Psalms 119:138

KJV

Thy testimonies [that] thou hast commanded [are] righteous and very faithful.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy testimonies {H5713} that thou hast commanded {H6680} are righteous {H6664} and very {H3966} faithful {H530}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have commanded your instructions in righteousness and great faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible

The testimonies You have laid down are righteous and altogether faithful.

American Standard Version

Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 119:138 profoundly declares the intrinsic nature of God's divine decrees, asserting that they are both perfectly righteous and entirely trustworthy. This verse, situated within the Bible's longest psalm—a comprehensive meditation on the multifaceted beauty and unwavering perfection of God's revealed Word—underscores the psalmist's deep reverence for divine instruction, highlighting the unblemished character and steadfast reliability of all that God has commanded.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the biblical canon, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. Verse 138 falls within the "Tsade" (צ) section, which spans [Psalms 119:137-144](/psalms/119-137-144 "Psalm 119:137-144 - The Tsade Section"). Throughout this majestic composition, the psalmist expresses an unparalleled devotion, love, and unwavering commitment to God's revealed will, often using a rich tapestry of synonyms like "testimonies," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," and "laws." This particular verse, like many in the psalm, serves as a profound affirmation of the divine origin and inherent perfection of God's Word, setting the stage for the psalmist's continued reliance on and delight in God's instruction amidst a world often hostile to divine truth, as seen in [Psalms 119:139](/psalms/119-139 "Psalm 119:139 - Zealous for God's Word"). The psalmist's personal experience of zeal and affliction (e.g., [Psalms 119:139-140](/psalms/119-139-140 "Psalm 119:139-140 - Zeal and Purity of Word")) further amplifies the need for God's steadfast and righteous Word as a constant anchor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "testimonies" or "Torah" (Law) of God were not merely a set of legal codes but represented the very covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. Unlike the often arbitrary or capricious laws of surrounding pagan nations, God's commands were understood to emanate from His perfect character, serving as the foundation for a just society and a holy life. The concepts of "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, *tsedeq*) and "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, *ʼĕmûwnâh*) were paramount attributes of God Himself, reflecting His unchanging nature and absolute reliability. For the Israelite, adherence to God's testimonies was seen as the path to blessing and flourishing, a direct reflection of their trust in the God who had faithfully delivered them from bondage and established them as His chosen people, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - The Purpose of God's Commands"). This cultural understanding imbued God's Word with supreme authority and an expectation of unwavering truthfulness, forming the bedrock of their national and individual identity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 119:138 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Command** of God's Word; His "testimonies" are not suggestions but authoritative decrees, originating from the sovereign Creator and demanding absolute reverence and obedience, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1-2 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Obeying God's Statutes"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Inherent Righteousness** of God's commands. They are intrinsically just, morally upright, and perfectly aligned with God's holy and unblemished character, serving as the ultimate standard for truth and goodness, as seen in [Psalm 19:7-9](/psalms/19-7-9 "Psalm 19:7-9 - The Perfection of God's Law"). Finally, and crucially, it emphasizes the **Unwavering Faithfulness** of God's testimonies. They are "very faithful," speaking to their absolute reliability, truthfulness, and dependability. What God commands, He upholds; what He promises, He fulfills, providing a secure foundation for faith and life, a truth reinforced in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie"). This triad of divine authority, inherent righteousness, and unwavering faithfulness forms the core of the psalmist's trust in God's revealed Word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Testimonies (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** This term (plural in the verse, derived from the singular noun H5713) refers to God's solemn declarations, decrees, or precepts. These are not merely laws but divine pronouncements that bear witness to God's character, His covenant relationship with humanity, and His revealed will. They are His authoritative self-disclosure, serving as a reliable standard for life and truth, reflecting the very essence of His being.
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** This term (H6664) signifies justice, moral rectitude, and conformity to a divine standard. When applied to God's testimonies, it means they are inherently just, morally perfect, and in complete alignment with God's holy and unblemished character. There is no flaw, injustice, or error in His commands; they embody His perfect standard of goodness and truth, providing the blueprint for a just life and society.
* **Faithful (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh'_):** This word (H530), related to the root אָמָן (*ʼāman*), from which "amen" is derived, conveys reliability, trustworthiness, firmness, and constancy. When God's testimonies are described as "very faithful," it emphasizes their absolute dependability and truthfulness. They are not capricious or changing but firm and steadfast, assuring believers that God's Word will prove true in every circumstance and that His promises will be fulfilled, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy testimonies":** This opening phrase identifies the subject of the psalmist's declaration as God's divine revelations. "Testimonies" (Hebrew, _‘ēḏôt_) refers to God's solemn declarations, precepts, or decrees, which bear witness to His character and will. The possessive "Thy" underscores their divine origin and absolute authority, distinguishing them from human laws or philosophies and emphasizing their sacred, covenantal nature.
