Psalms 119:106

KJV

¶ I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have sworn {H7650}, and I will perform {H6965} it, that I will keep {H8104} thy righteous {H6664} judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, that I will observe your righteous rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

American Standard Version

I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:106 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering and solemn commitment to God's divine law. It captures a moment of deep personal resolve, where a vow is made and an intention expressed to not only acknowledge but actively live by the righteous decrees of the Lord, emphasizing both the sacred seriousness of the promise and the steadfast determination to fulfill it in daily life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with each of its 22 octaves beginning with a successive letter. This intricate design underscores the psalm's comprehensive and exhaustive praise of God's Torah, using eight primary synonyms for the divine Word (law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments, ways, and word). The entire psalm is a profound meditation on the excellence, wisdom, and comforting nature of God's revelation, serving as a comprehensive devotional guide to living in accordance with divine truth. Verse 106 falls within the section corresponding to the Hebrew letter 'Nun' (verses 105-112). This section frequently emphasizes the illuminating and guiding power of God's Word, building directly on the preceding verse, which declares, "[Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp and Light")". Thus, the psalmist's vow in verse 106 is a personal response to the light and guidance received, reinforcing his dedication to walk in that light despite any challenges or opposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, vows and oaths were deeply serious matters, often made before God and considered legally and spiritually binding. To "swear" implied invoking God as a witness to one's promise, making the commitment exceptionally weighty (see [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Keeping Vows")). Breaking such a vow was a grave offense, incurring divine displeasure. The concept of "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, _mishpatim_) refers not merely to legal rulings but to God's righteous ordinances and decrees, reflecting His perfect justice and moral order. For the Israelites, the Law (Torah) was not just a set of rules but a covenantal gift, a guide for life, and the very expression of God's character and will for His people. Living by these judgments was central to their identity and their relationship with Yahweh. The psalmist, likely a devout Israelite, embodies the ideal of one who loves and commits wholeheartedly to this divine revelation, recognizing its ultimate benefit and truth.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes within Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Solemn Vow and Unwavering Commitment**. The phrase "I have sworn" signifies a deeply serious, binding, and deliberate promise made directly to God, reflecting a heartfelt and resolute decision to obey. This is not a casual declaration but a profound act of devotion, echoing the psalmist's consistent expressions of love for God's law throughout the psalm, as seen in his declaration, "[Oh how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day](/psalms/119-97 "Psalm 119:97 - Love for God's Law")". Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Active Obedience and Performance**. The commitment "and I will perform [it], that I will keep" underscores the intention to translate the vow into concrete action. It moves beyond mere intellectual assent or emotional desire to a resolute determination to live out God's commands. This vital connection between faith and works is a foundational biblical principle, echoed in passages like [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"), which states that "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." Finally, the phrase "thy righteous judgments" underscores the **Inherent Righteousness and Goodness of God's Law**. The psalmist commits to these judgments precisely because they are inherently just, fair, and morally perfect. This acknowledges that God's law is not burdensome or arbitrary but beneficial, designed for humanity's well-being and leading to true righteousness and flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sworn (Hebrew, _shava'_):** This verb (שָׁבַע) means "to swear, to take an oath, to make a solemn promise." It often implies invoking God as a witness, making the oath profoundly binding and sacred. It signifies a deeply personal and deliberate commitment, elevating the psalmist's declaration beyond a mere intention to a sacred covenant with God.
* **Perform (Hebrew, _qum'_):** The verb (קוּם) literally means "to rise, stand up, establish, fulfill." In this context, it conveys the active execution or carrying out of the vow. It emphasizes that the commitment is not passive but involves diligent effort and a resolute determination to bring the promise to fruition.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb (שָׁמַר) means "to guard, observe, preserve, take heed to." It suggests a careful, diligent, and watchful adherence to God's commands, implying a protective attitude towards the law, ensuring its integrity and one's own fidelity to it.
* **Righteous Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpat tzedek'_):** This phrase combines _mishpat_ (מִשְׁפָּט), referring to divine ordinances, decrees, or just rulings, with _tzedek_ (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness, justice, or equity. Together, they emphasize the inherent moral perfection, fairness, and absolute integrity of God's laws, highlighting that they are not arbitrary but are expressions of His just and holy character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have sworn,"**: This opening clause establishes the profound seriousness and personal nature of the psalmist's commitment. It is a deliberate, solemn oath, a sacred vow made before God, signifying an unshakeable resolve. This is not a casual promise but a deeply binding declaration of intent.
* **"and I will perform [it],"**: This clause immediately follows the vow, emphasizing the active intention to translate the sworn promise into reality. It highlights the psalmist's determination to execute, fulfill, and live out the commitment, demonstrating that the vow is not merely spoken but is meant to be acted upon with diligence and perseverance.
* **"that I will keep thy righteous judgments."**: This final clause specifies the object of the vow and its performance: God's "righteous judgments." It underscores the psalmist's dedication to diligently observe, guard, and adhere to God's divine ordinances, recognizing their inherent justice, moral perfection, and beneficial nature. The commitment is to God's revealed will, which is always good and true.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 119:106, while concise, employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through the repetition of commitment: "I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep." This triple declaration of resolve intensifies the psalmist's dedication, leaving no doubt about the earnestness of his vow. The verse also functions as a form of **Personal Declaration**, a direct address to God that serves as both a prayer and a public statement of fidelity. Given the psalm's overall **Acrostic** structure, this verse, like all others, contributes to the comprehensive and exhaustive praise of God's law, reinforcing the idea that every facet of life and every letter of the alphabet can be dedicated to its observance. The phrase "righteous judgments" utilizes **Descriptive Adjectives** to highlight the inherent moral quality of God's law, portraying it as inherently good and just, thereby justifying the psalmist's unwavering commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:106 speaks to the core biblical theme of covenantal faithfulness and the transformative power of God's Word. It illustrates that true devotion to God is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, active, and lifelong commitment to His revealed will. The psalmist's vow reflects a recognition of God's absolute authority and the inherent goodness of His commands, understanding that obedience is the proper response to divine wisdom and love. This verse challenges believers to consider the depth of their own commitment, moving beyond passive acknowledgment to an active, sworn dedication to living by God's righteous standards, trusting that His ways are always for our ultimate good and spiritual flourishing. This deep commitment is a hallmark of a life truly surrendered to God.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law Diligently")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose You This Day")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:106 challenges believers today to examine the depth and sincerity of their commitment to God's Word. In a world that often values convenience and conditional promises, the psalmist's solemn vow stands as a powerful counter-cultural example of unwavering dedication. This verse calls us to move beyond a casual engagement with scripture to a deliberate, heartfelt, and active pursuit of obedience. It's not enough to intellectually agree with biblical truths; we are invited to make a conscious, personal commitment to "perform" and "keep" God's righteous judgments in every facet of our lives. This involves daily choices, prioritizing God's will over our own desires, and trusting in the inherent goodness and wisdom of His commands, even when they seem challenging. Our commitment, like the psalmist's, should be rooted in a deep love for God and His Word, recognizing that His statutes are designed for our flourishing and spiritual well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "swear" a commitment to God's Word in my daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to move from passive agreement to active "performance" of God's judgments?**
* **How does my understanding of God's "righteous judgments" influence my willingness to obey them, especially when they challenge my personal preferences or cultural norms?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more diligently "keep" God's Word in my thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the psalmist to "swear" to keep God's judgments?**

