Psalm 89 31

Psalm 89:31 kjv

If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;

Psalm 89:31 nkjv

If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments,

Psalm 89:31 niv

if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands,

Psalm 89:31 esv

if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments,

Psalm 89:31 nlt

if they do not obey my decrees
and fail to keep my commands,

Psalm 89 verses

Psalm 89 31 Meaning

Psalm 89:31 declares a condition within the Davidic covenant: if David's descendants, who are the subjects of the covenant promise, willfully profane God’s divine decrees or negligently fail to adhere to His specific instructions, consequences will inevitably follow. This verse highlights the tension between God's unconditional promise regarding the everlasting Davidic dynasty and the conditional application of immediate blessings or discipline to the individual kings and their line based on their faithfulness.

Psalm 89 31 Context

Psalm 89 is a "Maskil" (a contemplative or instructive psalm) by Ethan the Ezrahite. It begins by celebrating the Lord's steadfast love and faithfulness (vv. 1-18), particularly focusing on His covenant promises to King David (vv. 19-37), derived from 2 Samuel 7. God solemnly promises an enduring dynasty for David, even in the face of future iniquity from his descendants, assuring that His covenant love will not be withdrawn from them (2 Sam 7:14-16, echoed in Ps 89:33-37). However, within this declaration, God outlines the consequences for their potential unfaithfulness. Verses 30-32 specify these conditional terms. Psalm 89:31 thus serves as the premise for the subsequent discipline, underscoring that while God's ultimate promise to David will stand (fulfilled perfectly in Christ), the immediate blessings and stability of David's individual successors are contingent upon their obedience to God's law. Historically, this psalm resonates deeply with times when the Davidic line or Israel itself experienced national distress, prompting a question: "Has God forgotten His covenant?" The psalmist ultimately uses the established divine word to grapple with the tension between God's unchanging character and Israel's changing circumstances.

Psalm 89 31 Word analysis

• If (אִם - im): This conditional particle introduces a hypothetical situation. It sets up the condition, indicating that the consequences detailed in subsequent verses are directly dependent on the action described here. It signifies a potential future event, not a certainty.
• they (הֵמָּה - hemmāh): The pronoun refers to David’s sons or children mentioned in Psalm 89:30, the royal line established by God. This emphasizes the personal responsibility of those who are heirs of the covenant promise.
• violate (יְחַלְּל֤וּ - yĕḥallelû, from חָלַל - ḥālal): The root ḥālal means to profane, defile, pollute, or wound. Here, it conveys an active, intentional act of desecration. It suggests treating something holy or sacred (God's statutes) as common or worthless. It is more than just failing to keep; it's actively undermining or defiling the divine standard. This highlights a severe breach of covenant relationship.
• My statutes (חֻקֹּותַי - ḥuqqōtay): Refers to God's divine decrees, ordinances, or established laws. From ḥōq (חֹק), meaning an engraved rule or fixed boundary. These are the foundational principles or general laws that define God's divine order and moral standards. They represent God’s sovereign declarations.
• and (וְ - wĕ): A simple conjunction, connecting the two phrases of transgression.
• do not keep (לֹ֥א יִשְׁמְר֛וּ - lō yišmĕrû, from שָׁמַר - shāmar): The verb shāmar means to watch, guard, preserve, observe, or pay heed to. When combined with "lo'" (not), it implies neglect, a failure to observe, protect, or actively live by the divine commands. This can be passive disobedience or a failure to maintain vigilance over God's ways.
• My commandments (מִצְוֹתָֽי - miṣwōtāy): Refers to God's specific commands, instructions, or precepts. From mitzvah (מִצְוָה), implying direct orders or specific divine instructions for action or conduct. These complement "statutes" by referring to detailed, actionable directives.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "If they violate My statutes": This phrase points to an active and intentional rebellion. "Violate" is strong, suggesting a disregard for the sacred nature of God's law. It's not merely a stumble, but a deliberate transgression against God's established order and revealed will, especially from those who should be His representatives.
• "and do not keep My commandments": This phrase adds the element of passive neglect or failure to maintain fidelity to God's specific instructions. While "violate" might imply open defiance, "do not keep" speaks to a consistent pattern of ignoring or not upholding what God has explicitly commanded. Together, the two phrases encompass the full spectrum of disobedience, from active transgression to passive neglect of the divine will. "My statutes" and "My commandments" collectively refer to the entirety of God's revealed law, covering both broad principles and specific regulations. This indicates that their failure would be a comprehensive rejection of God's guidance.

Psalm 89 31 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of "violate My statutes" (active desecration) and "do not keep My commandments" (passive neglect) indicates that God holds His covenant partners accountable for both direct rebellion and negligent oversight. This highlights that responsibility before God is comprehensive, extending beyond overt sin to a failure in diligent adherence. It underscores a key theological point often seen in the Deuteronomic theology throughout the Old Testament: blessing is predicated upon obedience, and curses or disciplinary actions are the inevitable outcome of disobedience. Even within an electing covenant like the one with David, individual accountability remains paramount. The ultimate resolution to this human inability to perfectly "keep" and avoid "violating" is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who alone lived a life of perfect obedience, thereby securing the everlasting promises of God not just for Himself, but for all who are found in Him.

Psalm 89 31 Commentary

Psalm 89:31 stands as a vital qualifier within God's otherwise unconditional promise to David concerning the enduring nature of his throne. While the permanency of the Davidic dynasty is guaranteed by God's faithfulness (ultimately fulfilled in Christ's eternal reign), the prosperity and peace of the individual kings within that line were contingent on their adherence to divine law. The verse details a two-fold aspect of unfaithfulness: "violating My statutes" speaks of active defilement, a contemptuous trampling on God’s holy decrees; while "do not keep My commandments" signifies a more passive, yet equally destructive, neglect of God’s specific instructions. This passage powerfully demonstrates God's consistent character: He upholds His covenants, yet He is also just, and will discipline those who disregard His word, even within His chosen family. This divine discipline is not an abrogation of the covenant, but rather a parental response aimed at correction and restoration, ensuring the continued relationship and eventual fulfillment of His overarching purposes through a remnant or, ultimately, through His perfectly obedient Son, Jesus the Messiah. The passage sets the stage for God's just but loving chastisement (vv. 32-34), reassuring that despite human failure, God's love will not be completely withdrawn.