* **"[that] thou hast commanded":** This clause further emphasizes the divine authorship and authoritative nature of these testimonies. They are not suggestions or optional guidelines but direct, authoritative commands (Hebrew, *tsâvâh*) issued by God Himself. This highlights God's sovereignty and His right to establish the moral and spiritual order for His creation, making obedience a matter of acknowledging His supreme rule and perfect wisdom.
* **"[are] righteous":** This assertion declares the inherent moral perfection and justice of God's commands. "Righteous" (Hebrew, _tsedeq_) signifies that God's testimonies are perfectly aligned with His holy character, free from any flaw, injustice, or error. They provide the ultimate standard for what is good, true, and morally upright, reflecting God's own unblemished nature and providing a reliable guide for human conduct.
* **"and very faithful":** This final phrase speaks to the absolute reliability and trustworthiness of God's Word. "Faithful" (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh_) conveys steadfastness and dependability. The intensifier "very" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd_) underscores that God's testimonies are utterly firm and constant; they do not change, they do not fail, and they will always prove true. This provides immense assurance that God's promises will be fulfilled and His commands will always lead to beneficial outcomes for those who obey them, establishing a secure foundation for faith.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 119:138 employs several literary devices to enhance its profound message and underscore the psalmist's unwavering conviction. The most prominent is **Affirmation**, as the psalmist makes a direct, declarative statement about the inherent qualities of God's testimonies, reinforcing their divine nature and authority. The use of the intensifier "very" in "very faithful" functions as a form of **Emphasis** or even **Hyperbole**, stressing the absolute and unwavering reliability of God's Word beyond mere faithfulness, conveying a sense of ultimate certainty. The psalm itself is structured as an **Acrostic Poem**, with each section beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. While not directly evident in this single verse, this overarching structure reflects a meticulous and comprehensive engagement with God's law, underscoring the psalmist's exhaustive meditation on divine truth. Furthermore, attributing qualities like "righteous" and "faithful" to "testimonies" can be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**, imbuing God's abstract decrees with active, moral characteristics that mirror God's own attributes. This literary craftsmanship serves to elevate God's Word, portraying it not as a static legal code but as a dynamic, living revelation of divine character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in Psalms 119:138—that God's testimonies are both righteous and very faithful—is a cornerstone of biblical theology, deeply intertwined with the very nature of God Himself. It affirms that God's character is the source and standard of all righteousness; His commands are not arbitrary but flow directly from His perfect holiness and justice. This truth provides the bedrock for trust in God's moral governance of the universe and His unfailing commitment to His covenant promises. The faithfulness of His Word assures believers that God is utterly dependable, that His truth endures through all generations, and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. This confidence in God's righteous and faithful Word is essential for spiritual stability, guiding believers in discerning truth from error and providing a steadfast anchor in a changing world. It undergirds the entire biblical narrative, from creation to consummation, revealing a God who is consistently true to His Word and His nature.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Works")
* [Psalm 19:7](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7 - The Perfection of the Lord's Law")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, Psalms 119:138 offers profound comfort, unwavering assurance, and a clear call to trust and obedience. In a world often characterized by moral relativism, shifting truths, and broken promises, the declaration that God's testimonies are "righteous and very faithful" provides an unshakeable foundation. It means we can confidently rely on God's Word as the ultimate standard for morality, ethics, and truth, knowing that His commands are inherently just and perfectly aligned with His holy character. This verse encourages us to embrace God's precepts not as burdensome restrictions but as reliable guides from a perfectly just and trustworthy Father, designed for our flourishing and spiritual well-being. When we face decisions, doubts, or difficulties, meditating on the righteousness and faithfulness of God's Word equips us with divine wisdom and steadfast hope, empowering us to live lives that reflect His truth and honor His name. It calls us to a deeper commitment to studying and obeying His Word, understanding that in doing so, we align ourselves with eternal truth and the very character of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's testimonies as "righteous" impact your view of His moral expectations for your life and the world?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., finances, relationships, career) do you need to lean more heavily on the "very faithful" nature of God's Word?**
* **How can the unwavering truthfulness of God's commands provide comfort or guidance in moments of uncertainty, doubt, or when societal norms conflict with biblical principles?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more fully embrace and apply God's righteous and faithful testimonies in your daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "testimonies" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 119:138, "testimonies" (Hebrew: _‘ēḏôt_) refers to God's solemn declarations, decrees, or precepts. It signifies God's self-revelation and His authoritative pronouncements that bear witness to His character and will. These are not merely laws in a legalistic sense but rather the divine principles and truths that God has revealed to humanity, serving as a guide for life and a reflection of His covenant relationship with His people, as seen throughout [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - A Meditation on God's Law"). They are the enduring witness to who God is and what He requires.

