Psalms 119:159

KJV

¶ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Consider {H7200} how I love {H157} thy precepts {H6490}: quicken {H2421} me, O LORD {H3068}, according to thy lovingkindness {H2617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See how I love your precepts, ADONAI; in keeping with your grace, revive me.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider how I love Your precepts, O LORD; give me life according to Your loving devotion.

American Standard Version

Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:159 presents a profound and intimate prayer from the psalmist, expressing a deep, heartfelt affection for God's divine instructions while simultaneously voicing an urgent plea for spiritual renewal and preservation. This verse beautifully encapsulates the paradox of human devotion and dependency, demonstrating that even a fervent love for God's ways does not negate the constant need for His life-giving grace, which is rooted entirely in His steadfast, covenantal lovingkindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a meticulously crafted acrostic poem (though not explicitly visible in English translations) where each of the 22 stanzas (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet) contains eight verses beginning with that letter. The entire Psalm is an elaborate meditation on the various facets of God's revealed Word, using a rich tapestry of synonyms like "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "judgments," "testimonies," and "word." Verse 159 falls within the "Resh" (ר) section (verses 153-160), which typically features the psalmist's distress from adversaries, his reliance on God's justice, and a continued affirmation of his unyielding devotion to God's law despite suffering. The immediate verses preceding 159 often speak of God's faithfulness and the psalmist's longing for salvation, setting the stage for this deeply personal appeal for quickening based on his love for the precepts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, including Psalm 119, emerged from the devotional life of ancient Israel. The "law" (Torah) was not merely a set of legalistic rules but the very revelation of God's character and will, intended to guide His people in covenant relationship. To "love" God's precepts meant to embrace His wisdom, to delight in His righteous standards, and to order one's life according to His divine design, recognizing that obedience brought blessing and life. The concept of "quickening" (giving life or revival) was understood in a holistic sense, encompassing physical preservation from death or enemies, spiritual renewal from spiritual lethargy or despair, and the impartation of vigor to walk in God's ways. The appeal to "lovingkindness" (Hebrew: *chêçêd*) was a profound invocation of God's covenant loyalty, His unwavering mercy, and His faithfulness to His promises, which formed the bedrock of Israel's relationship with Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Psalms 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Great Psalm on God's Word") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **supreme value and delight in God's Word**. The psalmist's declaration, "Consider how I love thy precepts," is not a boast but an earnest affirmation of a heart fully committed to divine truth, seeing God's instructions as a source of life and guidance, as seen throughout the psalm. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **human dependency and the need for divine enablement**. Despite his love and devotion, the psalmist recognizes his inherent weakness and constant need for God's life-giving power, a recurring plea for spiritual revival found in verses like [Psalms 119:25](/psalms/119-25 "Psalms 119:25 - Plea for Revival") and [Psalms 119:37](/psalms/119-37 "Psalms 119:37 - Turning from Vanity"). Finally, the verse anchors all hope and petition in **God's unchanging character, specifically His lovingkindness**. The psalmist appeals not to his own merit, but to the boundless and faithful love of God, which is the ultimate guarantee of divine response, a concept deeply rooted in God's self-revelation in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Compassionate Character").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consider (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root means "to see," but in a broad sense that includes discerning, perceiving, taking heed, and even experiencing. Here, it functions as an earnest invitation for God to "behold" or "take note" of the psalmist's sincere affection for His commands. It implies a desire for divine acknowledgment of the heart's true orientation.
* **Precepts (Hebrew, _piqqûwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to appoint" or "to commit," this term refers to God's specific instructions, ordinances, or mandates. It often carries the nuance of detailed commands that God has "entrusted" or "committed" to His people, implying a careful oversight and a divine expectation for their observance. Unlike general "laws" or "statutes," *piqqûwd* emphasizes the particularity and precision of God's guidance, designed for the well-being and righteous conduct of His covenant people.
* **Quicken (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to live," this term, when used in the causative form as it is here, means "to cause to live," "to revive," or "to restore to life." In the context of Psalm 119, it encompasses various dimensions: preservation from physical death or danger, spiritual renewal from weariness or despair, impartation of strength to obey God's commands, and restoration of vitality for continued service. It is a plea for divine intervention to infuse life where there is spiritual or physical languor.
* **Lovingkindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, denoting God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, mercy, and unfailing faithfulness. It describes a love that is active, enduring, and deeply committed, especially within the framework of a covenant relationship. The psalmist's appeal to *chêçêd* is not a request based on his own worthiness, but a confident reliance on God's unchanging, gracious character and His commitment to His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consider how I love thy precepts":** This opening clause is a deeply personal declaration, almost an invitation for God to observe and acknowledge the psalmist's sincere affection for His divine instructions. It is not a boast of perfection, but an earnest heart-cry affirming a profound, active devotion to God's revealed will. The psalmist desires God to "see" or "take note" of the genuineness of his commitment, laying it before the Lord as the foundation for his subsequent plea, not as a meritorious claim, but as an expression of his heart's true orientation.
* **"quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness."**: This is the urgent petition, immediately following the declaration of love. The psalmist recognizes that his love for God's precepts, however sincere, is insufficient to sustain him without divine intervention. He cries out for God to "give him life"—to revive him, strengthen him, and empower him to continue in obedience and faithfulness. Crucially, the basis for this plea is not the psalmist's own love or merit, but solely God's "lovingkindness" (*chêçêd*). This anchors the prayer in God's character, His unwavering covenantal faithfulness, and His boundless mercy, assuring the psalmist that God will act out of His own gracious nature.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:159 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Supplication**, as the verse is fundamentally a heartfelt prayer and plea to God. This supplication is framed by a **Declaration** of the psalmist's love for God's precepts, which serves as a preamble to his request. There is also a subtle use of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between the psalmist's human love and the divine source of life. While the psalmist expresses his love, he immediately acknowledges his need for God's life-giving power, highlighting human inadequacy without divine grace. The phrase "quicken me" functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual revitalization, renewed strength, and preservation, extending beyond mere physical life to encompass a vibrant, obedient walk with God. Finally, the verse, like the entire Psalm, is part of an intricate **Acrostic** structure, where each section corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, demonstrating the meticulous craftsmanship and deep reverence for God's Word that permeates the composition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:159 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true piety: it is a dynamic interplay between human devotion and divine grace. The psalmist's love for God's precepts is not a self-sufficient virtue but a posture of the heart that opens one to receive God's life. This verse teaches that even the most devout believer remains utterly dependent on God's "lovingkindness" for spiritual vitality and perseverance. It challenges the notion of earning God's favor through obedience, instead grounding all hope and petition in the unmerited, steadfast love of God. This dependency on divine quickening ensures that spiritual life is always a gift, never an achievement, fostering humility and continuous reliance on the Giver of life.

