Psalms 119:152

KJV

¶ Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Concerning thy testimonies {H5713}, I have known {H3045} of old {H6924} that thou hast founded {H3245} them for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Long ago I learned from your instruction that you established it forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Long ago I learned from Your testimonies that You have established them forever.

American Standard Version

Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. ר RESH.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:152 powerfully declares the psalmist's deep, long-standing conviction in the eternal and unchanging nature of God's divine revelation. This verse asserts that God's testimonies—His laws, decrees, and promises—are not temporary or subject to the whims of human change, but are established by God Himself on an unshakeable foundation that endures for all time, providing ultimate stability and truth for all generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. It is a profound meditation on and celebration of God's Word, using various synonyms like "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," and "testimonies." Verse 152 falls within the "Qoph" section (verses 145-152), which often expresses a fervent cry to God, an appeal for deliverance, and a renewed affirmation of trust in His righteous judgments and eternal Word. This particular verse serves as a climactic declaration within this section, highlighting the psalmist's mature and tested understanding of the Word's enduring quality, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of human wisdom or worldly trends. The preceding verses in the Qoph section emphasize the psalmist's earnest seeking of God and His Word, making verse 152 a firm declaration of the reliability of that which he seeks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 119 is generally understood to be post-exilic, a time when the Jewish people were rebuilding their identity and faith around the Torah after periods of dispersion and cultural assimilation. In such a context, the emphasis on the eternal and unchanging nature of God's "testimonies" would have been profoundly reassuring. Unlike the shifting political powers, transient empires, or evolving human philosophies of the ancient Near East, God's Word provided a constant, reliable anchor. The concept of "testimonies" (עֵדֹ֥וֹת, _‘edot_) would have resonated deeply with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, recalling the tablets of the Law given at Sinai, which served as a perpetual witness to God's covenantal demands and promises. The very act of memorizing and meditating on the Law, as evidenced throughout the psalm, was a central pillar of Israelite piety and cultural identity, reinforcing the belief in its divine origin and eternal relevance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:152 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Unchanging Nature of God's Word**, asserting that unlike human declarations that are subject to change, God's Word is founded "for ever," providing an immutable standard for truth and righteousness. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word is Forever Settled in Heaven") where it states, "Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." Secondly, the phrase "I have known of old" highlights the theme of **Personal and Enduring Knowledge**. This is not a superficial or recent acquaintance with God's truth, but a deep, tested, and proven conviction gained through years of experience, meditation, and faithful living. It speaks to the reliability of God's testimonies over time, fostering profound trust and confidence in His divine law. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Authority and Origin**, as the phrase "thou hast founded them" points directly to God as the ultimate source and sustainer of His own Word. It is His divine authority that gives His testimonies their eternal weight and ensures their steadfastness, distinguishing them from any human decree or philosophy and making them the ultimate guide for life, as seen in [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add To or Subtract From God's Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Testimonies (Hebrew, _‘edot_):** Derived from the root עֵד (_‘ed_), meaning "witness," "testimony," or "evidence." In the context of God's Word, _‘edot_ refers to God's solemn declarations, His divine decrees, or the principles by which He governs His people. These are not merely suggestions or advice, but authoritative pronouncements that bear witness to His character, His will, and His covenant with humanity. They are the divine standards by which humanity is to live and by which God reveals Himself.
* **Known of Old (Hebrew, _miqqedem_):** This phrase translates a prepositional phrase "from antiquity," "from of old," or "from the beginning." It signifies a knowledge that is not recent or superficial, but one that has been acquired over a long period, perhaps even from the earliest traditions or from the psalmist's youth. It implies a deeply ingrained understanding, a tested and proven conviction that has stood the test of time and experience, rather than a fleeting or theoretical belief.
* **Founded (Hebrew, _yesadtam_):** From the verb יָסַד (_yasad_), meaning "to lay a foundation," "to establish," or "to found." This word conveys the idea of something being set firmly and securely, like the foundation of a building or the establishment of a lasting decree. When applied to God's testimonies, it emphasizes their inherent stability, permanence, and unshakeable nature, indicating that they are not arbitrary or temporary, but divinely established with eternal purpose and durability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Concerning thy testimonies,"**: This opening phrase immediately sets the subject of the psalmist's declaration: God's divine revelations, His covenantal laws, and His authoritative decrees. It signifies a focus on the revealed will of God as the central object of the psalmist's contemplation and confidence.
* **"I have known of old"**: This clause highlights the personal and enduring nature of the psalmist's conviction. It is not a new or superficial belief, but a truth that has been deeply ingrained and confirmed through a long period of experience, meditation, and observation of God's faithfulness throughout history and in his own life. This "knowing" is experiential and profound.
* **"that thou hast founded them for ever."**: This is the core declaration of the verse. It attributes the eternal establishment of God's testimonies directly to God Himself ("thou hast founded them"). The phrase "for ever" (לְעוֹלָֽם, _l'olam_) emphasizes their absolute permanence, immutability, and unending validity. God's Word is not subject to decay, obsolescence, or human revision; it is eternally fixed and reliable because its origin and foundation are divine.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:152 employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the metaphor of a **foundation**. When the psalmist states that God has "founded them for ever," he likens God's testimonies to a building or structure that is built upon an unshakeable base. This imagery powerfully conveys the stability, permanence, and reliability of God's Word, suggesting it is the ultimate ground upon which all truth and reality stand. Furthermore, the verse uses **Declarative Statement**, presenting a confident and assertive affirmation of an eternal truth, rather than a question or a plea. This rhetorical choice underscores the psalmist's unwavering conviction. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "for ever," though in the context of God's attributes, it is a literal truth, emphasizing the absolute and unending nature of divine truth. Finally, within the broader context of Psalm 119, the verse participates in the psalm's overarching **Acrostic Structure**, which itself serves as a literary device demonstrating meticulous design and comprehensive coverage, mirroring the perfection and completeness of God's Word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:152 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of the immutability and eternality of God's Word. It asserts that divine revelation is not a fleeting phenomenon but an enduring reality, grounded in the unchangeable character of God Himself. This truth provides immense comfort and stability in a world characterized by constant flux and shifting ideologies. The psalmist's "knowing of old" reflects a deep, experiential theology where the reliability of God's promises and commands has been proven through generations. This verse implicitly contrasts divine truth with human wisdom, which is inherently limited and transient, underscoring the necessity of building one's life upon the solid rock of God's eternal decrees. It calls believers to a similar deep-seated conviction, one that comes from consistent engagement with and obedience to the Scriptures.

* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")
* [1 Peter 1:25](/1_peter/1-25 "1 Peter 1:25 - The Word of the Lord Remains Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, rapid change, and a proliferation of competing narratives, Psalms 119:152 offers an anchor for the soul. The psalmist's deep-seated conviction that God's testimonies are "founded for ever" invites us to cultivate a similar unwavering trust in the enduring truth of Scripture. This isn't merely intellectual assent but a profound, experiential "knowing of old" that comes from consistently engaging with God's Word, allowing it to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and comfort our hearts through life's seasons. When we encounter challenges, doubts, or cultural pressures that seek to undermine biblical truth, this verse reminds us that we stand on an eternal foundation laid by God Himself. It encourages us to prioritize the study and application of Scripture, knowing that its principles are timeless and its promises eternally reliable, providing sure guidance and an unshakeable hope for every generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "knowing of old" in this verse challenge or affirm your own experience with God's Word?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to build more firmly on the "forever founded" truths of God's testimonies?**
* **How can the eternal nature of God's Word provide comfort and stability in the face of personal or societal uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God's "testimonies" are "founded for ever"?**

Answer: The phrase "founded for ever" means that God's testimonies—His laws, commands, and revealed will—are eternally established, unchangeable, and completely reliable. They are not temporary or subject to human revision, but possess an inherent, divine permanence. Just as a building's foundation provides stability, God's Word serves as the unshakeable basis for all truth and morality. This concept is reinforced throughout Scripture, such as when [Jesus declares that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - The Permanence of Jesus' Words"), emphasizing the absolute and unending validity of divine revelation. It assures believers that God's character and His truth are immutable, providing a constant guide in a changing world.

**How can I develop the "known of old" conviction in God's Word mentioned by the psalmist?**

Answer: The psalmist's "known of old" refers to a deeply ingrained, experiential knowledge of God's Word, cultivated over time. To develop this conviction, consistent and intentional engagement with Scripture is crucial. This involves regular reading, meditation, and study of the Bible, allowing its truths to penetrate your mind and heart. It also means actively applying God's Word to your life, observing how its principles prove true and reliable in various circumstances. Over time, as you see God's faithfulness and the enduring power of His Word, your trust and conviction will deepen, moving from intellectual assent to a profound, personal "knowing" that stands the test of time, much like the psalmist's experience described in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:152 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word, the very embodiment of God's eternal testimonies. While the Old Testament testimonies were written on stone and parchment, Jesus is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the perfect revelation of God's character and will. He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, demonstrating their eternal validity and bringing their ultimate purpose to fruition ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus' teachings are not temporary doctrines but eternal truths, for He Himself declared, "[Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away](/mark/13-31 "Mark 13:31 - The Enduring Nature of Jesus' Words")" ([Mark 13:31](/mark/13-31 "Mark 13:31 - The Enduring Nature of Jesus' Words")). He is the "foundation" upon which the church is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ as the Only Foundation")), the unshakeable rock that stands for ever. Thus, the psalmist's ancient conviction in the eternal founding of God's testimonies culminates in the person and work of Christ, who is the same "[yesterday and today and forever](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")), making His Word the eternal and unchanging standard for 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

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Psalms 111:7

The works of his hands [are] verity and judgment; all his commandments [are] sure.

Psalms 111:8

They stand fast for ever and ever, [and are] done in truth and uprightness.

Ecclesiastes 3:14

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.

Psalms 119:160

¶ Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 119:144

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

Psalms 89:34

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.