Psalms 119:108

KJV

¶ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Accept {H7521}, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings {H5071} of my mouth {H6310}, O LORD {H3068}, and teach {H3925} me thy judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please accept my mouth's voluntary offerings, ADONAI; and teach me your rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me Your judgments.

American Standard Version

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:108 presents a heartfelt, dual petition from the psalmist to the LORD: a humble request for divine acceptance of his voluntary expressions of worship and devotion, metaphorically termed "freewill offerings of my mouth," coupled with an earnest plea for continuous divine instruction in God's righteous decrees. This verse profoundly encapsulates the psalmist's deep reverence for God's Word, his recognition of ongoing dependence on divine teaching, and his fervent desire for his spontaneous praise and commitment to be pleasing in God's sight, thereby illustrating the inseparable connection between genuine worship and a life guided by divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is a monumental acrostic poem, the longest chapter in the Bible, meticulously structured around the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. This intricate design underscores its singular, comprehensive focus: the celebration and exaltation of God's Torah—encompassing His law, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, and testimonies. Verse 108 is situated within the "Mem" section (verses 105-112), which immediately follows the psalmist's profound declaration in [Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - The Word as a Lamp") that God's word serves as a "lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The verses preceding this plea, specifically [Psalms 119:106-107](/psalms/119-106-107 "Psalm 119:106-107 - Commitment Amidst Affliction"), reveal a psalmist who has solemnly sworn to keep God's righteous judgments despite enduring severe affliction and suffering. This immediate literary backdrop imbues his dual plea for acceptance and further instruction with profound poignancy, as it arises from a life marked by unwavering commitment to the divine Word even in the crucible of hardship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "freewill offerings" (Hebrew: _nedabah_) directly references the voluntary sacrificial system detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in books such as [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Freewill Offerings") and [Numbers 29:39](/numbers/29-39 "Numbers 29:39 - Voluntary Offerings"). Unlike obligatory sacrifices for sin or guilt, a _nedabah_ was a spontaneous offering, given out of genuine gratitude, devotion, or a vow. By applying this term to the "mouth," the psalmist transcends the physical ritual, metaphorically presenting his prayers, praises, vows, and declarations of commitment as spiritual sacrifices. This concept was not entirely novel, as prophetic tradition frequently emphasized the supremacy of a contrite heart over mere ritualistic observance, as seen in [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice"). The "judgments" (Hebrew: _mishpatim_) signify God's righteous decrees, ordinances, and rulings, which constituted the foundational ethical and legal framework for Israelite society. The psalmist's earnest request to be taught these judgments reflects a deep-seated desire for practical wisdom to live righteously within the parameters of God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Spiritual Worship and Acceptable Offerings**. The psalmist's desire for God to "accept the freewill offerings of my mouth" profoundly underscores that true worship transcends mere external ritual; it is fundamentally a heartfelt, voluntary expression of devotion, praise, and unwavering commitment. This anticipates the New Testament's teachings on spiritual sacrifices, particularly as articulated in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise"). Secondly, the earnest plea "teach me thy judgments" highlights the crucial theme of **Continuous Divine Instruction and the Pursuit of Wisdom**. Despite his evident profound love for and immersion in the Torah, the psalmist humbly acknowledges his perpetual need for God's ongoing guidance and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of His righteous ways. This motif recurs throughout the psalm, exemplified in [Psalms 119:33](/psalms/119-33 "Psalm 119:33 - Teach Me Your Statutes"). Finally, the verse intrinsically links **Worship and Obedience**, suggesting that genuine, heartfelt devotion naturally cultivates a profound hunger for God's wisdom, and conversely, a deeper understanding of God's judgments leads to more informed, sincere, and Spirit-led worship. This holistic perspective on faith seamlessly integrates spiritual expression with practical living in accordance with God's divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Accept (Hebrew, _râtsâh'_):** From H7521, this primitive root signifies "to be pleased with," "to satisfy," or "to be acceptable." In the context of offerings, it denotes divine approval, favorable reception, and a sense of delight. The psalmist is not demanding but humbly requesting that his spiritual expressions be found pleasing and acceptable in God's sovereign sight, acknowledging that ultimate acceptance rests with the LORD.
