Psalms 119:167

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

I obey Your testimonies and love them greatly.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:167 beautifully encapsulates the psalmist's profound devotion, declaring a wholehearted commitment to God's divine instructions and an intense, overflowing love for them. This verse goes beyond mere external obedience, revealing an internal, soul-deep adherence to God's testimonies, driven by an "exceeding" affection that finds delight and life in His revealed will. It portrays a vibrant spiritual life where obedience flows naturally from a cherished relationship with the divine Word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an extensive acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section, comprising eight verses, begins with a successive letter, creating a comprehensive meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and necessity of God's Word. The psalmist employs numerous synonyms—such as "testimonies," "precepts," "statutes," "commandments," "judgments," and "law"—to refer to God's divine instructions, emphasizing their multifaceted nature. Verse 167 falls within the 'Tsade' (צ) section (verses 161-168), which consistently expresses deep devotion, delight, and a fervent commitment to God's divine instructions, often in the face of opposition. The preceding verses speak of the psalmist's hatred of falsehood and his continuous praise, while the following verse (168) reaffirms his commitment to God's precepts and testimonies, acknowledging God's omniscience. This verse thus serves as a powerful summary of the psalmist's relationship with God's Word, rooted in both diligent keeping and passionate love, echoing the overarching theme of the entire psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "Torah" (often translated as "Law" but more accurately "Instruction" or "Teaching") was not merely a set of legal codes but represented the entire body of God's revealed will, His covenant stipulations, and His wisdom for living a blessed life. It was seen as a divine gift, a guide for righteousness, and a means of maintaining a relationship with a holy God. Unlike the legal systems of surrounding nations, Israel's "law" was intrinsically linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing ethical monotheism and a holistic way of life. The concept of "keeping" God's testimonies (Hebrew: *shamar*) implied not just outward compliance but a diligent guarding, preserving, and internalizing of these instructions, reflecting a deep respect for their divine origin. The cultural understanding was that true wisdom and prosperity came from adherence to God's ways, as highlighted in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life"). This profound reverence for God's Word was central to Israelite identity and worship.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:167 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the psalm and indeed, the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Wholehearted Obedience**, emphasizing that true adherence to God's commands is not superficial but emanates from the innermost being, the "soul." This is an obedience born of conviction and love, not compulsion, aligning with the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Profound Love for God's Word**, portraying God's testimonies not as burdensome rules but as a source of immense joy, wisdom, and life. This deep affection is described as "exceedingly," signifying its intensity and sincerity, mirroring the delight in God's law expressed in [Psalms 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalms 1:2 - Delight in God's Law"). Finally, it beautifully illustrates the **Interconnectedness of Love and Obedience**, demonstrating that genuine obedience flows from a deep love for God's Word, and conversely, the act of keeping His testimonies deepens that love. This synergistic relationship is foundational to a vibrant faith, as Jesus Himself affirmed in [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This term refers to more than just the emotional or spiritual part of a person; it encompasses the entire being, the life-force, the inner self, including one's mind, will, and emotions. When the psalmist declares "My soul hath kept," it signifies a holistic, internal commitment—not merely external conformity or intellectual assent, but an obedience that emanates from the deepest core of one's personhood. It implies that the keeping of God's testimonies is not superficial but deeply ingrained and integrated into the very essence of who the psalmist is.
* **kept (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning to guard, observe, preserve, watch over, or diligently attend to. It implies active, careful adherence rather than passive compliance. The psalmist doesn't just "do" God's testimonies; he "keeps" them, suggesting a protective, treasuring attitude. It's akin to guarding a precious treasure, indicating that God's Word is valued and diligently upheld against anything that might cause one to deviate from it. This active preservation of God's truth is a hallmark of true devotion.
* **testimonies (Hebrew, _'edot'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to witness" or "to testify," these are God's divine decrees, precepts, or covenant stipulations that bear witness to His character, His will, and His relationship with humanity. They are not arbitrary rules but revelations of truth, serving as a reliable witness to who God is and what He requires. The term emphasizes the authoritative and revelatory nature of God's Word, presenting it as a faithful declaration of His truth.
* **exceedingly (Hebrew, _me'od'_):** This adverb intensifies the preceding verb, here "love." It means "very much," "greatly," "with great strength," or "to a very high degree." Its inclusion transforms the psalmist's love from a mere affection to an overwhelming, profound, and intense passion. It conveys a love that is not lukewarm or casual but deep, fervent, and all-consuming, signifying the immense delight and joy the psalmist finds in God's Word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My soul hath kept thy testimonies":** This clause reveals the depth and internal nature of the psalmist's obedience. The "soul" (nephesh) signifies the entire self—mind, will, and emotions—indicating that this "keeping" (shamar) is not a superficial, external compliance but a holistic, internal commitment. It means the psalmist has diligently guarded, observed, and preserved God's divine instructions within his innermost being, allowing them to shape his thoughts, desires, and actions. This is an obedience that flows from conviction, not compulsion, reflecting a deep reverence for God's revealed truth.
* **"and I love them exceedingly":** This second clause provides the motivation and the overflow of the first. The psalmist's "keeping" is fueled by an intense, overflowing love for God's testimonies. The word "exceedingly" (me'od) emphasizes the profound, fervent, and unreserved nature of this affection. For the psalmist, God's Word is not a burden or a list of rules, but a source of profound joy, delight, and spiritual nourishment. This love is so great that it is expressed with the highest degree of intensity, demonstrating that true obedience is inextricably linked to a passionate, heartfelt devotion to God's Word.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:167 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "My soul hath kept" utilizes **Personification**, attributing the human action of "keeping" to the "soul," which represents the entire inner being. This emphasizes that obedience is not merely an external act but a deep, internal commitment of one's whole self. The use of "exceedingly" to describe the psalmist's love is a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration for emphasis. It underscores the immense, overflowing, and fervent nature of the psalmist's affection for God's testimonies, conveying a love that is beyond measure. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and I love them exceedingly") expands upon and completes the thought of the first clause ("My soul hath kept thy testimonies"). While not strictly synonymous, the two clauses are intimately connected, showing that the internal act of "keeping" is born out of and reinforced by an "exceeding love." This structure highlights the synergistic relationship between obedience and affection. Finally, "testimonies" serves as a **Metonymy** for the entirety of God's revealed Word, standing in for all His commands, statutes, precepts, and laws, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the psalmist's devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:167 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true obedience and the believer's relationship with God's revelation. It challenges the notion of a merely external or legalistic adherence to divine commands, positing instead an obedience that springs from the deepest recesses of the "soul" and is fueled by an "exceeding" love. This is not a burdensome duty but a joyful response to God's character and His life-giving Word. The verse suggests that genuine spiritual flourishing is marked by this internal alignment, where God's testimonies are not just followed, but cherished as a source of delight and wisdom. It underscores the biblical truth that love for God is inextricably linked to obedience to His commands, and that His commands, far from being oppressive, are expressions of His loving will designed for our good. This theological framework anticipates the New Covenant emphasis on the law being written on the heart, transforming obedience from an external obligation to an internal desire.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law Is Holy, Righteous, and Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:167 serves as a powerful mirror for believers today, inviting us to examine the true nature of our relationship with God's Word. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial or dutiful adherence to biblical principles and to cultivate a deep, internal, and passionate love for them. Do we "keep" God's testimonies with our whole "soul," allowing them to penetrate and transform our innermost being, shaping our thoughts, desires, and actions? Or is our obedience merely an external performance, lacking the vital spark of genuine affection? The psalmist's "exceeding" love calls us to see God's Word not as a restrictive rulebook but as a precious, life-giving revelation—a source of joy, wisdom, and guidance for every facet of our existence. When we truly love God's testimonies, obedience becomes less of a chore and more of a delight, a natural overflow of our affection for the One who has revealed Himself to us. This verse encourages us to actively pursue a deeper intimacy with the Scriptures, allowing them to nourish our souls and guide us into a life that truly honors God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does "keeping" God's testimonies with your "soul" differ from mere outward compliance, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate this deeper, internal obedience?**
* **In what ways do you actively cultivate a deeper, "exceeding" love for God's Word, moving beyond obligation to genuine delight and spiritual nourishment?**
* **Considering the connection between love and obedience in this verse, how does your affection for God's Word influence your daily decisions, priorities, and responses to life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why is the psalmist's "soul" emphasized in keeping God's testimonies?**

