Psalms 119:164

KJV

¶ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seven times {H7651} a day {H3117} do I praise {H1984} thee because of thy righteous {H6664} judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I praise you seven times a day because of your righteous rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous judgments.

American Standard Version

Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:164 encapsulates the psalmist's profound and consistent devotion to God, expressed through abundant daily praise. This praise is rooted in the unwavering conviction of God's perfect and just decrees, which are seen not as burdensome rules but as a source of joy, wisdom, and a reliable foundation for life. The verse highlights a life saturated with worship, acknowledging God's inherent righteousness as revealed in His divine judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an intricately structured acrostic poem (each of its 22 stanzas, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, begins with that letter). It is an extended meditation on the nature, beauty, and necessity of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and judgments. The psalmist expresses an unparalleled love for God's Word, viewing it as a source of life, wisdom, comfort, and guidance amidst affliction. Verse 164 falls within the 'Tsade' section (verses 161-168), where the psalmist reaffirms his unwavering love for God's precepts despite facing persecution and opposition from princes and liars. This section emphasizes the psalmist's peace and great love for God's law, which contrasts sharply with the turmoil caused by his adversaries. The consistent praise mentioned in verse 164 is thus presented as a natural outflow of this deep affection and trust in God's perfect governance, even when circumstances are challenging.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, daily life was often punctuated by specific times of prayer and devotion. While not rigidly prescribed for all, there were traditions of praying at certain hours, such as morning, noon, and evening, as seen in [Psalm 55:17](/psalms/55-17 "Psalm 55:17 - Evening, Morning, and Noon") and Daniel's practice in [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Prayer Practice"). The phrase "seven times a day" is an idiom, not meant to be a literal count, but rather signifies completeness, abundance, and diligent consistency. In biblical numerology, the number seven frequently denotes perfection, fullness, or divine completion (e.g., seven days of creation, seven-day festivals). Therefore, the psalmist's declaration reflects a life thoroughly permeated by worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's ever-present sovereignty and the constant relevance of His "judgments" (Hebrew: _mishpatim_)—His divine decrees, ordinances, and just decisions that govern all aspects of life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Consistent Devotion and Praise**, demonstrating a life saturated with worship that is not occasional but deeply ingrained. The "seven times a day" underscores a commitment to perpetual adoration, reflecting the psalmist's unceasing delight in God's Word, as also seen in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Foundation in God's Righteousness**. The reason for this overflowing praise is "because of thy righteous judgments," affirming that God's decrees are inherently perfect, fair, and true. This echoes the sentiment found in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Work"), which states, "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." The psalmist praises God not just for who He is, but for how He governs and reveals His will through His perfect law. Thirdly, the verse signifies **Gratitude for Divine Guidance**, demonstrating a deep appreciation for God's moral and spiritual framework. The psalmist finds joy and reason for praise in the very structure and principles God has established for life, recognizing them as good, beneficial, and worthy of constant celebration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seven times (שֶׁבַע, _sheva'_):** This Hebrew term for "seven" is used here as an idiom for completeness, abundance, or spiritual perfection, rather than a literal count. It suggests that the psalmist's praise is not occasional or partial, but comprehensive, all-encompassing, and diligently consistent. It implies a life lived in constant awareness of God's presence and His righteous character, where every part of the day and every aspect of life is dedicated to His praise.
* **Praise (הָלַל, _halal_):** The root of the English word "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord!), _halal_ denotes a joyful, active, and sometimes boisterous commendation of God. It implies celebrating, boasting in, or shining forth God's glory. Here, it signifies a deliberate and fervent act of worship, an expression of profound admiration and gratitude for God's character and actions.
* **Judgments (מִשְׁפָּטִים, _mishpatim_):** This plural noun refers to God's divine decrees, ordinances, and just decisions. It encompasses God's righteous rulings, His moral laws, and the principles by which He governs the universe and interacts with humanity. Unlike human judgments, God's _mishpatim_ are inherently perfect, equitable, and true, serving as a reliable foundation for life, worship, and understanding His will. The psalmist praises God precisely because these judgments are "righteous."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seven times a day do I praise thee":** This clause establishes the psalmist's profound and continuous commitment to worship. The "seven times a day" is a hyperbolic expression signifying unceasing, complete, and abundant praise, not a literal tally. It speaks to a life wholly devoted to God, where praise is a constant, natural outflow, woven into the very fabric of daily existence. It reflects a heart that finds countless reasons throughout the day to acknowledge and extol God's greatness.
* **"because of thy righteous judgments":** This second clause provides the crucial reason and motivation for the psalmist's consistent praise. The praise is not arbitrary or emotional but grounded in the objective reality of God's character and His revealed will. God's "judgments" (His divine laws, decrees, and ordinances) are inherently "righteous"—just, true, and perfect. The psalmist praises God because His ways are always right, His commands are always good, and His governance is always equitable. This highlights a deep appreciation for the moral and spiritual structure God has provided, finding joy and reason for worship in His perfect wisdom and justice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "seven times a day," which is not meant to be taken literally but rather to convey an extreme degree of consistency and abundance in praise. This exaggeration emphasizes the psalmist's total dedication. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where the number "seven" symbolizes completeness, perfection, and fullness, reinforcing the idea of a life entirely saturated with worship. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Cause-and-Effect Relationship** established: the psalmist's praise is directly *because of* God's righteous judgments. This highlights a logical and theological connection between God's character (righteousness) as revealed in His law and the human response of worship. The verse functions as a concise declaration of theological truth, demonstrating the psalmist's profound love for God's revealed will as the basis for his unceasing adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a fundamental theological principle: true praise is rooted in an understanding and appreciation of God's character, particularly His righteousness and justice as expressed in His divine decrees. It teaches that God's laws are not burdensome restrictions but perfect revelations of His nature, providing the very framework for a life of blessing and the deepest reasons for adoration. The psalmist's consistent praise demonstrates that a life lived in accordance with God's "judgments" leads to a heart overflowing with gratitude and worship, recognizing God's wisdom and equity in all things. This perspective transforms obedience from a duty into a joyful response to divine goodness.

* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection of God's Law") - This passage beautifully describes the perfection, trustworthiness, and life-giving nature of God's law, statutes, and judgments, echoing the psalmist's delight.
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good") - Paul affirms the inherent goodness and righteousness of God's law, even in the context of its inability to save, aligning with the psalmist's high regard for God's judgments.
* [Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3 - Just and True are Your Ways") - The redeemed in heaven sing of God's great and marvelous works, declaring, "Just and true are your ways, King of the nations!" reflecting the eternal praise for God's righteous judgments.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:164 challenges believers to cultivate a life of deep, consistent, and fervent praise, not as a sporadic act but as an integral part of their daily existence. While the "seven times a day" is an idiom for completeness, the principle encourages a spiritual discipline where gratitude and adoration are woven into the very fabric of our lives, permeating our thoughts and actions from morning to night. It calls us to actively seek out and appreciate God's divine decrees, understanding that His ways are always righteous and just, even when they may seem challenging or counter-cultural. Like the psalmist, we are called to find abundant reasons to praise God, particularly for the truth, wisdom, and guidance found in His Word. This verse encourages a profound love for God's law as a source of joy, a pathway to knowing Him better, and a foundation for a life of unwavering worship, recognizing that His judgments are always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How consistently do I express praise and gratitude to God throughout my day?**
* **In what ways do I view God's "judgments" or commands? Do I see them as burdens or as righteous and good foundations for life?**
* **What specific aspects of God's character, as revealed in His Word, inspire my praise most deeply?**
* **How can I intentionally weave more moments of praise and reflection on God's righteousness into my daily routine?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "seven times a day" in Psalms 119:164?**

Answer: The phrase "seven times a day" is a biblical idiom signifying completeness, abundance, and diligent consistency, rather than a literal count. In ancient Hebrew culture and biblical numerology, the number seven often represents perfection, fullness, or divine completion (e.g., the seven days of creation, the seven-branched menorah). Therefore, when the psalmist declares, "Seven times a day do I praise thee," he is expressing a profound and all-encompassing devotion. It means his life is thoroughly saturated with praise for God, that his worship is unceasing, comprehensive, and integrated into every part of his daily existence. It's a hyperbole to convey total dedication, similar to how [Psalm 55:17](/psalms/55-17 "Psalm 55:17 - Evening, Morning, and Noon") mentions praying "evening, and morning, and at noon," indicating a regular, consistent practice. The emphasis is on the *quality* and *pervasiveness* of the praise, rooted in the psalmist's deep appreciation for God's righteous judgments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:164, with its emphasis on praising God for His righteous judgments, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament saint praised God for His revealed law, believers in Christ praise God for the perfect embodiment and fulfillment of that law in Jesus. Christ is the living Word, the ultimate revelation of God's righteous judgments and character. He perfectly upheld God's righteous standards, not only by fulfilling the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) but also by perfectly obeying the Father's will in every aspect of His life and ministry ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus' Obedience")). Moreover, the cross of Christ is the supreme demonstration of God's righteous judgments against sin, where divine justice and mercy perfectly converge ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). Through faith in Christ, we are not merely given a law to obey, but we are given Christ Himself as our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")), enabling us to truly praise God for His righteous judgments, knowing that in Christ, we are reconciled to the perfectly just and holy God. Our "seven times a day" praise is now directed to the Father through the Son, who has made us righteous and given us access to God's presence.

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 119:62

¶ At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Psalms 97:8

¶ Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Psalms 48:11

Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.