Psalms 119:141

¶ I [am] small and despised: [yet] do not I forget thy precepts.

I am small {H6810} and despised {H959}: yet do not I forget {H7911} thy precepts {H6490}.

I may be small and despised, but I do not forget your precepts.

I am lowly and despised, but I do not forget Your precepts.

I am small and despised; Yet do I not forget thy precepts.

Psalms 119:141 (KJV) presents a profound declaration of faithfulness amidst personal insignificance. The psalmist, likely King David or a Levite, expresses a state of being "small and despised," yet firmly asserts his unwavering commitment to God's divine "precepts." This verse encapsulates a powerful message of spiritual resilience and the enduring value of God's word over worldly acclaim or personal status.

Context of Psalms 119:141

This verse is part of the extensive Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, which is an acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the excellence, power, and beauty of God's law, statutes, commandments, testimonies, and precepts. Each section of eight verses begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Within this larger context of devotion to the Torah, verse 141 (part of the "Qoph" section) highlights the psalmist's personal experience of humility and social marginalization, contrasting it sharply with his steadfast adherence to divine truth.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility and Vulnerability: The phrase "I am small and despised" conveys a sense of personal insignificance, perhaps social rejection, or even persecution. It reflects a humble recognition of one's own frailty and low standing in the eyes of the world. This theme often appears in the Psalms, acknowledging human weakness before God's majesty, similar to how Christ was despised.
  • Unwavering Obedience to God's Word: Despite feeling overlooked or scorned, the psalmist declares, "yet do not I forget thy precepts." This is the core affirmation of the verse. It underscores a steadfast devotion to God's commands, prioritizing divine truth above personal comfort, social acceptance, or worldly success. This commitment to delighting in God's law is a recurring motif throughout Psalm 119.
  • Strength in Weakness: The verse illustrates that true spiritual strength does not depend on outward status or recognition. Even when feeling "small and despised," one can possess immense inner strength through remembering and obeying God's word. This resonates with the biblical principle that God often uses the humble and lowly, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "small" is tsa'ir (צָעִיר), often meaning young, insignificant, or least. "Despised" comes from bazah (בָּזָה), meaning to disdain, scorn, or hold in contempt. These terms emphasize the psalmist's perceived lack of importance or worth by others. "Precepts" is piqqudim (פִּקּוּדִים), which refers to divine appointments or specific instructions from God, suggesting a meticulous and careful observance of His detailed commands, rather than just a general knowledge. This depth of understanding God's commands is a key element of biblical wisdom.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:141 offers profound encouragement for believers facing similar circumstances today. In a world that often values status, influence, and recognition, this verse reminds us that our worth is not determined by human opinion or worldly achievements. Our true value and spiritual stability come from our relationship with God and our unwavering commitment to His word. When we feel insignificant, overlooked, or even scorned by others, our focus should remain on obeying God's commandments. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, internal devotion that transcends external circumstances, finding our identity and purpose in God's eternal truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 22:6

    But I [am] a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • Luke 6:20

    ¶ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

  • Luke 9:58

    And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

  • Psalms 119:109

    ¶ My soul [is] continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

  • Proverbs 3:1

    ¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

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