Devine Scripture

Psalms 19:8

What does Psalms 19:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 19:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 19:8 means

Continuing the praise of God's Law, this verse describes two more facets of its divine character and impact. The 'precepts of the LORD' are characterized as 'right,' meaning morally correct and just, which brings joy and gladness to the heart of those who embrace them. Furthermore, the 'commandment of the LORD' is 'pure,' free from error or corruption, and it has the wonderful effect of 'enlightening the eyes.' This means it grants spiritual insight and understanding, dispelling ignorance and bringing clarity to life's path, much like light illuminates darkness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The orders of the Lord are right, making glad the heart: the rule of the Lord is holy, giving light to the eyes.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The precepts of Jehovah <FI>are<Fi> upright, Rejoicing the heart, The command of Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> pure, enlightening the eyes,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will call upon the name of the Lord, our God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes;

Context

Following the initial praise of the Law's perfection and trustworthiness from the previous verse, this verse continues to enumerate its positive attributes. It builds upon the idea of God's Word being restorative and wise-giving, now emphasizing its moral rectitude and illuminating power. These descriptions further set the stage for understanding the Law's enduring and righteous nature, leading into its valuation above all earthly treasures.

v.7The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.

v.8This passage

v.9The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 18:16

    when they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

  • Psalms 119:121

    I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors.

  • Psalms 119:128

    Therefore I esteem allthyprecepts concerning allthingsto be right; AndI hate every false way. פ PE.

  • Psalms 119:14

    I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.

  • Deuteronomy 16:11

    and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are in the midst of thee, in the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there.

  • Romans 7:22

    For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

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