Psalms 119:116

KJV

¶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

KJV (with Strong's)

Uphold {H5564} me according unto thy word {H565}, that I may live {H2421}: and let me not be ashamed {H954} of my hope {H7664}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Uphold me, as you promised; and I will live; don't disappoint me in my hope.

Berean Standard Bible

Sustain me as You promised, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope.

American Standard Version

Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp"). 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](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life"). 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](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Disappoint"), because God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Uphold (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** This verb, derived from H5564, conveys the sense of leaning upon, propping up, supporting, or sustaining. It implies a strong, reliable source of stability that prevents one from falling or collapsing. The psalmist acknowledges his own fragility and inability to stand firm without God's active, continuous support, pleading for divine intervention that provides stability and endurance.
* **Word (Hebrew, _ʼimrâh'_):** While Psalm 119 employs various terms for God's revelation, _ʼimrâh_ (H565) specifically refers to God's spoken word, His promise, or decree. It emphasizes the active, declarative, and inherently reliable aspect of divine communication. The psalmist grounds his plea not in his own merit or strength, but in the inherent power and trustworthiness of what God has explicitly said and promised, praying for God to act consistently with His own character and declarations.
* **Hope (Hebrew, _sêber'_):** This noun, derived from H7664, signifies an expectation or confident anticipation. Unlike a mere wish, _sêber_ denotes a settled, patient hope rooted in a trustworthy source—in this case, God and His unfailing promises. The psalmist's hope is not a fleeting emotion but a firm conviction that God will act righteously and faithfully. The prayer is that this confident expectation will not be disappointed or proven foolish, especially in the eyes of those who might mock or oppose him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Uphold me according unto thy word":** This opening clause is a direct, urgent supplication for divine support. The psalmist recognizes his inherent weakness and vulnerability, appealing to God for strength and stability. Crucially, this upholding is "according unto thy word," meaning it is grounded in God's promises, His character as revealed in Scripture, and His covenant faithfulness. It's a prayer for God to act consistently with who He has revealed Himself to be and what He has declared. The psalmist does not ask for arbitrary help, but for God to be true to His own nature and declarations.
* **"that I may live":** This phrase expresses the purpose and desired outcome of God's upholding. "Live" here is multifaceted, encompassing not just physical existence but also spiritual vitality, flourishing, and a life of purpose aligned with God's will. It implies protection from all that would diminish or destroy such a life—whether physical threats, spiritual decay, or the overwhelming pressures of adversity. It is a desire for a full, abundant life in communion with God, a life that truly thrives in His presence and according to His design.
* **"and let me not be ashamed of my hope":** This final clause reveals the psalmist's deep vulnerability and the public dimension of his faith. His "hope" is his confident expectation in God's faithfulness and promises. To be "ashamed" would mean his trust was misplaced, his expectation unfulfilled, or that he would be publicly humiliated for believing in God. This is a plea for God to vindicate his faith, to demonstrate His trustworthiness, and to confirm that the psalmist's steadfast reliance on Him is not in vain, but will ultimately be rewarded and honored, silencing any critics and affirming God's unfailing character.

#### 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.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord")
* [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor")
* [1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - Living Hope")

### 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
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God's "upholding" today, and how can you specifically ground your prayer for that upholding in His word?**
* **What does "that I may live" mean to you beyond mere physical existence, and how does your pursuit of life align with God's will as revealed in Scripture?**
* **What hopes or expectations do you have that, if unfulfilled, might cause you to feel "ashamed," and how can you surrender those to God, trusting in His ultimate faithfulness?**
* **How does regularly engaging with God's word strengthen your hope and provide a foundation for your life, preventing spiritual or emotional collapse?**

### 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](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No one who believes in him will be put to shame") 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](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous")). 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](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2-3 - Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord")). 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](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). 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](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God will supply all your needs")). 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 (cf. [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - In Him all things hold together")). 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 (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life")), 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 (cf. [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No one who believes in him will be put to shame")). 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 (cf. [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ is your life")) and the anchor of our soul (cf. [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor")).

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

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Psalms 25:2

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalms 54:4

¶ Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul.

Psalms 37:24

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

Psalms 37:17

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.