Psalms 119:13

KJV

¶ With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

With my lips {H8193} have I declared {H5608} all the judgments {H4941} of thy mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I proclaim with my mouth all the rulings you have spoken.

Berean Standard Bible

With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth.

American Standard Version

With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:13 encapsulates the psalmist's profound commitment to not only internalize God's divine decrees but also to actively and publicly proclaim them. It reflects a deep reverence for the authoritative Word of God, viewing it as the ultimate source of truth and righteousness, and highlights the essential connection between personal conviction and outward declaration, emphasizing that true devotion to God's law culminates in its vocal testimony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119:13 is situated within the 'Gimel' section (verses 9-16) of the longest psalm in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem where each of the 22 sections corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This particular verse follows the psalmist's fervent prayer for guidance and understanding, expressed in [verse 12](/psalms/119-12 "Psalms 119:12 - Teach Me Your Statutes"), where he asks to be taught God's statutes. It also builds upon the commitment articulated in [verse 11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalms 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart") to "hide" God's word in his heart to avoid sin. Thus, [verse 13](/psalms/119-13 "Psalms 119:13 - Declaring God's Judgments") marks a pivotal transition from internal reception and learning to external proclamation, illustrating that the assimilation of divine truth naturally leads to its vocal declaration. The immediate verses continue this theme of delighting in and meditating upon God's precepts, reinforcing the psalmist's holistic engagement with the divine Word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 119 originates from a period in ancient Israel when the Torah, or God's Law, was central to national and individual identity. The "judgments of thy mouth" refer to the divine laws, statutes, and ordinances given by God, primarily through Moses, which formed the covenant foundation for Israelite life. These were not merely legal codes but expressions of God's character, righteousness, and will for His people. In a culture where oral tradition and public recitation played a significant role in transmitting knowledge and reinforcing communal values, the act of "declaring" God's judgments would have been a common and revered practice, whether in temple worship, synagogue instruction, or family settings. The emphasis on the "mouth" underscores the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of God's revelation, contrasting with human opinions or traditions.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Supremacy of God's Word") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy and authority of God's Word**, portraying it as emanating directly from the "mouth" of God, thus demanding absolute reverence and obedience. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **active engagement with divine truth**, moving beyond passive reception to vocal proclamation, which is a hallmark of true discipleship. This is reflected in the psalmist's desire to "declare" these truths, indicating a commitment to public testimony and teaching. Thirdly, it speaks to the **transformative power of God's precepts**, suggesting that internalizing God's Word (as seen in [Psalms 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalms 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")) naturally leads to an outward expression of faith and fidelity, reinforcing the theme of **obedience and faithfulness** to God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declared (Hebrew, _sāpar'_):** This verb (סָפַר) means "to count, recount, tell, make known, declare." It implies a careful, deliberate, and often detailed recounting, rather than a casual mention. In this context, it suggests a comprehensive and precise articulation of God's truths, indicating that the psalmist is not merely uttering words but systematically relaying the divine decrees, perhaps in a teaching or testimonial capacity. The act of declaring is a conscious and intentional act of communication.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mišpāṭîm'_):** The plural noun (מִשְׁפָּטִים) refers to God's righteous ordinances, decrees, or laws. More than just legal rules, _mišpāṭîm_ embodies divine justice, equity, and the right way of living established by God. They are expressions of God's perfect character and His just governance. Declaring God's "judgments" means proclaiming His standards of righteousness, His moral principles, and the just ways in which He interacts with the world.
* **Mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** This common noun (פֶּה) literally refers to the physical mouth, but here it functions as a metonymy for the direct source and authority of God's words. The phrase "judgments of thy mouth" emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of these decrees. They are not human constructs or interpretations but direct pronouncements from the Creator, carrying ultimate weight and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With my lips":** This phrase specifies the instrument of declaration. It highlights the intentional, vocal, and public nature of the psalmist's commitment. It implies that the proclamation is not merely an internal thought or feeling but an outward, audible expression, engaging the physical faculty of speech. This underscores the active role of the believer in sharing God's truth.
* **"have I declared":** This perfect tense verb indicates a completed action with ongoing results, suggesting a habitual or resolute practice. The psalmist has made it his consistent practice to speak forth God's truths. It is a personal affirmation of his fidelity and diligence in communicating the divine will.
* **"all the judgments of thy mouth":** This comprehensive phrase emphasizes the totality and divine origin of what is declared. "All" signifies that the psalmist holds back nothing, embracing the full counsel of God's revealed will. "Judgments" refers to God's righteous laws and decrees, which are inherently just and true. "Thy mouth" powerfully conveys that these are not human opinions but direct, authoritative pronouncements from God Himself, making them foundational and non-negotiable.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Metonymy** is evident in "With my lips," where the lips stand for the act of speaking or vocal proclamation. This device emphasizes the physical, outward expression of an internal conviction. **Synecdoche** is also present with "thy mouth," where the mouth represents God's entire being as the source of divine revelation and authority. This highlights the personal and direct nature of God's communication. The use of "all" in "all the judgments" is an example of **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive and unreserved nature of the psalmist's declaration, implying a complete embrace of God's revealed will. Furthermore, the entire psalm, including this verse, is an **acrostic poem**, demonstrating an intricate poetic structure that speaks to the psalmist's meticulous devotion to God's Word, mirroring the comprehensive nature of the divine law itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological principle that divine truth, once received and cherished in the heart, must find expression through outward declaration. It underscores the active dimension of faith, where knowledge of God's Word is not merely for personal edification but for public testimony and edification of others. The psalmist's commitment to declare "all the judgments" reflects a holistic embrace of God's revealed will, acknowledging its comprehensive authority and righteousness. This act of vocalizing divine truth serves not only to honor God but also to reinforce personal conviction and to propagate God's standards in the world. It aligns with the prophetic tradition of speaking God's word faithfully and the wisdom tradition of teaching divine precepts.