* [Psalms 119:97](/psalms/119-97 "Psalms 119:97 - Profound Love for God's Law")
* [Psalms 119:25](/psalms/119-25 "Psalms 119:25 - A Plea for Spiritual Revival")
* [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The Revelation of God's Lovingkindness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:159 provides a timeless model for our spiritual lives, urging us to cultivate a profound and active love for God's Word, not as a burdensome duty, but as a source of delight and direction. This love should then lead us to a humble recognition of our constant need for God's life-giving power. In moments of spiritual weariness, doubt, or temptation, we are invited to cry out to the Lord for renewal, trusting not in our own strength or past achievements, but in His unfailing "lovingkindness." This verse reminds us that genuine devotion is not static; it requires ongoing divine quickening to remain vibrant and fruitful. It encourages a life of continuous prayer, where our deepest desires for spiritual vitality are anchored in the unchanging character of a merciful and faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How genuinely do I "love" God's precepts, or do I view them more as rules and obligations?**
* **In what areas of my life do I feel a need for God to "quicken" or revive me, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically?**
* **Am I prone to rely on my own efforts or past spiritual experiences, rather than continually appealing to God's "lovingkindness" for fresh grace?**
* **How does understanding God's *chêçêd* (lovingkindness) deepen my confidence in prayer and my trust in His provision?**

### FAQ

**What does "quicken me" truly mean in the context of Psalms 119:159?**

Answer: In Psalms 119:159, "quicken me" (Hebrew: *châyâh*) is a multifaceted plea for God to "give me life" or "revive me." It extends beyond mere physical preservation to encompass spiritual renewal, the impartation of fresh vigor to obey God's commands, and the restoration of vitality when feeling spiritually lethargic or overwhelmed. The psalmist, despite his declared love for God's precepts, recognizes his ongoing dependency on divine grace to live righteously and persevere in his faith. This plea is common throughout [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - A Meditation on God's Word"), highlighting the continuous need for God's empowering Spirit to animate and sustain the believer's walk.

**Is the psalmist's declaration of love for God's precepts a basis for earning God's favor?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's declaration, "Consider how I love thy precepts," is not presented as a meritorious claim or a basis for earning God's favor. Instead, it serves as an earnest affirmation of his heart's sincere orientation and devotion to God's Word. The crucial phrase "according to thy lovingkindness" immediately clarifies that the psalmist's plea for quickening is rooted entirely in God's character—His steadfast love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness (*chêçêd*)—rather than in any perceived worthiness of the psalmist. This highlights the biblical principle that salvation and spiritual vitality are always gifts of grace, received through faith, not earned through human effort or devotion, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:159 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's precepts and the source of all quickening life. The psalmist's declared love for God's Word points forward to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived in complete obedience to the Father's will ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the Living Word, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning")), and to love God's precepts now means to love and follow Christ. Furthermore, the urgent plea "quicken me, O LORD" finds its answer in Christ, who declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")) and promises abundant life to those who believe in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). It is through His Spirit that we are made alive, for "the Spirit gives life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life")). Finally, the psalmist's appeal to God's "lovingkindness" is most profoundly revealed in the cross of Christ, where God's steadfast love and mercy were perfectly demonstrated, even while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). In Christ, we receive not just quickening, but eternal life, rooted in the unfathomable *chêçêd* of God.

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 119:97

¶ MEM. O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day.

Nehemiah 13:22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Psalms 119:153

¶ RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

2 Kings 20:3

I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

Nehemiah 5:19

Think upon me, my God, for good, [according] to all that I have done for this people.