King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Princes also did sit [and] speak against me: [but] thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Even when princes sit and plot against me, your servant meditates on your laws.
Berean Standard Bible:
Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
American Standard Version:
Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Princes{H8269} also did sit{H3427} and speak{H1696} against me: but thy servant{H5650} did meditate{H7878} in thy statutes{H2706}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 2:1
- ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Psalms 2:2
- The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],
1 Samuel 22:7
- Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;
1 Samuel 22:13
- And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
Luke 22:66
- And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Luke 23:10
- And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Luke 23:11
- And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked [him], and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
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Commentary for Psalms 119:23
Psalm 119:23 is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, which is a grand acrostic poem extolling the virtues of God's law. The verse reflects a common experience of the faithful, where they face opposition and slander from powerful figures—referred to here as "princes." Despite this adversity, the psalmist chooses to focus on divine truth rather than worldly conflict, finding solace and purpose in meditating on God's statutes.
Historically, this verse likely echoes the struggles of the Israelite community, who often found themselves governed or oppressed by foreign rulers or corrupt leaders within their own nation. The psalmist's response to such trials is not political maneuvering or retaliation but a turn to the spiritual refuge found in God's word. This act of meditation serves both as a form of resistance against the negative influence of the powerful and as a source of comfort and guidance for the faithful.
The themes of Psalm 119:23 include the contrast between earthly authority and divine wisdom, the steadfast commitment to God's law amidst persecution, and the personal comfort derived from Scripture. The verse underscores the idea that true strength and dignity come from aligning oneself with God's precepts, rather than succumbing to the pressures or insults of those in positions of power. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of Scripture as a source of stability and hope in the face of opposition.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8269
There are 368 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שַׂר
Transliteration: sar
Pronunciation: sar
Description: from שָׂרַר; a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. - Strong's Number: H3427
There are 980 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָשַׁב
Transliteration: yâshab
Pronunciation: yaw-shab'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. - Strong's Number: H1696
There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָבַר
Transliteration: dâbar
Pronunciation: daw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. - Strong's Number: H5650
There are 714 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֶבֶד
Transliteration: ʻebed
Pronunciation: eh'-bed
Description: from עָבַד; a servant; [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. - Strong's Number: H7878
There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׂיחַ
Transliteration: sîyach
Pronunciation: see'-akh
Description: a primitive root; to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter; commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with). - 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.