Answer: To "swear" (Hebrew: _shava'_) in this context means to make a solemn, binding oath or vow before God. It signifies an exceptionally serious and deliberate commitment, invoking God as a witness to the promise. It elevates the psalmist's intention from a mere desire to a sacred, unshakeable covenant, demonstrating the profound depth of his devotion and his resolute determination to obey God's commands. This was a common practice in ancient Israel, where vows were taken with utmost gravity, as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Do Not Delay to Pay a Vow").

**Is this verse promoting legalism, or is it about a genuine relationship with God?**

Answer: This verse is not promoting legalism, which is the belief that salvation or righteousness can be earned through strict adherence to laws. Instead, it expresses a genuine, heartfelt desire to live in faithful obedience out of love for God and His Word. Throughout Psalm 119, the psalmist consistently expresses deep affection and delight in God's law, viewing it not as a burden but as a source of light, life, and wisdom (e.g., [Psalm 119:97](/psalms/119-97 "Psalm 119:97 - Love for God's Law")). His commitment is a response to God's goodness and the inherent righteousness of His judgments, reflecting a desire for intimacy and conformity to God's character, rather than an attempt to earn favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:106 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the psalmist's vow. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, declaring in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law") that He came "not to destroy, but to fulfill." His entire life was a perfect demonstration of having "sworn, and... performed" God's righteous judgments, always doing the will of His Father (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases God")). Through His perfect obedience, sacrifice, and resurrection, Christ established the New Covenant, making it possible for believers to genuinely "keep" God's judgments, not by sheer willpower, but by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant promise, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and explained in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law on Our Hearts"), is that God will write His laws upon our hearts and minds, enabling us to desire and perform His will. Thus, the psalmist's longing for perfect obedience is realized in Christ, who not only perfectly obeyed but also empowers His followers to walk in the righteousness of God through Him, fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 10:29

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

Psalms 56:12

Thy vows [are] upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

2 Corinthians 8:5

And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 66:14

Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

2 Kings 23:3

And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.