Psalms 119:167

¶ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

My soul {H5315} hath kept {H8104} thy testimonies {H5713}; and I love {H157} them exceedingly {H3966}.

My soul observes your instruction, and I love it so much!

I obey Your testimonies and love them greatly.

My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.

Psalms 119:167 (KJV): "My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly."

Context of Psalms 119:167

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an extensive acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each section (of eight verses) beginning with a successive letter. This psalm is a profound meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and necessity of God's Word, which is referred to by various synonyms like "testimonies," "precepts," "statutes," "commandments," "judgments," and "law." Verse 167 falls within the 'Tsade' (צ) section, where the psalmist consistently expresses deep devotion, delight, and a fervent commitment to God's divine instructions. It encapsulates the heart of the entire psalm: a passionate love for and obedience to God's revealed will.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Wholehearted Obedience: The phrase "My soul hath kept thy testimonies" signifies more than mere outward conformity. The Hebrew word for "kept" (shamar) implies diligently guarding, preserving, and obeying. When coupled with "my soul" (nephesh), it conveys a deep, internal commitment of the entire being to God's commands. It’s an obedience born from conviction, not compulsion.
  • Profound Love for God's Word: The declaration "I love them exceedingly" reveals the psalmist's intense affection and delight in God's laws. For the psalmist, God's testimonies are not burdensome rules but a source of joy, wisdom, and life. This love is so great that it is described as "exceedingly," emphasizing its depth and sincerity. This aligns with the sentiment found in Psalm 1:2, which speaks of delighting in the law of the Lord.
  • Interconnectedness of Love and Obedience: This verse beautifully illustrates that true obedience flows from genuine love for God's Word, and conversely, the act of keeping His testimonies deepens that love. It highlights that a true relationship with God involves both honoring His commands and cherishing His revelation. Jesus Himself affirmed this connection, stating, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Linguistic Insights

The term "testimonies" (Hebrew: עֵדֹת, edot) refers to God's divine decrees or principles that bear witness to His character, His covenant, and His will for humanity. They are not arbitrary rules but revelations of truth. The use of "my soul" (Hebrew: נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh) emphasizes that this keeping and loving is not superficial but involves the innermost being—the mind, will, and emotions. The word "exceedingly" powerfully conveys the psalmist's intense emotional attachment and devotion to God's Word.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:167 challenges believers today to cultivate a similar passion for God's Word. It prompts us to consider:

  • Do we truly "keep" God's testimonies with our whole being, allowing them to shape our thoughts and actions?
  • Is our obedience a joyful response born out of love, or merely a dutiful obligation?
  • Do we cherish the Bible "exceedingly," finding delight and spiritual nourishment within its pages, seeing it as God's loving guidance for our lives?

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that a vibrant spiritual life is marked by both diligent adherence to God's commands and a profound, heartfelt love for His revealed truth, leading to a life that honors Him.

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.

  • Romans 7:22

    For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

  • Psalms 40:8

    I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.

  • Hebrews 10:16

    This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

  • Psalms 119:97

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

  • John 15:9

    As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

  • John 15:10

    If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

  • Psalms 119:159

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