Answer: The emphasis on "my soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) highlights that the psalmist's obedience is not merely external or superficial, but a deep, holistic commitment involving the entirety of his being—his mind, will, and emotions. *Nephesh* refers to the whole person, the life-force, the inner self. This signifies that the keeping of God's testimonies is integrated into the core of who the psalmist is, stemming from an internal conviction and desire rather than just outward conformity. It speaks to an obedience that transforms from within, aligning one's deepest desires with God's revealed will. This concept is foundational to biblical understanding of true devotion, where the heart (often synonymous with soul) is the seat of one's moral and spiritual life, as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart").

**What does "exceedingly" tell us about the psalmist's love for God's Word?**

Answer: The adverb "exceedingly" (Hebrew: *me'od*) intensifies the psalmist's declaration of love, signifying that his affection for God's testimonies is profound, fervent, and unreserved. It means "very much," "greatly," or "to a very high degree." This isn't a casual or lukewarm fondness; it's an intense, overwhelming passion. It reveals that the psalmist finds immense delight, joy, and satisfaction in God's Word, viewing it not as a burdensome set of rules but as a cherished source of life, wisdom, and guidance. This "exceeding" love drives his obedience and is a testament to the life-giving nature of God's revelation.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of legalism?**

Answer: Psalms 119:167 stands in stark contrast to legalism. Legalism is characterized by a focus on external adherence to rules, often motivated by a desire for self-righteousness, fear of punishment, or a perceived need to earn God's favor, without genuine love for God or His commands. This verse, however, presents obedience ("My soul hath kept thy testimonies") as flowing directly from a profound, internal, and "exceeding" love for God's Word. The psalmist's keeping of the testimonies is a joyful response of devotion, not a grudging obligation. It demonstrates that true, biblical obedience is an expression of love, transforming duty into delight. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that love is the fulfillment of the law, as articulated in [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:167, with its declaration of a soul-deep keeping and exceeding love for God's testimonies, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God, the very [Logos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") who perfectly fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, not by abolishing them but by bringing them to their intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus perfectly lived out the ideal expressed by the psalmist: His entire life was an unbroken demonstration of keeping God's testimonies with His soul, driven by an unparalleled and "exceeding" love for His Father's will. He consistently declared that He came to do the Father's will and that His food was to do the will of Him who sent Him ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). Through His perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross, Christ satisfied the righteous requirements of God's law on behalf of humanity. For believers, the Spirit of Christ now indwells us, enabling us to genuinely keep God's testimonies and to love them "exceedingly," not by our own strength, but by the power of the New Covenant where God's law is written on our hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Thus, the psalmist's yearning for wholehearted obedience and profound love for God's Word is realized in Christ, who empowers us to live a life pleasing to God, fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteousness of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

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

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.