Psalms 119:165

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:165 proclaims a profound promise: those who genuinely love God's divine instruction are granted an abundance of internal peace and spiritual stability, rendering them impervious to the common stumbling blocks and offenses that derail others. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's deep conviction that true flourishing and unwavering resilience are direct results of a heart devoted to the Lord's commands, statutes, and testimonies, which are understood not as burdensome rules but as life-giving wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119:165 is situated near the conclusion of the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem (though the acrostic structure concludes at verse 176, this verse is part of the final section, the "Taw" stanza, verses 161-168). The entire psalm is an expansive meditation on the multifaceted nature and supreme value of God's Word, referred to by at least ten different synonyms (e.g., law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, ways, word, promise, truth). This verse, like many others in the psalm, connects the psalmist's deep affection for God's law with a corresponding blessing or spiritual state. It echoes the sentiment of earlier verses that highlight the benefits of obedience and devotion, such as the guidance found in [Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalms 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp") and the joy in [Psalms 119:111](/psalms/119-111 "Psalms 119:111 - God's Testimonies as an Inheritance"). The immediate preceding verses, like [Psalms 119:164](/psalms/119-164 "Psalms 119:164 - Praising God Seven Times a Day"), speak of constant praise, reinforcing the idea of an all-consuming devotion that leads to the peace described in verse 165.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "law" (Hebrew: *Torah*) in ancient Israel was not merely a collection of legal codes but encompassed God's entire revelation of His will, His instruction, and His covenant relationship with His people. It was the foundation of their national identity, their worship, and their daily lives. Unlike the legal systems of surrounding nations, the Torah was understood as a divine gift, a pathway to life and blessing, as reiterated in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life"). To "love" the law meant more than intellectual assent; it implied a heartfelt embrace, a diligent study, and a joyful obedience to its principles, viewing it as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance for navigating a complex world. The cultural expectation was that adherence to God's commands would lead to national and individual prosperity and peace, while deviation would lead to chaos and suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 119 and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is the **profound peace** (*shalom*) that is the direct result of loving God's instruction. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, completeness, and flourishing in every aspect of life, both internal and external. Another crucial theme is the **active and genuine love for God's Law** as the prerequisite for this peace. This love signifies a deep affection and commitment, transforming obedience from a burden into a delight. Finally, the phrase "nothing shall offend them" introduces the theme of **spiritual stability and resilience**. It speaks to an inner fortitude that protects believers from being tripped up or led astray by the world's temptations, adversities, or the spiritual stumbling blocks that cause others to fall or become deeply distressed. This resilience underscores the protective and guiding nature of God's Word in the life of the devoted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** This is a rich and comprehensive term in Hebrew, far exceeding the English understanding of merely the absence of conflict. *Shalom* encompasses wholeness, completeness, soundness, prosperity, well-being, health, security, and tranquility in every dimension of life—spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational. It signifies a state of flourishing and right relationship with God, self, others, and creation. In this context, "great peace" implies an abundant, deep, and pervasive sense of well-being that flows from alignment with God's will.
* **Offend (Hebrew, _mikshowl'_):** This word literally means "a stumbling block," "an impediment," or "an occasion of falling or ruin." It refers to something that causes one to stumble, fall, or be ruined, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. The phrase "nothing shall offend them" therefore means that those who love God's law will not encounter anything that causes them to stumble spiritually, to fall away from their faith, to be ruined by temptation, or to be deeply distressed to the point of losing their spiritual footing. It speaks to a divine protection against spiritual pitfalls and moral collapse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Great peace have they which love thy law:":** This opening clause establishes the condition and the primary blessing. The "great peace" is the result, and "they which love thy law" describes the recipients. The love for God's law is not a superficial sentiment but a deep, abiding affection for His revealed will, expressed through diligent study, meditation, and joyful obedience. This love is the fertile ground from which true *shalom* springs, indicating that internal tranquility is not found in external circumstances but in a heart aligned with divine truth.
* **"and nothing shall offend them.":** This second clause describes the profound spiritual stability and resilience that accompanies the "great peace." The "nothing" is a strong assertion, implying that no external trial, internal temptation, or adversarial force will cause the one who loves God's law to stumble spiritually or fall into ruin. This does not mean they will never face difficulties or temptations, but that these challenges will not cause them to permanently deviate from their path or lose their faith. Their love for the law acts as an anchor and a shield, providing a firm foundation against spiritual pitfalls.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of this verse. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "nothing shall offend them." While believers are not immune to all forms of distress or temptation, the strong assertion emphasizes the remarkable spiritual resilience and divine protection afforded to those who deeply love God's law. It highlights the *degree* of stability, implying that whatever challenges arise, they will not ultimately cause a spiritual collapse. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** between "great peace" and "nothing shall offend them," where the latter elaborates on the practical manifestation of the former. The peace is not merely a feeling but a robust spiritual state that prevents stumbling. Furthermore, the concept of "loving thy law" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, as the law itself is treated as an entity capable of being loved and cherished, underscoring its living, active quality in the life of the believer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a fundamental theological truth: genuine peace and stability are not products of human effort or external circumstances, but are divine gifts bestowed upon those who wholeheartedly align themselves with God's revealed will. It highlights the intimate connection between devotion to God's Word and a flourishing inner life, demonstrating that God's law is not burdensome but liberating, leading to a profound sense of security and well-being. The "great peace" is a foretaste of the comprehensive *shalom* that God desires for His people, a peace that transcends worldly understanding and provides an anchor in times of turmoil. It speaks to God's faithfulness in protecting and sustaining those who delight in His ways, ensuring that their spiritual journey is marked by resilience rather than constant stumbling.

* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and countless opportunities for spiritual and moral stumbling, Psalms 119:165 offers a timeless pathway to true tranquility and unwavering stability. The call to "love thy law" is not a call to legalism, but an invitation to cultivate a deep, heartfelt affection for God's wisdom, His character, and His guiding principles as revealed in Scripture. This love translates into diligent study, earnest meditation, and joyful obedience, allowing God's Word to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions. When our hearts are anchored in His truth, we gain a divine perspective that reorients our responses to life's challenges. We become less susceptible to the fleeting opinions of the world, the deceptive allure of sin, or the crushing weight of adversity, finding a peace that surpasses understanding and a resilience that keeps us from being permanently derailed. Cultivating this love is a daily discipline, a conscious choice to prioritize God's voice above all others, trusting that His instructions are always for our ultimate good and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "love" God's law, beyond intellectual assent or mere obedience?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I most need the "great peace" promised in this verse, and how might a deeper love for God's Word cultivate that peace?**
* **What are the common "stumbling blocks" or "offenses" in my life or in the world today that this verse speaks to, and how can God's Word help me navigate them without falling?**
* **How can I practically cultivate a deeper love for God's Word in my daily routine?**

### FAQ
**Does "nothing shall offend them" mean believers will never face difficulties or temptations?**

Answer: No, "nothing shall offend them" does not mean that those who love God's law will live a life free from external difficulties, trials, or temptations. The biblical narrative is replete with examples of faithful individuals who suffered greatly (e.g., Job, Paul in [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings")). Rather, the phrase "nothing shall offend them" (Hebrew: *mikshowl*) refers to spiritual stumbling blocks or moral pitfalls. It means that external challenges or internal temptations will not cause them to *fall away* from their faith, to be *ruined* spiritually, or to *lose their spiritual footing* in a way that permanently derails their walk with God. Their love for God's law provides a firm foundation and a divine anchor, enabling them to navigate adversity with spiritual resilience and maintain their peace, even amidst turmoil. It speaks to an inner fortitude and divine protection against spiritual collapse, not an absence of hardship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:165 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist expresses a deep love for the *Torah*, Jesus is the living embodiment and perfect fulfillment of that Law. He did not come to abolish the Law but to [fulfill it in every jot and tittle](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), perfectly living out its righteous demands in a way no human could. Therefore, the "great peace" promised to those who love God's law is fully realized in those who love and follow Christ, for He is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). He offers a peace that the world cannot give, a [peace that He bequeathed to His disciples](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace") before His departure. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the one who ensures that His followers will not "offend" or stumble fatally. He is the Good Shepherd who [lays down His life for His sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") and promises that [none will snatch them out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Security in Christ"). Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to walk in righteousness, no longer enslaved to sin's power, and are given the spiritual stability to overcome the world's temptations and trials. Thus, the peace and unwavering resilience described in Psalms 119:165 are ultimately found in a saving relationship with Jesus, who perfectly loved and fulfilled God's law on our behalf, and now grants us His Spirit to enable us to walk in His ways and experience His abundant *shalom*.

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

Proverbs 3:1

¶ 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,