure, far surpassing the greatest material wealth and the most delectable earthly delights. They are to be pursued and treasured more earnestly than the rarest and most abundant forms of gold, and they yield a spiritual sweetness and satisfaction that exceeds even the purest honey from the comb. This verse testifies to the soul-enriching and deeply satisfying nature of God's perfect instruction and truth.

Psalm 19 10 Context

Psalm 19 is a poetic masterpiece divided into two distinct yet complementary sections, both praising God's revelation. The first section (verses 1-6) describes God's "general revelation" through creation – the heavens, sky, and sun declaring His glory, power, and wisdom to all humanity, universally and wordlessly. This cosmic display serves as a grand preamble. The second section (verses 7-14) shifts to God's "special revelation" through His Word, specifically the Law (Torah), described using various synonyms (testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, rules). It is here that humanity receives explicit guidance, perfection, truth, and light.

Verse 10 falls within this second section, building upon the qualitative descriptions of God's Word in verses 7-9 (perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous). Having established the divine attributes and effects of the Law, verse 10 focuses on its immense value and profound delight for the one who embraces it. The cultural context underscores this value: in an ancient agrarian society, honey was a prime source of sweetness and sustenance, and gold was the ultimate symbol of wealth and security. By comparing God's words to these highly prized commodities and proclaiming them superior, the Psalmist elevates spiritual truth far above material desires. Implicitly, this passage also stands in gentle polemic against a worldview that would prioritize wealth and fleeting physical pleasure above righteousness and divine wisdom, a common human failing in any era. David, a king accustomed to worldly riches, personally testifies that God's Word holds a far greater treasure.

Psalm 19 10 Word analysis

• Word-by-word analysis:

  • More to be desired: Hebrew nehmad (נֶחְמָד). This participle form from the root chamad means "to be precious," "desirable," "coveted," "pleasurable." It denotes an inherent attractiveness and worth that elicits strong longing, implying the object itself is exceedingly valuable, not just commanded.
  • are they: Refers back to "the rules of the LORD" (verse 9) and by extension all the attributes of God's Law mentioned in verses 7-9 (Torah, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear, rules). It’s not just a set of external commands but an inner treasure.
  • than gold: Hebrew zahav (זָהָב). The universal ancient symbol of wealth, power, and material security. It represents the highest worldly value.
  • Yea, than much fine gold: Hebrew u'mi'paz rav (וּמִפַּז רָב). Paz (פָּז) refers to pure, refined, or solid gold, gold of the finest quality, often linked with Ophir. Rav (רָב) means "much" or "abundant." This intensifies the previous comparison, highlighting not just common gold but the rarest, most abundant, and most valuable form of it.
  • Sweeter also: Hebrew u'matok (וּמָתוֹק). Meaning "sweet," "pleasant." This shifts from objective value to subjective, sensory delight. It speaks of the internal experience and satisfaction derived from the Word.
  • than honey: Hebrew mi'dvash (מִדְּבַשׁ). A primary source of sweetness in ancient times, highly valued for its natural flavor and energy. Often associated with abundance and pleasure, as in "a land flowing with milk and honey."
  • and the honeycomb: Hebrew ve'nophet tzufim (וְנֹפֶת צוּפִים). Nophet (נֹפֶת) often means honey that drips or exudes, particularly the pure honey fresh from the comb. Tzufim (צוּפִים) are honeycombs. Honey straight from the comb was considered the purest, most concentrated, and most delicious form. This intensifies the previous comparison of "honey," emphasizing ultimate natural sweetness and freshness.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "More to be desired... than gold, Yea, than much fine gold": This phrase uses escalating parallelism (anadiplosis/intensifying parallelism). The first part sets a high bar (gold), and the second part immediately surpasses it (much fine gold), conveying a supreme and unmatchable value. This emphasizes the exceeding preciousness of God's Law over all worldly riches, implying it's not merely comparable but overwhelmingly superior.
  • "Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb": This is another instance of intensifying parallelism. It begins with the general sweetness of "honey" and then escalates to the pinnacle of natural sweetness, "the honeycomb." This conveys an ultimate sensory and emotional delight found in God's Word, indicating profound inner satisfaction, joy, and spiritual nourishment that far surpasses physical pleasure.
  • Dual Comparisons (Value & Taste): The verse cleverly employs two distinct metaphors – precious metals for objective worth, and sweet foods for subjective delight. This covers both the intellectual conviction of the Word's worth and the experiential joy it brings to the soul, appealing to different facets of human experience. It illustrates that God's Word is not only intrinsically valuable but also deeply satisfying and pleasing to the one who engages with it.

Psalm 19 10 Bonus section

The comparisons in Psalm 19:10, gold and honey, represent both durable, lasting value and immediate, delectable enjoyment. This suggests that God's Word offers both enduring, objective truth (like gold, which does not decay) and subjective, present delight (like honey, which satisfies immediately). It caters to both the practical need for guidance and the spiritual longing for peace and joy. The use of natural, elemental metaphors (gold, honey, alongside the sun from the first half of the Psalm) roots divine revelation deeply within the created order, emphasizing that the God who ordered the physical universe with its inherent values and delights is the same God whose Word provides perfect spiritual order and delight. The psalm transitions seamlessly from acknowledging God's majesty in creation to reveling in the personal, transformative power of His Law.

Psalm 19 10 Commentary

Psalm 19:10 captures the profound, multi-faceted allure of God's Word, moving beyond mere adherence to expressing passionate desire and ultimate satisfaction. It isn't just a list of commands, but a living spring of delight and invaluable treasure. The dual comparisons to gold and honey are pivotal. Gold represents security, wealth, and status, the pinnacle of human accumulation. Yet, the Psalmist declares that God's law surpasses not just common gold, but much fine gold, indicating its incomparable, transcendent worth. This is not a slight hyperbole, but a spiritual truth asserting that true security and lasting value reside not in earthly abundance, but in divine revelation.

Similarly, honey and the honeycomb represent immediate, sensory pleasure and sweet satisfaction. In a world with few refined sugars, honey was a prime treat. Yet, God's Word is sweeter. This speaks to a deeper, more abiding joy and contentment that flows from understanding and obeying divine wisdom, one that never fades but rather nurtures the soul. The cumulative effect of these parallel metaphors is a powerful testament to the Word's sufficiency as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and lasting joy. This verse challenges believers to shift their core desires from transient material pursuits and fleeting physical pleasures to the eternal, soul-nourishing truths of God.

• Practical usage examples:
  • When faced with financial choices, prioritizing aligning with biblical principles (generosity, integrity) over merely accumulating wealth.
  • In moments of spiritual drought, turning to Scripture for true refreshment rather than seeking momentary worldly comforts.
  • Choosing to spend time studying the Bible over consuming popular entertainment, recognizing the deeper joy it brings.