TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 119 verses 116–117
Here, 1. David prays for sustaining grace; for this grace sufficient he besought the Lord twice: Uphold me; and again, Hold thou me up. He sees himself not only unable to go on in his duty by any strength of his own, but in danger of falling into sin unless he was prevented by divine grace; and therefore he is thus earnest for that grace to uphold him in his integrity (Psa 41:12), to keep him from falling and to keep him from tiring, that he might neither turn aside to evil-doing nor be weary of well-doing. We stand no longer than God holds us and go no further than he carries us. 2. He pleads earnestly for this grace. (1.) He pleads the promise of God, his dependence upon the promise, and his expectation from it: "Uphold me, according to thy word, which word I hope in; and, if it be not performed, I shall be made ashamed of my hope, and be called a fool for my credulity." But those that hope in God's word may be sure that the word will not fail them, and therefore their hope will not make them ashamed. (2.) He pleads the great need he had of God's grace and the great advantage it would be of to him: Uphold me, that I may live, intimating that he could not live without the grace of God; he should fall into sin, into death, into hell, if God did not hold him up; but, supported by his hand, he shall live; his spiritual life shall be maintained and be an earnest of eternal life. Hold me up, and I shall be safe, out of danger and out of the fear of danger. Our holy security is grounded on divine supports. (3.) He pleads his resolution, in the strength of this grace, to proceed in his duty: "Hold me up, and then I will have respect unto thy statutes continually and never turn my eyes or feet aside from them." I will employ myself (so some), I will delight myself (so others) in thy statutes. If God's right hand uphold us, we must, in his strength, go on in our duty both with diligence and pleasure.
"O establish me according to Your word and I shall live: and let me not be disappointed of my hope" [Psalm 119:116]. He who had before said, "You are my taker up," prays that he may be more and more borne up, and be led unto that, for the sake of which he endures so many troubles; trusting that he may there live in a truer sense, than in these dreams of human affairs. For it is said of the future, "and I shall live," as if we did not live in this dead body. While "we await the redemption of our body, we are saved by hope, and hoping for that we see not, we await with patience." [Romans 8:23-25] But hope disappoints not, if the love of God be spread abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which is given unto us. [Romans 5:5]
Continue studying Psalms 119:116 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 119:116 is a profound and vulnerable prayer rooted in the psalmist's deep reliance on God's revealed truth. It articulates a fervent plea for divine sustenance and preservation, not merely for physical existence but for a life lived in spiritual vitality and purpose. The prayer culminates in a request for vindication, that the psalmist's steadfast hope, anchored in God's unfailing word, would never be put to shame or disappointment, thereby powerfully testifying to God's faithfulness amidst a challenging world.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. This particular verse falls within the Samekh (ס) section (verses 113-120). Throughout the entire psalm, the author expresses an unparalleled devotion to God's "word" (using various synonyms like law, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, testimonies, and promises), viewing it as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, life, and comfort. The psalmist frequently contrasts the faithfulness of God's word with the hostility of the wicked, often crying out for divine intervention and upholding based on God's promises. This theme is powerfully encapsulated in the psalmist's declaration that God's word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. The Samekh section itself emphasizes the psalmist's hatred for indecision and false ways, and his profound love for God's law, leading naturally to a prayer for divine support in maintaining integrity and living righteously.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting of Psalm 119 is not tied to a specific historical event but reflects the enduring experience of a devout Israelite living under the Mosaic Covenant. In ancient Israel, the Torah (God's law) was not merely a set of rules but the very constitution of the nation, the blueprint for a blessed life, and the foundational revelation of God's character. To live "according to thy word" meant aligning one's entire being with God's revealed will, often in the face of societal pressures or persecution from those who disregarded it. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: bûwsh) was particularly potent in ancient Near Eastern honor-shame cultures. To be "ashamed of one's hope" implied public humiliation or the profound personal disappointment of one's trust in God proving futile. This prayer, therefore, is a plea for God to act in such a way that the psalmist's faith is publicly vindicated and personally confirmed, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and preserving the believer's honor in the community.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights radical dependence on God's word as the foundation for all life and hope. The psalmist recognizes his own fragility and inability to sustain himself, actively seeking divine upholding. Secondly, it underscores the intimate connection between obedience to God's word and true life. "That I may live" signifies more than mere physical existence; it points to a vibrant, purposeful, and spiritually flourishing life that is only possible when aligned with God's will and sustained by His power. This echoes the promise of life found in God's commands and statutes. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes unwavering hope in God's promises, even amidst adversity. The psalmist's "hope" (confident expectation) is placed entirely in God, and the prayer is for this hope to be honored and never lead to shame. This resonates with the New Testament understanding of a hope that does not put us to shame, because God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Primarily, it functions as a Supplication, a direct and earnest prayer to God, demonstrating the psalmist's complete reliance on divine intervention. The phrase "Uphold me" uses Metaphor, picturing God as a strong foundation or support that prevents the psalmist from falling. This physical imagery powerfully conveys spiritual and emotional sustenance. The structure of the verse also exhibits a form of Parallelism, where the two outcomes desired ("that I may live" and "let me not be ashamed of my hope") are closely related and mutually reinforcing, both stemming from God's upholding based on His word. The phrase "according unto thy word" highlights Fidelity to Covenant, emphasizing that the basis of the prayer is not human merit but divine promise, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His revealed truth and the psalmist's confident appeal to that truth.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:116 profoundly articulates the theological truth that true life and steadfast hope are inextricably linked to God's revealed word and His active upholding. It underscores humanity's inherent dependence on divine grace for both spiritual vitality and vindication. The psalmist's prayer is a testament to God's character as faithful and trustworthy, suggesting that His word is not merely information but a living, active force that sustains and fulfills. This verse highlights the tension between the believer's vulnerable hope and God's unwavering promise, asserting that God's faithfulness will ultimately overcome all circumstances that threaten to bring shame or despair. It teaches that our confidence should be rooted in God's immutable word, which forms the bedrock of our existence and the guarantee of our future, allowing us to live boldly in the present.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:116 serves as a timeless model for the believer's prayer life, urging us to anchor our deepest needs and aspirations in the unchanging truth of God's word. In a world fraught with uncertainty, where our faith and hope are often challenged, this verse reminds us that our sustenance and ultimate vindication come from God alone, not from our own strength or the approval of others. It encourages us to pray boldly for God's upholding, trusting that His promises are sufficient to sustain us through every trial, enabling us to live a life that truly honors Him. Furthermore, it calls us to cultivate a hope so deeply rooted in God's faithfulness that we are not easily swayed by disappointment or shame, knowing that our ultimate reward and vindication rest securely in His hands. This prayer is a powerful reminder that our spiritual vitality and confident expectation are directly proportional to our reliance on, and immersion in, God's living and active word, which shapes our identity and directs our path.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to be "ashamed of my hope" in a modern context?
Answer: In a modern context, to be "ashamed of my hope" refers to the potential for our faith and confident expectation in God to be discredited or to feel personally foolish if God does not act in the way we anticipate or if our beliefs are mocked by others. It's the fear that our trust in God's promises might prove to be in vain, leading to disappointment, embarrassment, or a sense of having been naive. This can manifest when prayers seem unanswered, when suffering persists, or when our Christian values are ridiculed by society. The psalmist's prayer is for God to act in such a way that His faithfulness is clearly demonstrated, and the believer's hope is vindicated, confirming that placing one's trust in God is never a cause for shame, but always leads to ultimate glory, as Romans 10:11 affirms.
How does God "uphold" us according to His word?
Answer: God upholds us "according to His word" in multiple ways. Firstly, through His promises: His word contains countless assurances of His presence, power, and faithfulness (e.g., Deuteronomy 31:6). When we lean on these promises, He provides strength. Secondly, through His commandments: By obeying His word, we live in alignment with His design for life, which inherently brings stability and blessing (e.g., Psalm 1:2-3). Thirdly, through His Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to understand and live out God's word, providing inner strength and comfort (e.g., John 14:26). Finally, through His providential care: God's word reveals His sovereignty over all things, and He orchestrates circumstances to sustain His people, often in ways we don't immediately perceive (e.g., Philippians 4:19). Thus, His word is not just a guide, but the very means by which He sustains us.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:116 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living "Word" of God made flesh, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained (John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:17). The psalmist's prayer for divine upholding "according unto thy word" is perfectly answered in Christ, who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's every promise. He is the source of true and abundant life (John 10:10), and by His resurrection, He conquered death, offering spiritual life to all who believe. Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate object of our hope; placing our hope in Him means we will never be put to shame (Romans 10:11). His sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection provide the unshakeable foundation for our hope, ensuring that our trust in God is not in vain, but leads to eternal glory. The psalmist's longing for vindication and a life sustained by God's truth is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our life (Colossians 3:4) and the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6:19).