Psalms 119:155

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Salvation [is] far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Salvation is far away from the wicked, because they don't seek your laws.

Berean Standard Bible:

Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.

American Standard Version:

Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Salvation{H3444} is far{H7350} from the wicked{H7563}: for they seek{H1875} not thy statutes{H2706}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Job 5:4

  • His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].

Ephesians 2:17

  • And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Ephesians 2:18

  • For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Psalms 10:4

  • The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.

Luke 16:24

  • And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Isaiah 46:12

  • Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:

Isaiah 57:19

  • I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

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Commentary for Psalms 119:155

Psalm 119:155 is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which is an acrostic poem extolling the virtues of God's law. This particular verse reflects on the spiritual condition of the wicked, emphasizing that salvation is out of reach for them because they do not seek God's statutes. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the wisdom literature tradition of ancient Israel, where the consequences of one's actions, particularly in relation to God's commandments, were a common theme.

The verse conveys a couple of key themes: first, the idea that there is a moral order to the universe, established by God, which cannot be ignored without consequence. The "wicked" here are those who live in defiance of God's will as expressed in His laws. Second, it underscores the principle that spiritual blessings, such as salvation, are tied to one's relationship with God and His commandments. In this view, seeking and adhering to God's statutes is not merely a matter of rule-keeping but a path to life and blessing.

Psalm 119 was likely written during the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. During this time, there was a renewed emphasis on the law of Moses as a means of preserving the unique identity and faith of the Israelite community amidst foreign influences. Thus, the verse also serves as a reminder to the faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's law, as it is the way to life and salvation.

*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: H3444
    There are 77 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְשׁוּעָה
    Transliteration: yᵉshûwʻâh
    Pronunciation: yesh-oo'-aw
    Description: feminine passive participle of יָשַׁע; something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity; deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare.
  2. Strong's Number: H7350
    There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רָחוֹק
    Transliteration: râchôwq
    Pronunciation: raw-khoke'
    Description: or רָחֹק; from רָחַק; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition); (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come.
  3. Strong's Number: H7563
    There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רָשָׁע
    Transliteration: râshâʻ
    Pronunciation: raw-shaw'
    Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.
  4. Strong's Number: H1875
    There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דָּרַשׁ
    Transliteration: dârash
    Pronunciation: daw-rash'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship; ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely.
  5. Strong's Number: H2706
    There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חֹק
    Transliteration: chôq
    Pronunciation: khoke
    Description: from חָקַק; an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage); appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task.