Psalms 119:165

ยถ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Great {H7227} peace {H7965} have they which love {H157} thy law {H8451}: and nothing shall offend {H4383} them.

Those who love your Torah have great peace; nothing makes them stumble.

Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling.

Commentary

Psalm 119:165 in the King James Version offers a profound promise regarding the benefits of loving God's law.

Context

This verse is situated within Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, which is entirely devoted to extolling the virtues, power, and necessity of God's Word (referred to by various synonyms like law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies). The psalm writer expresses deep love and devotion to God's instructions, and verse 165 highlights a key result of such devotion.

Key Themes

  • Profound Peace: The most prominent theme is the promise of "great peace" to those who meet the stated condition. This isn't merely the absence of conflict, but a deep, internal sense of well-being and security.
  • Love for God's Law: The prerequisite for this peace is an active, genuine love for God's instructions. This love implies not just intellectual assent or outward obedience, but a heartfelt cherishing of His ways.
  • Spiritual Stability: The phrase "nothing shall offend them" indicates that those who love God's law are protected from stumbling blocks, ruin, or things that cause others to fall spiritually or become deeply distressed. They possess a remarkable resilience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "peace" is shalom (ืฉืึธืœื•ึนื), a rich term signifying wholeness, completeness, soundness, prosperity, and well-being in every sense, not merely the cessation of hostility. The word translated "offend" is mikshowl (ืžึดื›ึฐืฉืื•ึนืœ), meaning a stumbling block, an impediment, or an occasion of falling or ruin. Thus, loving God's law provides a firm foundation against spiritual pitfalls.

Reflection and Application

This verse assures us that aligning our hearts and lives with God's Word is the pathway to true and lasting tranquility. In a world filled with anxiety and things that can cause us to stumble, a deep love for God's law acts as an anchor and a guide. It cultivates a peace that surpasses understanding and provides the spiritual stability so that nothing shall cause us to stumble definitively. Cultivating this love involves studying, meditating on, and diligently living out His commands.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 3:1

    ยถ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

  • Proverbs 3:2

    For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

  • Isaiah 32:17

    And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

  • John 14:27

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  • Philippians 4:7

    And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,