Psalms 19:10
What does Psalms 19:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 19:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 19:10 means
Having enumerated the many virtues of God's Law, this verse states its incomparable value and sweetness. The various aspects of God's Word are declared to be more desirable than the most precious material possessions, specifically 'gold,' and even 'much fine gold,' indicating the highest possible monetary worth. Beyond mere value, the Law is also described as 'sweeter than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb,' emphasizing its delightful and nourishing quality to the soul. This signifies that spiritual truth brings far greater satisfaction and pleasure than any earthly indulgence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.
KJV
King James Version · 1611More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949More to be desired are they than gold, even than much shining gold; sweeter than the dropping honey.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They are more desirable than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, Even liquid honey of the comb.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752O Lord, save the king: and hear us in the day that we shall call upon thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They are more precious than gold, yea, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey and the dropping of the honeycomb.
Context
Following the comprehensive description of the Law's perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous attributes, this verse expresses the psalmist's passionate *appreciation* for it. It transitions from describing the Law's qualities to declaring its supreme emotional and spiritual value, comparing it to the most desired earthly things. This declaration then sets up the practical benefits and warnings derived from the Law in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 8:19
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.
- Proverbs 3:13
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.
- Job 23:12
I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
- Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
- Psalms 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;
- Proverbs 24:13
My son, eat thou honey, for it is good; And the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to thy taste:
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