Psalms 119:142

KJV

¶ Thy righteousness [is] an everlasting righteousness, and thy law [is] the truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy righteousness {H6666} is an everlasting {H5769} righteousness {H6664}, and thy law {H8451} is the truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your righteousness is eternal righteousness, and your Torah is truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.

American Standard Version

Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:142 stands as a profound declaration of God's immutable character and the absolute reliability of His divine revelation. It asserts that God's righteousness is not merely a temporary attribute but an eternal, intrinsic quality, serving as the unshakeable foundation of His being and the ultimate standard of justice and moral perfection. Furthermore, the verse unequivocally states that God's law, encompassing His entire divine instruction and teaching, is the very essence of truth, providing a reliable, unwavering, and objective guide for humanity, perfectly reflecting His righteous and faithful nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a meticulously crafted acrostic poem divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its central theme is an unparalleled devotion to God's Word, with almost every verse incorporating one of eight synonyms for divine instruction (e.g., law, statutes, precepts, commandments, rules, decrees, words, judgments). This particular verse, [Psalms 119:142](/psalms/119-142 "Psalms 119:142 - God's Everlasting Righteousness and True Law"), is situated within the 'Tsade' (צ) section (verses 137-144). In this segment, the psalmist expresses deep distress over those who disregard God's law, yet simultaneously finds profound solace and steadfastness in the unwavering righteousness of God's judgments and the perfect truth of His testimonies. The preceding verses emphasize God's inherent righteousness ([Psalms 119:137](/psalms/119-137 "Psalms 119:137 - God's Righteous")) and the psalmist's fervent zeal for God's word, which consumes him due to the neglect of others ([Psalms 119:139](/psalms/119-139 "Psalms 119:139 - Zeal for God's Word")), thereby setting the stage for this powerful declaration of God's everlasting righteousness and the absolute truth of His law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of "Torah" (often translated as "law") extended far beyond a mere collection of legal codes; it encompassed God's comprehensive divine instruction, revelation, and guidance for living in covenant relationship with Him. Unlike the often arbitrary decrees of human rulers or the capricious whims attributed to pagan deities, God's law was understood to emanate directly from His unchanging, righteous character. The emphasis on "everlasting righteousness" and "truth" in this verse would have resonated deeply in a world where justice was frequently fleeting and truth often subjective. It served as a stark contrast to the instability of human systems, highlighting the unique stability and reliability of Yahweh's character and His unwavering covenant faithfulness to Israel, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:8](/deuteronomy/4-8 "Deuteronomy 4:8 - God's Righteous Statutes and Judgments"). The psalmist's affirmation thus served as a potent reminder of the distinct nature of Israel's God and the perfect, enduring quality of His revelation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes present throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **perfection and permanence of God's character**, asserting that His righteousness is not a temporary attribute but an eternal, intrinsic quality of His very being. This provides a bedrock of assurance for the believer, affirming that God's justice and moral rectitude are unwavering and reliable. Secondly, it highlights the **absolute reliability and supreme authority of God's Word**. By declaring God's law to be "the truth," the psalmist affirms its objective, unchangeable, and trustworthy nature, contrasting it sharply with human fallibility and deceit. This theme is consistently echoed throughout the psalm, where God's statutes are presented as an unfailing source of light, life, and wisdom ([Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalms 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **inseparability of God's character and His commands**. His law is inherently true precisely because it emanates directly from His perfectly righteous being; there is no disconnect between who God is and what He reveals or requires of humanity. This holistic view of God's righteousness and His truth provides a comprehensive and coherent framework for understanding divine revelation and living in accordance with it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_ - H6666):** This term refers to God's inherent moral perfection, His rectitude, and His active demonstration of justice. It encompasses His integrity, equity, and the rightness of all His actions and judgments. When applied to God, it signifies His unwavering adherence to what is right and just, reflecting His covenant faithfulness and His just dealings with humanity.
* **Everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_ - H5769):** This word conveys the concept of perpetual duration, eternity, or a time beyond human memory. In the context of God's righteousness, it emphasizes that this attribute transcends the limitations of time and human experience. God's justice and moral perfection are not subject to change, decay, or obsolescence, providing ultimate stability and assurance for all generations.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_ - H6664):** This term denotes the right, whether in a natural, moral, or legal sense. It signifies equity, justice, and the standard of what is just. Its use alongside _tsᵉdâqâh_ (H6666) in this verse emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's righteousness—both as an inherent quality and as an active principle guiding His actions.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_ - H8451):** While frequently translated as "law," _Torah_ in its broadest sense refers to God's entire body of divine instruction, teaching, and revelation. It encompasses His commandments, statutes, precepts, and the wisdom He imparts. It represents God's revealed will for His people, guiding them in how to live in a right and covenantal relationship with Him.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_ - H571):** This word conveys firmness, faithfulness, reliability, and certainty. When God's law is declared to be "the truth," it means His instructions are absolutely trustworthy, consistent with reality, and provide a sure and unshakeable guide for life. It implies that God's Word is the ultimate standard of reality, embodying and reflecting His own faithful and unchanging nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness":** This initial clause declares a fundamental and essential attribute of God: His inherent, unchanging, and eternal moral perfection and justice. It emphasizes that God's character, His actions, and His judgments are always in perfect alignment with what is right, just, and good. This righteousness is not a temporary state or a conditional attribute but an intrinsic, perpetual quality of the Divine, forming the unshakeable foundation of His being.
* **"and thy law is the truth":** This second clause directly links God's character to His revelation. Because God is eternally righteous and faithful, His "law"—His divine instruction, teaching, and revelation—is inherently and absolutely true. It is not merely a set of rules but a reliable, certain, and faithful reflection of His righteous nature. This truth is foundational, providing a stable and unwavering guide in a world of shifting values, subjective opinions, and deceptive influences.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several powerful literary devices in [Psalms 119:142](/psalms/119-142 "Psalms 119:142 - God's Everlasting Righteousness and True Law") to convey profound theological truths with clarity and emphasis. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two balanced clauses, "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness" and "and thy law is the truth." While distinct in their focus, these clauses work in tandem to reinforce a unified message about the interconnectedness of God's character and His Word, creating a sense of completeness and theological coherence. The use of **Repetition** in "righteousness... everlasting righteousness" serves to intensify the declaration, underscoring the enduring, immutable, and perpetual quality of God's justice. Furthermore, the declaration that "thy law is the truth" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy**, where "law" (Torah) stands for the entirety of God's revealed Word, which embodies, conveys, and is synonymous with truth itself. The simple, direct declarative statements used throughout the verse lend an air of **Authority** and **Certainty** to the psalmist's affirmations, presenting these truths as undeniable and foundational realities about the Divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:142 serves as a foundational declaration of God's immutable character and the absolute reliability of His Word. Theologically, it establishes God's righteousness as the eternal standard for all justice, assuring believers that His judgments are always perfect and His ways beyond reproach. This eternal righteousness is the bedrock upon which His covenant promises stand, guaranteeing their fulfillment. Furthermore, the assertion that His law is "the truth" elevates divine revelation above all human philosophies, subjective opinions, and shifting cultural norms, presenting it as the ultimate, objective reality. This truth is not merely propositional but transformative, designed to guide human life in alignment with God's perfect will. The verse thus underscores the profound coherence between God's being and His revelation: His Word is true precisely because He is righteous, and His righteousness is perfectly expressed through His true Word.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect")
* [John 17:17](/john/17-17 "John 17:17 - Sanctify Them by Your Truth")
* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world frequently characterized by moral relativism, shifting narratives, and perceived injustices, [Psalms 119:142](/psalms/119-142 "Psalms 119:142 - God's Everlasting Righteousness and True Law") offers an indispensable anchor of stability and hope. To truly grasp that God's righteousness is everlasting means we can place our full trust in His ultimate fairness and His unwavering commitment to what is right, even when our immediate circumstances appear chaotic, unfair, or beyond our comprehension. This profound truth provides immense comfort, assuring us that despite temporary setbacks, the apparent triumph of evil, or personal suffering, God's perfect justice will ultimately prevail and His purposes will stand. Moreover, the declaration that God's law is "the truth" provides a reliable and objective compass for navigating life's myriad complexities. It calls us to ground our beliefs, values, and daily decisions not in fleeting human opinions, popular cultural trends, or our own fallible emotions, but in the enduring, objective reality of God's revealed Word. Embracing this divine truth leads to genuine freedom, profound wisdom, and a life lived in harmony with the divine order. It compels us to immerse ourselves deeply in Scripture, allowing its eternal truths to shape our understanding of ourselves, the world around us, and God's sovereign purposes, thereby fostering a deep and abiding trust in His unchanging character and His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the everlasting nature of God's righteousness provide comfort and assurance in times of personal or societal injustice?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's law as "the truth" challenge our tendency to rely on subjective feelings or cultural norms for guidance?**
* **How can we more intentionally align our daily lives and decision-making with the eternal righteousness and truth of God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can we take to deepen our trust in God's unwavering character as revealed in His Word?**