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law Day and Night")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:13 serves as a timeless call for believers to move beyond passive reception of God's Word to active and intentional proclamation. In a world saturated with fleeting opinions and subjective truths, the psalmist's unwavering commitment to declare "all the judgments of thy mouth" challenges us to ground our speech in the eternal, authoritative Word of God. This verse encourages us to be articulate witnesses to God's character, His saving grace, and His righteous standards, not only in formal settings but in every sphere of life. It reminds us that our lips, which can be used for so many purposes, are ultimately given to us to declare and honor the life-giving words that proceed from the mouth of God, thereby solidifying our own faith and illuminating the path for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "declare" God's judgments with my lips in my daily life?**
* **What prevents me from more consistently proclaiming God's truth, and how can I overcome these barriers?**
* **How does vocalizing God's Word strengthen my own understanding and conviction of its truth?**
* **Beyond formal teaching, how can I naturally integrate the declaration of God's judgments into my conversations and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "judgments of thy mouth" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 119:13, "judgments of thy mouth" refers to God's divine laws, decrees, ordinances, and righteous standards as revealed directly by Him. This phrase emphasizes that these are not merely human rules or traditions, but authoritative pronouncements emanating from God Himself. They encompass His moral commands, His just principles, and His revealed will for humanity, all of which reflect His perfect character and righteousness. The psalmist is declaring the entirety of God's revealed Word, acknowledging its divine origin and absolute authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 119:13 speaks of declaring the Old Testament "judgments" or laws, its deepest fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who is the living Word of God made flesh. Jesus perfectly embodied and declared the judgments of God's mouth, not merely as a prophet but as God incarnate. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), revealing its true meaning and spirit. His entire ministry was a declaration of God's will, His kingdom, and His saving grace, culminating in the ultimate judgment upon sin at the cross. As believers, our declaration of God's "judgments" now includes the good news of the Gospel—the saving work of Christ, His resurrection, and His Lordship. We are called to proclaim Him who is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), the one through whom God's ultimate judgment and ultimate salvation are revealed. Thus, the psalmist's commitment to declare God's Word finds its ultimate expression in the Christian's mission to proclaim Christ to the nations ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")).

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

Psalms 71:15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psalms 40:10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Psalms 34:11

¶ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Psalms 37:30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.