Psalms 119:151

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou art near {H7138}, O LORD {H3068}; and all thy commandments {H4687} are truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are close by, ADONAI; and all your mitzvot are truth.

Berean Standard Bible

You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are true.

American Standard Version

Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:151 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering faith, affirming two foundational truths that provide solace and stability amidst life's trials: the intimate and active presence of God, and the absolute, unchanging veracity of His divine instructions. This verse, situated within the longest psalm dedicated to the praise of God's law, serves as a powerful anchor for the believer, emphasizing that despite external pressures or the feeling of being surrounded by adversaries, the Lord Himself is ever near, and His Word remains the ultimate, dependable standard of truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is an elaborate acrostic poem, meticulously structured with 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Within each stanza, every verse typically begins with that stanza's letter, and the entire psalm is a sustained meditation on, and praise for, God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, decrees, and testimonies. Verse 151 falls within the "Qoph" (ק) section (verses 145-152). In this segment, the psalmist is depicted crying out to God from a place of deep distress, feeling oppressed by those who are far from God's law. Despite this adversity, the psalmist expresses profound trust in God's nearness and the eternal reliability of His Word, contrasting the deceit and distance of his adversaries with the steadfast presence and truth of the Lord. The surrounding verses in the Qoph section (e.g., [Psalm 119:145-149](/psalms/119-145-149 "Psalm 119:145-149 - Crying out to God from distress")) highlight the psalmist's fervent prayer and reliance on God's steadfast love and justice, even as he acknowledges the proximity of those who pursue evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 119 does not point to a specific historical event or author, it reflects the deep reverence for the Torah (God's Law) that was central to ancient Israelite identity and worship. For the faithful Israelite, the Law was not merely a set of rules but a divine revelation, a covenantal guide for life, and the very expression of God's character and will. In a world often characterized by political instability, moral relativism, and the threat of foreign ideologies, the Law provided a stable, unchanging foundation. The psalmist's experience of adversaries and affliction is a common theme in the Psalms, reflecting the challenges faced by those who sought to live righteously in a fallen world, where justice was often elusive and the wicked seemed to prosper. This context underscores the profound comfort derived from God's active presence and the unwavering truth of His revealed will in a chaotic existence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates two overarching themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and indeed, the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Proximity** ("Thou art near, O LORD") speaks to God's immanence—His active, accessible, and intimate presence in the lives of His people. This is not merely a theological concept but a deeply personal assurance, offering comfort and security to the psalmist who feels surrounded by those who are far from God's law. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from God's presence with Israel in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 33:14](/exodus/33-14 "Exodus 33:14 - My presence will go with you")) to the New Testament promise of His indwelling Spirit (e.g., [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth will be with you")). Secondly, the theme of **The Veracity of God's Word** ("and all thy commandments are truth") underscores the absolute reliability, faithfulness, and inherent truthfulness of God's divine directives. His Word is not just factually correct; it is the very embodiment of truth, forming the unchanging standard for morality, justice, and spiritual understanding, standing in stark contrast to the shifting sands of human philosophies or the deceit often encountered in the world, as seen in passages like [Psalm 12:6](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The words of the Lord are pure words") and [John 17:17](/john/17-17 "John 17:17 - Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Near (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_):** This Hebrew term (H7138) signifies proximity not only in spatial terms but also in relational and temporal senses. It implies God's readiness to respond, His attentiveness to the prayers of His people, and His active involvement in their circumstances. It is a declaration of God's immanence, His personal presence, and His accessibility, particularly in times of distress, standing in stark contrast to the "far off" nature of the wicked mentioned elsewhere in the psalm (e.g., [Psalm 119:150](/psalms/119-150 "Psalm 119:150 - Those who pursue evil are near")).
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God (H3068), often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "Yahweh." Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be" (הָיָה), it emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and His unchanging faithfulness to His covenant promises. Addressing God by this name underscores the psalmist's personal relationship with the God who reveals Himself and keeps His word, providing assurance of His steadfast presence and power.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitsvâh'_):** This word (H4687) is one of several synonymous terms used throughout Psalm 119 to refer to God's authoritative and binding instructions. It emphasizes the divine origin and obligatory nature of God's precepts, highlighting that they are not mere suggestions but directives from the Sovereign Lord. The plural "commandments" signifies the totality and comprehensiveness of God's revealed will, encompassing all His moral, ethical, and spiritual directives.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** This powerful Hebrew word (H571) conveys much more than mere factual correctness. It signifies stability, certainty, trustworthiness, and faithfulness. When applied to God's commandments, it means they are utterly dependable, unwavering, and fundamentally true in every sense—morally, ethically, and spiritually. It implies that God's Word is the very essence of reality and the foundation upon which all genuine existence and righteous living are built, providing an unshakeable standard in a world of flux.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou [art] near, O LORD;":** This opening clause is a direct, personal address to God, affirming His immediate and accessible presence. It is a declaration of confidence in God's immanence, especially significant for a psalmist who feels surrounded by adversaries. It implies God's attentiveness, His readiness to hear prayers, and His power to intervene. The psalmist finds comfort and assurance not in human proximity or earthly power, but in the divine nearness of the covenant-keeping God, who is actively engaged with His people.
* **"and all thy commandments [are] truth.":** This second clause expands on the nature of the near God, revealing the character of His communication. It asserts the absolute reliability and inherent veracity of God's entire body of revealed instructions. The word "all" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this truth—every single one of God's directives is fundamentally true, reliable, and consistent with His character. This truth provides a stable, unshakeable foundation for life, contrasting with the deceit and falsehood often encountered in the world, and assuring the believer that God's guidance is utterly dependable.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:151 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and theological depth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic or complementary parallelism, where the second clause ("and all thy commandments are truth") expands upon and reinforces the first ("Thou art near, O LORD"). This connection suggests that God's proximity is not merely a comforting presence but also a source of reliable guidance through His Word, implying that His nearness is intrinsically linked to the revelation of His truth. The verse also functions as a powerful **Affirmation** or **Declaration of Faith**, a direct address to God that articulates a core belief system central to the psalmist's worldview and a source of his steadfastness. Furthermore, within the broader context of Psalm 119, the **Acrostic Structure** itself serves as a meta-literary device, symbolizing the comprehensive and ordered nature of God's Word, which the psalmist systematically explores from Aleph to Tav. The psalmist's personal engagement with God's attributes and commands also reflects a form of **Intimate Address**, creating a deeply relational and devotional tone that invites the reader into a similar posture of trust and reliance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:151 beautifully intertwines the theological concepts of God's immanence and the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture. God's nearness signifies His active engagement with His creation and His covenant people, dispelling any notion of a distant, uninvolved deity. This immanence is intimately linked to His revelation: because God is near, He speaks, and His words are not arbitrary but are the very essence of truth, reflecting His unchanging character. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God's presence is inherently tied to His Word; where His Word is honored and obeyed, there He is truly present. It speaks to the reliability of divine revelation as the ultimate standard for discerning reality and living righteously, providing an unshakable foundation in a world of shifting values and deceptive ideologies. It highlights that God's active presence is manifest not only in His intervention but also in the steadfast truth of His communicated will.