**How can God's commands be "righteous" if they sometimes seem difficult or restrictive?**

Answer: The righteousness of God's commands stems from His own perfect character. "Righteous" (Hebrew: _tsedeq_) implies inherent justice, moral uprightness, and alignment with ultimate truth. While God's commands may sometimes appear difficult or restrictive from a human perspective, they are always designed for our ultimate good and spiritual flourishing. They provide a blueprint for a life lived in harmony with God's holy nature, protecting us from the destructive consequences of sin and leading us toward true freedom and blessing. Just as a loving parent sets boundaries for a child's safety and well-being, God's righteous commands are expressions of His perfect love and wisdom, ultimately leading to life, as [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life") indicates.

**What is the significance of God's testimonies being "very faithful"?**

Answer: The phrase "very faithful" (Hebrew: _ʼĕmûwnâh_, intensified by _mᵉʼôd_) emphasizes the absolute reliability, trustworthiness, and unwavering constancy of God's Word. It means that God's commands and promises are utterly dependable; they do not change, they do not fail, and they will always prove true. This attribute provides immense assurance to believers, guaranteeing that God will fulfill every word He has spoken and that His character is immutable. It is a foundational truth that underpins all biblical theology, reminding us that God "cannot deny himself" ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Cannot Deny Himself")). This faithfulness provides a secure anchor for our faith in a world full of uncertainty and fleeting promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:138, with its declaration of God's testimonies as "righteous and very faithful," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the living embodiment of God's righteous and faithful Word; He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly revealing the Father's character and will. Every command, every promise, and every truth found in God's testimonies are perfectly upheld and exemplified in Christ's life, ministry, and atoning death. He lived a life of perfect obedience to God's righteous law, fulfilling its demands where humanity had failed ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, His sacrificial death on the cross demonstrated God's righteous judgment against sin while simultaneously upholding His faithfulness to His covenant promises of salvation. Through Christ, believers are not only given access to God's righteous and faithful testimonies but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in accordance with them, finding true righteousness and eternal life in Him ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, Jesus is the very "Amen" to God's faithful promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), the one in whom all of God's commands are perfectly fulfilled and through whom His righteousness is graciously imparted.

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 119:144

The righteousness of thy testimonies [is] everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

Psalms 19:9

The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.

Psalms 119:86

All thy commandments [are] faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

Deuteronomy 4:8

And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Deuteronomy 4:45

These [are] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,