Psalms 119:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

I rejoice in the way of your instruction more than in any kind of wealth.

Berean Standard Bible:

I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I have rejoiced{H7797} in the way{H1870} of thy testimonies{H5715}, as much as in{H5921} all riches{H1952}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Matthew 13:44

  • Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Jeremiah 15:16

  • Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Psalms 119:162

  • ¶ I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

Psalms 19:9

  • The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.

Psalms 19:10

  • More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalms 112:1

  • ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Job 23:12

  • Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for Psalms 119:14

Psalm 119:14 is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which is an acrostic poem consisting of 22 stanzas, each stanza beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm is a meditation on the Torah, or the Law of God, and each stanza extols the virtues of living according to God's commandments.

In verse 14, the psalmist declares, "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as [much as] in all riches." This verse reflects the theme of joy and contentment found in adherence to God's word. The "testimonies" refer to the teachings and laws of God as revealed in the Scriptures. The psalmist expresses that the joy derived from following God's testimonies is comparable to, or even surpasses, the joy one might experience from possessing great wealth.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the religious life of ancient Israel, where the Law was central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. The psalmist's affirmation of joy in the Law would resonate with a contemporary audience for whom the Torah was not just a legal code but a source of wisdom, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. The verse suggests that true happiness is not found in material possessions but in a life aligned with divine principles.

In summary, Psalm 119:14 emphasizes the intrinsic value of God's word, equating the joy of living by the Scriptures with the happiness derived from great wealth. It underscores the idea that spiritual riches are more fulfilling than material abundance, reflecting a key theme in biblical wisdom literature that aligns with the broader teachings of the Hebrew Bible.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7797
    There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שׂוּשׂ
    Transliteration: sûws
    Pronunciation: soos
    Description: or שִׂישׂ; a primitive root; to be bright, i.e. cheerful; be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice.
  2. Strong's Number: H1870
    There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
    Transliteration: derek
    Pronunciation: deh'-rek
    Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
  3. Strong's Number: H5715
    There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עֵדוּת
    Transliteration: ʻêdûwth
    Pronunciation: ay-dooth'
    Description: feminine of עֵד; testimony; testimony, witness.
  4. Strong's Number: H5921
    There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עַל
    Transliteration: ʻal
    Pronunciation: al
    Description: properly, the same as עַל used as a preposition (in the singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications; above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with.
  5. Strong's Number: H1952
    There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: הוֹן
    Transliteration: hôwn
    Pronunciation: hone
    Description: from the same as הוּן in the sense of אוֹן; wealth; by implication, enough; enough, [phrase] for nought, riches, substance, wealth.