* **Freewill offerings (Hebrew, _nᵉdâbâh'_):** From H5071, this term (derived from the root `nâdab`, meaning "to be willing" or "generous") specifically refers to a voluntary, spontaneous offering given out of a willing heart, rather than compulsion or obligation. When metaphorically applied to the "mouth," it signifies prayers, praises, vows, and declarations that flow from genuine, uncoerced devotion, not from ritualistic duty or external pressure.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this noun, often appearing in its plural form (_mishpatim_), properly means "a verdict pronounced judicially," encompassing a sentence, formal decree, or divine law. It refers to God's righteous rulings, ordinances, and legal decisions, embodying the principles of justice, equity, and moral order by which God governs the world and expects His people to live. The request to be taught these judgments is a profound desire for practical wisdom to discern and apply God's righteous standards in all facets of daily life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD":** This opening clause is a humble yet fervent petition for divine approval and favorable reception. The psalmist presents his spoken expressions—his prayers, praises, vows, and declarations of commitment—as voluntary spiritual sacrifices. The phrase "I beseech thee" underscores his profound dependence on God and the earnestness of his plea. He desires that his spontaneous, heartfelt worship, which emanates from his innermost being and is articulated through his mouth, be received and acknowledged by God as truly acceptable. This highlights the immense value God places on sincere, voluntary devotion over mere ritualistic performance.
* **"and teach me thy judgments."**: This second clause reveals the psalmist's profound and ongoing hunger for continuous divine instruction. Despite his deep immersion in and love for God's law, he humbly recognizes his perpetual need for God to illuminate His righteous decrees. This is not a request for mere intellectual knowledge of rules, but for an understanding that leads to practical application, discernment, and the embodiment of God's moral and ethical standards in all areas of life. The intrinsic connection between the two clauses suggests that true worship is inseparable from a commitment to learning and living according to God's righteous will, forming a holistic expression of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological and spiritual message. **Metaphor** is prominently featured in the phrase "the freewill offerings of my mouth," where the psalmist likens his spoken words of prayer, praise, and commitment to the voluntary animal sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament cult. This powerful metaphor elevates verbal expressions of devotion to the status of a sacred offering, emphasizing their spiritual value and the sincerity required for their acceptance. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **synthetic parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought introduced in the first. While not strictly synonymous, the two petitions—for the acceptance of worship and for divine teaching—are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing, creating a cohesive and progressive thought. The entire verse functions as a **Petition** or **Supplication**, a direct and earnest address to God, characterized by humility ("I beseech thee") and fervent desire, reflecting the psalmist's profound and dependent relationship with the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:108 beautifully articulates a holistic vision of faith, where worship is not divorced from wisdom, and devotion is inextricably linked to discernment. The "freewill offerings of my mouth" point directly to the New Testament emphasis on spiritual sacrifices, where believers are called to offer their very lives and their praise as acceptable worship to God, transcending the need for animal sacrifices. This reflects a deeper, more profound understanding of worship as a continuous posture of the heart, expressed through both words and deeds. Simultaneously, the plea "teach me thy judgments" underscores the enduring necessity of divine revelation and the Holy Spirit's illumination for believers to truly understand and apply God's truth in a fallen world. This pursuit of wisdom is not a one-time event but an ongoing, humble dependence on God to guide one's steps according to His righteous standards. The verse thus bridges the Old and New Covenants, revealing timeless principles of sincere, heartfelt worship and the lifelong, humble pursuit of divine truth.

