Psalms 119:155

¶ Salvation [is] far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

Salvation {H3444} is far {H7350} from the wicked {H7563}: for they seek {H1875} not thy statutes {H2706}.

Salvation is far away from the wicked, because they don't seek your laws.

Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.

Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes.

Psalms 119:155 delivers a profound statement about the spiritual state and ultimate destiny of those who disregard God's divine instructions. It succinctly ties the absence of salvation to the refusal to seek or obey the Lord's statutes.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem with each stanza (eight verses) beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its overarching theme is a deep and abiding love for God's law, referred to by various synonyms like "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "judgments," and "testimonies." Throughout the psalm, the writer expresses devotion to God's word and contrasts their own commitment with the actions of the "wicked" or "proud" who despise divine authority. Verse 155 falls within the 'Resh' section (verses 153-160), where the psalmist appeals for deliverance from persecutors, reiterating their faithfulness to God's decrees while lamenting the rebellion of others.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Salvation: The term "salvation" (Hebrew: yesha') here encompasses more than just eternal redemption; it refers broadly to deliverance, help, prosperity, well-being, and wholeness. The verse suggests that such comprehensive well-being, both temporal and spiritual, is unattainable for those who live in rebellion against God.
  • The Condition of the Wicked: The "wicked" (Hebrew: resha'im) are characterized not merely by isolated sinful acts, but by a fundamental disinterest in or active opposition to God's established moral and spiritual order. Their defining characteristic in this verse is that "they seek not thy statutes," implying a deliberate neglect or rejection of divine guidance.
  • The Inseparable Link Between Obedience and Blessing: The verse posits a direct consequence: salvation is far from the wicked because they do not align their lives with God's will. This principle is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that true blessing and deliverance come through heeding divine instruction. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 vividly portrays the choice between life and death, blessing and curse, based on obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "salvation," yesha', often conveys a sense of deliverance from danger, oppression, or distress. It is a broad term for divine rescue and preservation. The "wicked" (resha'im) are those who are morally wrong, guilty, and who often oppose the righteous. The word for "statutes," chuqqim, refers to God's fixed decrees or ordinances, which are binding and foundational to a life lived in accordance with His will. The phrase "seek not thy statutes" indicates a willful failure to inquire, pursue, or adhere to God's revealed truth.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful warning and a call to introspection. It underscores the vital importance of actively engaging with God's Word. For believers, it reinforces the truth that genuine spiritual well-being and deliverance are inextricably linked to a life of seeking and obeying God's commands. It reminds us that salvation, in its fullest sense, is not merely a one-time event but a continuous relationship characterized by adherence to divine truth. Conversely, it highlights the perilous path of those who ignore or reject God's guidance, illustrating that their chosen distance from God's statutes inevitably leads them away from His saving grace and blessing. As Jesus said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words", implying that obedience is a hallmark of true love for God and a pathway to experiencing His presence and promises.

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.

  • Job 5:4

    His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].

  • Ephesians 2:17

    And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

  • Ephesians 2:18

    For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

  • Psalms 10:4

    The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.

  • Luke 16:24

    And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

  • Isaiah 46:12

    Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that [are] far from righteousness:

  • Isaiah 57:19

    I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

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