Devine Scripture

Psalms 119:11

What does Psalms 119:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 119:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 119:11 means

This verse speaks of the psalmist’s intentional and internalized commitment to God’s word. “Hidden” suggests a precious treasure carefully guarded and stored within the innermost being, not merely memorized but deeply cherished and made a part of one’s identity. The heart, in biblical understanding, is the center of one’s thoughts, emotions, and decisions. By assimilating God’s word into this core, the psalmist establishes a powerful defense against sin. The purpose is clear: to live in obedience and avoid actions that displease God, highlighting the transformative power of internalizing divine truth as a guide for ethical conduct and spiritual purity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have kept your sayings secretly in my heart, so that I might do no sin against you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

In my heart I have hid Thy saying, That I sin not before Thee.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thy *word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, meticulously structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each section dedicated to a letter. The psalmist, likely an individual devoutly committed to God’s law, speaks throughout the chapter, expressing profound love and reliance on God’s word. This specific verse, found in the second section (Beth), follows verses that declare the blessedness of those who walk in God’s law. It immediately precedes verses that emphasize seeking God with the whole heart and not straying from His commands, reinforcing the theme of intentional devotion to and preservation of God's statutes as a means to a righteous life.

v.10With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments.

v.11This passage

v.12Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 2:51

    And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

  • Job 22:22

    Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, And lay up his words in thy heart.

  • Luke 2:19

    But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

  • Jeremiah 15:16

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Jehovah, God of hosts.

  • Psalms 1:2

    But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.

  • Isaiah 51:7

    Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye dismayed at their revilings.

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