Psalms 119:150

Translation
King James Version
¶ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
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KJV (with Strong's)
They draw nigh H7126 that follow H7291 after mischief H2154: they are far H7368 from thy law H8451.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The pursuers of carnality are getting close; they are distancing themselves from your Torah.
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Berean Standard Bible
Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law.
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American Standard Version
They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law.
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World English Bible Messianic
They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your Torah.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
They drawe neere, that follow after malice, and are farre from thy Lawe.
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Young's Literal Translation
Near have been my wicked pursuers, From Thy law they have been far off.
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See also
Psalms 27:2Proverbs 28:92 Samuel 17:161 Samuel 23:16Psalms 22:16Psalms 22:11Psalms 22:13
In the KJVVerse 16,049 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 119:150 starkly contrasts the psalmist's perilous reality, surrounded by adversaries who actively pursue evil and draw near with malicious intent, with their fundamental estrangement from God's divine law. This verse powerfully highlights that the "mischief" and hostile proximity of these foes are a direct consequence of their rebellion against divine instruction. It encapsulates the perennial conflict between those who cherish and adhere to God's truth and those whose distance from His revealed Word fuels their destructive actions, illustrating the moral and spiritual chasm that separates the righteous from the wicked.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 119 stands as the longest psalm in the biblical canon, structured as an elaborate acrostic poem. Each of its 22 sections, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, comprises eight verses, all commencing with the same Hebrew letter. The entire psalm serves as a profound and extended meditation on, and expression of adoration for, God's comprehensive revelation—His law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, and decrees. Throughout the psalm, the writer consistently articulates an unwavering love for and reliance upon God's Word, frequently lamenting the persecution and opposition he endures from the proud and wicked who disregard divine truth. Verse 150 is situated within the "Qoph" (ק) section (verses 145-152), a segment particularly marked by fervent appeals to God for urgent help and deliverance from enemies. This section intensifies the psalmist's earnest cries and underscores God's faithfulness, even amidst the threatening proximity of his foes. The psalmist's preceding plea for God to draw near according to Your steadfast love directly sets up the stark contrast with the enemies' threatening proximity in verse 150, amplifying the tension between divine nearness and human hostility.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: While the specific historical setting of Psalm 119 remains unstated, its themes resonate deeply with the experiences of faithful Israelites throughout their history. In ancient Israel, God's "law" (Torah) was not merely a collection of rules but the foundational covenant document, central to their national identity, their worship, and the fabric of their daily lives. To be "far from God's law" was understood not as a minor philosophical disagreement but as a profound rejection of the very basis of their relationship with Yahweh, inevitably leading to social disorder, injustice, and moral decay. The psalmist's adversaries likely represent those within Israelite society—or potentially surrounding nations—who had abandoned God's covenant, choosing paths of wickedness and oppression. The "mischief" they pursue could manifest in various forms, from legal injustice and social marginalization to direct physical threats, reflecting the constant struggle of the righteous minority against a corrupt majority. This dynamic is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic books and historical narratives, such as the persistent challenges faced by Nehemiah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, as detailed in Nehemiah 4.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the nature of wickedness: it is depicted as active, intentional, and driven by a deliberate departure from God's truth. The "mischief" (Hebrew: zimmah) is not accidental wrongdoing but a chosen path of moral corruption. Secondly, it highlights the centrality of God's Law: the verse implicitly argues that adherence to God's law is the foundational bedrock of righteousness, while distance from it is the root cause of all evil. The psalmist's entire life is defined by his profound love for the Torah, which stands in sharp contrast to his enemies' rebellion. This echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 14:12, which warns that "there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Finally, it emphasizes the conflict between righteousness and wickedness: the psalmist, devoted to God's law, finds himself under direct attack from those who reject it. This spiritual battle is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, depicting the ongoing tension between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness, a struggle that believers continue to experience, as powerfully described in Ephesians 6:12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Draw nigh (Hebrew, qârab', H7126): This primitive root verb signifies "to approach," "to come close," or "to bring near" for various purposes. In this context, it vividly conveys the active, encroaching presence of the psalmist's enemies. It implies not merely their existence but their deliberate and threatening advance, intensifying the psalmist's sense of danger and vulnerability. The verb suggests an intentional movement towards harmful engagement.
  • Mischief (Hebrew, zimmâh', H2154): From the root meaning "to plan," this noun denotes a plan, specifically a bad one, encompassing heinous crime, lewdness, and wicked devices. It carries a strong connotation of intentional, premeditated evil, rather than accidental wrongdoing. It points to a deep-seated moral depravity that manifests in harmful actions and malicious plots against the righteous. This term is frequently used in contexts of moral perversion and deliberate sin, as seen in Leviticus 18:17.
  • Law (Hebrew, tôwrâh', H8451): More than a mere collection of legal codes, Torah (from the root yârâh, "to teach" or "to instruct") encompasses God's comprehensive instruction, teaching, and divine revelation. It represents God's wisdom for living, His revealed will for humanity, providing guidance, light, and life. To be "far from thy law" means to be profoundly estranged from God's wisdom, His moral compass, and His very nature, leading to spiritual blindness and destructive behavior.

Verse Breakdown

  • "They draw nigh that follow after mischief": This opening clause immediately establishes the active and imminent threat posed by the psalmist's adversaries. The phrase "follow after mischief" (literally, "pursue mischief") indicates that their actions are not random or accidental but are driven by a deliberate, intentional commitment to evil. These are not passive opponents but individuals whose very purpose and pursuit are rooted in wicked schemes and harmful intentions, actively closing in on the psalmist with hostile intent.
  • "they are far from thy law": This second clause provides the profound theological explanation and moral diagnosis for the enemies' "mischief." Their active pursuit of evil stems directly from their profound estrangement from God's Torah. Their distance from divine instruction means they lack the moral compass, the divine wisdom, and the life-giving principles that God's law provides. This spiritual and moral alienation from God's revealed will is presented as the root cause of their corrupt actions and hostile intentions towards the righteous, explaining why they are capable of such malevolence.

Literary Devices

Psalms 119:150 primarily employs Contrast to highlight the stark difference between the psalmist's unwavering devotion to God's law and his enemies' profound rejection of it. While the psalmist continually expresses his desire to draw near to God's law (a recurring theme throughout the psalm), his enemies are paradoxically depicted as "far from thy law" even as they "draw nigh" to the psalmist with malicious intent. This creates a powerful and unsettling tension. There is also a subtle use of Metaphor, where being "far from thy law" serves as a powerful metaphor for moral and spiritual estrangement from God Himself, leading to a life characterized by "mischief." The phrase "follow after mischief" can be understood as a form of Personification, giving "mischief" an active quality that can be pursued, thereby emphasizing the deliberate and intentional nature of the enemies' evil actions and their chosen path of wickedness.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 119:150 profoundly articulates a fundamental biblical truth: the ultimate source of human wickedness, hostility, and destructive behavior is a deliberate departure from God's revealed will. Those who are "far from thy law" inevitably become agents of "mischief," as their moral compass is distorted, and their actions are no longer constrained by divine truth or guided by divine wisdom. This verse underscores the inherent and irreconcilable conflict between light and darkness, between those who embrace God's life-giving instruction and those who reject it, leading to a path of self-destruction and harm to others. It implicitly argues that true righteousness, societal well-being, and individual flourishing are inextricably linked to adherence to God's law, while its abandonment breeds chaos, oppression, and moral decay. The psalmist's personal experience reflects the universal spiritual struggle of faith against the forces of unrighteousness, demonstrating that this spiritual battle is often manifested in tangible opposition from those who actively reject God's authority and wisdom.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

In a contemporary world increasingly characterized by moral relativism, a rejection of absolute truth, and escalating societal tensions, Psalms 119:150 serves as a powerful and profoundly timely reminder. It compels us to recognize that genuine "mischief"—whether it manifests as overt hostility, systemic injustice, subtle deception, or pervasive moral decay—ultimately stems from a heart estranged from God's divine instruction and His revealed will. As believers, we are called to discern the true spiritual source of the opposition we face, understanding that those who "draw nigh" with harmful intent are often those who are fundamentally "far from thy law." This verse is not an invitation to judgmental condemnation but a profound call to greater vigilance, unwavering commitment to God's Word, and deep spiritual discernment. Our primary defense against the encroaching darkness, and our surest path to living a life of integrity, purpose, and spiritual fruitfulness, is found in drawing ever closer to God's law, allowing it to illuminate our steps, shape our character, and guide our interactions. It encourages us to pray for discernment to identify spiritual threats and for God's protection, while simultaneously deepening our own immersion in Scripture, knowing that therein lies our wisdom, strength, and ultimate refuge in a world often hostile to divine truth.

Questions for Reflection

  • How do we identify "mischief" in our contemporary society, and how might its roots be traced back to a departure from God's law?
  • In what practical ways can we ensure that we are not "far from thy law," but continually drawing closer to God's Word in our daily lives and decision-making?
  • How does understanding the ultimate source of opposition (distance from God's law) change our perspective on and response to those who act with hostility or malice towards us or the truth?

FAQ

What is the significance of "law" (Torah) in Psalm 119, and why is being "far from it" so detrimental?

Answer: In Psalm 119, "law" (Hebrew: Torah) is far more than a mere collection of legal codes or statutes. It represents God's complete revelation of Himself and His will for humanity. It encompasses His instruction, teaching, precepts, testimonies, and commandments—all of which are consistently portrayed by the psalmist as perfect, trustworthy, righteous, and true. The psalmist views the Torah as the ultimate source of light, life, wisdom, joy, and guidance for every aspect of existence. To be "far from thy law," therefore, is to be profoundly estranged from God's very nature, His divine wisdom, and His life-giving truth. It implies a deliberate rejection of divine authority and a chosen path of rebellion against the Creator's design for flourishing. This estrangement inevitably leads to moral corruption, spiritual blindness, and ultimately, the active pursuit of "mischief" (wicked schemes) because the individual or group lacks the divine standard by which to discern good from evil. It results in a life that is out of alignment with God's design, leading to destructive actions and intentions, as powerfully highlighted in Proverbs 29:18.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 119:150 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's lament about those who "draw nigh that follow after mischief" and are "far from thy law" perfectly prefigures the intense opposition Jesus faced throughout His earthly ministry. The religious leaders of His day, despite their outward adherence to the letter of the law, were spiritually "far from thy law" in their hearts, actively pursuing "mischief" against Him, culminating in their malevolent plots to crucify the Son of God. Jesus, however, was the only one who perfectly embodied complete devotion to God's law, declaring that He came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. He lived a life of perfect obedience, demonstrating what it truly means to be "near" God's law in every thought, word, and deed, even to the point of death on a cross. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin, including all "mischief" and lawlessness, and through His glorious resurrection, He decisively triumphed over all the forces of evil that draw nigh to destroy. For believers, Christ is our ultimate deliverance from those who follow mischief, and through our union with Him, the law is not merely an external code but is graciously written upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to walk in newness of life and draw near to God in truth, experiencing the transformative power of the new covenant that He inaugurated.

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Commentary on Psalms 119 verses 150–151

Here is, I. The apprehension David was in of danger from his enemies. 1. They were very malicious, and industrious in prosecuting their malicious designs: They follow after mischief, any mischief they could do to David or his friends; they would let slip no opportunity nor let fall any pursuit that might be to his hurt. 2. They were very impious, and had no fear of God before their eyes: They are far from thy law, setting themselves as far as they can out of the reach of its convictions and commands. The persecutors of God's people are such as make light of God himself; we may therefore be sure that God will take his people's part against them. 3. They followed him closely and he was just ready to fall into their hands: They draw nigh, nigher than they were; so that they got ground of him. They were at his heels, just upon his back. God sometimes suffers persecutors to prevail very far against his people, so that, as David said (Sa1 20:3), There is but a step between them and death. Perhaps this comes in here as a reason why David was so earnest in prayer, Psa 119:149. God brings us into imminent perils, as he did Jacob, that, like him, we may wrestle for a blessing.

II. The assurance David had of protection with God: "They draw nigh to destroy me, but thou art near, O Lord! to save me, not only mightier than they and therefore able to help me against them, but nearer than they and therefore ready to help." It is the happiness of the saints that, when trouble is near, God is near, and no trouble can separate between them and him. He is never far to seek, but he is within our call, and means are within his call, Deu 4:7. All thy commandments are truth. The enemies thought to defeat the promises God had made to David, but he was sure it was out of their power; they were inviolably true, and would be infallibly performed.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 150–151. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 119
"They draw near, that of malice persecute me:" or, as some copies read, "maliciously" [Psalm 119:150]. Then they that persecute draw near, when they go the length of torturing and destroying the flesh: whence the twenty-first Psalm, wherein the Lord's Passion is prophesied, says, "O go not from me, for trouble is hard at hand;" where those things are spoken of which He suffered when His Passion was not imminent upon Him, but actually realized. "And are far from Your law." The nearer they drew to the persecuting the righteous, so much the farther were they from righteousness. But what harm did they do unto those, to whom they drew near by persecution; since the approach of their Lord is nearer unto their souls, by whom they no wise are forsaken?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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