* [Deuteronomy 4:7](/deuteronomy/4-7 "Deuteronomy 4:7 - A nation with a God so near")
* [Psalm 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is near to all who call on Him")
* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:151 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. In moments of isolation, fear, or opposition, the declaration "Thou art near, O LORD" serves as a powerful reminder that we are never truly alone. God's intimate presence means He is attentive to our cries, accessible in prayer, and actively involved in our circumstances. This truth fosters a deep sense of security and confidence, knowing that the Almighty is our ever-present help, a refuge in times of trouble. Furthermore, in a world increasingly characterized by subjective truth and moral ambiguity, the affirmation that "all thy commandments are truth" provides an unshakeable anchor. God's Word is not merely a collection of ancient texts but the living, reliable, and unchanging standard for discerning right from wrong, finding wisdom, and navigating life's choices. It calls us to ground our lives not in fleeting opinions or cultural trends, but in the eternal, dependable truth of God's revealed will, offering clarity and stability for every step of our journey and empowering us to live lives that honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the awareness of God's nearness impact your approach to prayer and daily living, especially when you feel isolated or challenged?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need the stability and clarity that come from knowing God's commandments are absolute truth?**
* **How can you more intentionally seek God's presence and immerse yourself in His Word when facing adversity or uncertainty, rather than relying on your own understanding?**
* **What is one practical step you can take this week to live more consistently with the truth of God's Word, allowing it to shape your decisions and perspectives?**

### FAQ
**How does God's "nearness" in this verse relate to His omnipresence?**

Answer: God's "nearness" (Hebrew: _qârôwb'_) in Psalms 119:151 goes beyond His mere omnipresence, which is His attribute of being everywhere at all times (cf. [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - Where can I flee from Your presence?")). While God is indeed omnipresent, the "nearness" here speaks to His relational and active presence—His accessibility, attentiveness, and readiness to intervene on behalf of His people. It implies a covenantal closeness, a personal engagement with those who seek Him and abide by His Word. It's a comforting assurance that God is not just universally present but intimately available to His children, especially in times of need, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who call upon Him in truth.

**Why is the "truth" of God's commandments so vital for the believer?**

Answer: The "truth" (Hebrew: _ʼemeth'_) of God's commandments is vital because it provides an unshakeable foundation for life in a world often marked by deception, moral relativism, and shifting philosophies. If God's Word is truth, it means it is reliable, consistent, and reflective of ultimate reality. For the believer, this means God's commandments offer a dependable moral compass, a source of divine wisdom, and a trustworthy guide for discerning right from wrong. It anchors faith and practice in an objective reality, enabling believers to live with confidence, make sound decisions, and find stability amidst chaos, knowing they are building their lives on the very word of God, which is pure and enduring (cf. [Psalm 12:6](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The words of the Lord are pure words")). It assures us that God's instructions are not arbitrary but are perfectly aligned with His righteous character and our ultimate good.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:151 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The declaration "Thou art near, O LORD" resonates deeply with the incarnation, where God literally drew near to humanity in the person of Jesus, becoming "Immanuel," which means "God with us" (cf. [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God with us")). In Christ, God's proximity is not merely a theological concept but a tangible reality, as He walked among us, ministered to the sick, taught the crowds, and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. He is the very embodiment of God's accessible presence. Furthermore, the affirmation "all thy commandments are truth" is perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is not merely a bearer of truth but the very embodiment of it, declaring, "I am the way, the **truth**, and the life" (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His life perfectly fulfilled the Law (cf. [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus came to fulfill the Law")), His teachings were the very words of God (cf. [John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus speaks what the Father commanded")), and His Spirit guides believers into all truth (cf. [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth will guide you")). Thus, in Christ, we experience God's ultimate nearness and encounter the living, breathing, and perfect truth of His divine will, receiving both His presence and His infallible guidance for salvation and life.

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 145:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Psalms 119:142

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

Psalms 34:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Psalms 139:2

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 75:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, [unto thee] do we give thanks: for [that] thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.