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:108 serves as a timeless and profound model for the believer's approach to God, urging a seamless integration of worship and wisdom into the fabric of daily life. It challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity and spontaneity of our "offerings of the mouth"—our prayers, praises, confessions, and vows. Are they truly "freewill," flowing organically from a heart overflowing with gratitude, adoration, and genuine devotion, or are they merely rote repetitions, obligatory utterances, or perfunctory rituals? This verse powerfully reminds us that God desires authentic, heartfelt communication and relationship, not just external performance. Furthermore, it highlights the continuous and indispensable need for divine instruction. In an age saturated with information and competing voices, the psalmist's humble plea to be taught God's judgments stands as a powerful, counter-cultural call to prioritize God's unchanging truth as our ultimate guide. It reminds us that spiritual growth is an ongoing, dynamic process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, always dependent on God's active teaching through His inspired Word and the illuminating work of His Spirit. Our worship should naturally deepen our hunger for His truth, and conversely, our understanding of His truth should profoundly enrich and inform our worship, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of devotion and discernment that shapes our character, guides our actions, and transforms our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How genuinely "freewill" are my expressions of worship and devotion to God? Do they truly flow from a sincere heart, or are they often perfunctory or merely habitual?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I most urgently need God to "teach me His judgments" or provide deeper understanding and discernment of His righteous ways?**
* **How does my personal worship (encompassing prayer, praise, and diligent Bible study) directly influence my desire and ability to live in consistent obedience to God's commands?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more consistent posture of humbly seeking God's wisdom and actively accepting His divine instruction?**

### FAQ
**What does "freewill offerings of my mouth" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "freewill offerings of my mouth" refers to all our voluntary, sincere, and heartfelt verbal expressions of devotion to God. This includes our prayers of confession, thanksgiving, and intercession; our praises and adoration; our vows of commitment and obedience; and our declarations of faith. Unlike the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, these are spiritual offerings, given freely from a willing heart, rather than out of obligation or compulsion. The New Testament affirms this, encouraging us to offer a "sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")) and to present our bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). It profoundly emphasizes that God values the sincerity, intention, and genuine love behind our words more than any external ritual or mere performance.

**Why does the psalmist, who clearly loves God's law, still need God to "teach me thy judgments"?**

Answer: The psalmist's earnest request to be taught God's "judgments" (Hebrew: _mishpatim_) reveals a profound humility and a recognition that understanding God's truth is not a static achievement but an ongoing, dynamic process. Even with a deep love for the law and a commitment to its precepts, human understanding is inherently limited, and the complexities of life require continuous divine illumination and discernment. This is not a plea for basic knowledge, but for deeper insight, practical wisdom, and the ability to apply God's righteous principles in ever-changing circumstances. It acknowledges that true wisdom comes from God alone ([Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom")) and that the Holy Spirit is essential for understanding spiritual truths and discerning God's will ([1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - Spiritual Discernment")). The psalmist desires not just to know the law intellectually, but to live it fully, righteously, and practically, which necessitates continuous divine teaching and guidance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:108 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's plea for God to "accept the freewill offerings of my mouth" points forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which alone makes any human offering, spiritual or otherwise, truly acceptable to a holy God. Our "freewill offerings" of praise, prayer, and devotion are not accepted on their own inherent merit but are made holy, pleasing, and effectual through the atoning work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). It is solely through His mediation and His perfect righteousness that we can "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). Furthermore, the psalmist's earnest desire, "teach me thy judgments," is perfectly and completely answered in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's wisdom and righteousness. He is the living Word, the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")) and perfectly revealed the Father's judgments, character, and will ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father in Jesus")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to His disciples ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")), believers are now taught God's judgments from within, gaining spiritual discernment, understanding of His will, and the power to obey. Thus, in Christ, our worship is made eternally acceptable, and our minds are enlightened to truly know, understand, and live by God's righteous decrees.

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

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Hosea 14:2

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

Psalms 119:12

¶ Blessed [art] thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

Numbers 29:39

These [things] ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

Psalms 119:169

¶ TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

Psalms 119:130

¶ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalms 119:26

¶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.