### FAQ
**What is the practical significance of God's righteousness being "everlasting" for believers today?**

Answer: The practical significance of God's righteousness being "everlasting" is profoundly comforting and foundational for believers. It means that God's character is eternally consistent, morally perfect, and unchangeable, providing an unshakeable basis for our faith and hope. Unlike human justice, which can be flawed, temporary, or influenced by external factors, God's righteousness is immutable. This assures us that He is always just in His dealings, His promises are utterly reliable, and His ultimate judgment will be perfectly equitable. It provides immense comfort in times of injustice or suffering, knowing that God sees all, understands all, and will ultimately set all things right according to His perfect standard. It also implies that His standards for us are unchanging, calling us to a consistent pursuit of holiness and justice in our own lives, reflecting His enduring nature. This everlasting righteousness is the very basis for His covenant faithfulness and His plan of salvation, which is rooted in His just character, as powerfully articulated in [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 119:142](/psalms/119-142 "Psalms 119:142 - God's Everlasting Righteousness and True Law") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a recipient or a reflection of God's "everlasting righteousness," but rather the very embodiment and active expression of it in human flesh. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one through whom God's righteousness is not only revealed but also freely imputed to believers, making them righteous in God's sight ([Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")). Jesus lived a perfectly righteous life, flawlessly fulfilling the demands of God's holy law where humanity consistently failed, thereby becoming "our righteousness" by divine appointment ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Furthermore, Jesus unequivocally declared Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life")), perfectly embodying the "truth" that the psalmist attributes to God's law. He is the living Word, the ultimate and complete revelation of God's instruction and will, through whom all of God's promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Thus, in Christ, God's eternal righteousness and the absolute truth of His law converge, offering salvation, guidance, and life to all who believe.

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

John 17:17

¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Psalms 19:9

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

Psalms 119:151

Thou [art] near, O LORD; and all thy commandments [are] truth.

Isaiah 51:8

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

Isaiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Psalms 119:144

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

Ephesians 4:21

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: