Devine Scripture

Psalms 19:9

What does Psalms 19:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 19:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 19:9 means

This verse completes the series of synonymous terms for God's Law, describing 'the fear of the LORD' and 'the ordinances of the LORD.' 'The fear of the LORD' refers to reverent awe and worship, which is described as 'clean,' meaning uncorrupted and eternally enduring. This true fear of God is a pure and lasting source of spiritual life. Finally, the 'ordinances of the LORD' are declared 'true' and 'righteous altogether,' signifying their absolute reliability, justice, and moral uprightness in every aspect. God's decrees are wholly consistent with His holy character.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The fear of the Lord is clean, and has no end; the decisions of the Lord are true and full of righteousness.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The fear of Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> clean, standing to the age, The judgments of Jehovah <FI>are<Fi> true, They have been righteous--together.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They are bound, and have fallen: but we are risen, and are set upright.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of Jehovah are truth, they are righteous altogether:

Context

This verse provides the concluding descriptions in this section of the different aspects of God's Law, reinforcing the cumulative weight of its divine qualities. It further solidifies the understanding of the Law's holiness, permanence, and perfect justice. This comprehensive praise of the Law's character then naturally leads to the psalmist's declaration of its supreme value and desirability in comparison to worldly riches in the subsequent verse.

v.8The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

v.9This passage

v.10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 72:1

    Give the king thy judgments, O God, And thy righteousness unto the king’s son.

  • Psalms 36:1

    The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes.

  • Psalms 115:13

    He will bless them that fear Jehovah, Both small and great.

  • Psalms 119:62

    At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances.

  • Acts 10:22

    And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.

  • Exodus 21:1

    Now these are the ordinances which thou shalt set before them.

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