Psalms 119:17

KJV

¶ GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, [that] I may live, and keep thy word.

KJV (with Strong's)

GIMEL. Deal bountifully {H1580} with thy servant {H5650}, that I may live {H2421}, and keep {H8104} thy word {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(Gimel) Deal generously with your servant; then I will live and observe your word.

Berean Standard Bible

Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.

American Standard Version

Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 119:17, situated within the "GIMEL" section of the longest psalm, presents a profound and poignant prayer from the psalmist to God, revealing a deep dependence on divine grace. It is a heartfelt petition for God to act with abundant generosity and kindness toward His devoted servant, specifically so that the psalmist may experience true spiritual vitality and, as a direct consequence, be empowered to faithfully observe and uphold God's holy Word. This verse encapsulates the foundational biblical truth that genuine spiritual life and obedient living are not products of human striving alone, but are gracious and enabling gifts from God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as a unique and extensive acrostic poem, meticulously structured around the Hebrew alphabet. Each of its 22 sections corresponds to a letter, with eight verses in each section beginning with that letter. Psalm 119:17 falls within the "GIMEL" section (verses 17-24), the third segment of the psalm. The overarching theme of the entire psalm is an unwavering devotion to and meditation upon God's Word, which is referred to by numerous synonyms such as statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, and testimonies. Within the "GIMEL" section, the psalmist continues to express a deep longing for God's instruction, acknowledging his own vulnerability and the profound need for divine assistance to truly live and follow God's ways. This specific verse acts as a foundational request, setting the stage for subsequent pleas for understanding, enablement, and deliverance from those who disregard God's law.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, as a collection, reflect the rich devotional life of ancient Israel, encompassing prayers, praises, laments, and wisdom literature. While Psalm 119's authorship is traditionally attributed to David, its precise historical setting is debated, though it clearly emerges from a context where the Law (Torah) was central to Israelite identity, worship, and national covenant. The concept of "servant" (`'eved`) was deeply significant, denoting not merely a slave but often a devoted follower, a worshiper, or even a chosen leader like [Moses](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Moses, the Servant of the Lord") or [David](/2_samuel/7-5 "2 Samuel 7:5 - David, God's Servant") in service to God. The cultural understanding of "life" (`chayim`) extended far beyond mere physical existence to encompass a holistic sense of well-being, flourishing, prosperity, and spiritual vitality in covenant relationship with God, often directly linked to obedience to His commands, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life through Obedience"). The prayer for God to "deal bountifully" reflects a common posture of humble dependence on divine provision and grace in a world where survival and blessing were seen as direct results of God's favor and active involvement.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Psalm 119 and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Grace and Provision**, highlighting that human ability to obey and truly live is not self-generated but flows entirely from God's generous favor. The psalmist's plea for God to "deal bountifully" acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all good things, including spiritual capacity and enablement. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Intertwined Nature of Life and Obedience**. For the psalmist, "life" is not just biological existence but a vibrant, purposeful existence lived in alignment with God's will. This resonates deeply with the wisdom tradition that links obedience to blessing and true flourishing, as exemplified in [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1-2 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Long Life through Wisdom"). The verse posits that spiritual vitality is sustained by actively engaging with and obeying God's truth, demonstrating that a flourishing life is inextricably linked to a life lived in accordance with God's Word. Lastly, the psalmist's self-identification as "thy servant" reinforces the theme of **Humility and Dependence**, portraying a posture of submission and devotion to God, recognizing that any capacity for obedience is a gift, not a right. This humble appeal for enablement from the sovereign God is a recurring motif throughout the psalms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deal bountifully (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** This verb (H1580) is a primitive root meaning "to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (specifically) to wean; bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield." In this context, it signifies a gracious, generous, and benevolent act on God's part, a showering of unmerited favor or kindness. It implies a full and complete provision, not just a minimal one, enabling the recipient to thrive. The psalmist is not demanding but humbly appealing to God's inherent goodness and abundant generosity.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** The verb (H2421) is a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive; keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole." While encompassing physical animation, in biblical Hebrew, especially in wisdom and poetic literature, it profoundly implies more: a holistic, flourishing life—a life of well-being, prosperity, spiritual vitality, and purpose, lived in covenant relationship with God. It stands in stark contrast to spiritual death or a life devoid of God's blessing. The psalmist desires not merely to breathe but to truly thrive in God's presence and according to His will.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This noun (H1697) is derived from a root meaning "to speak," and signifies "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work." In Psalm 119, "word" is one of many synonyms for God's revealed truth, encompassing His commandments, statutes, precepts, and testimonies. It represents the entirety of divine instruction, which is the object of the psalmist's devotion and the guide for his life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deal bountifully with thy servant":** This opening clause is a direct, earnest petition to God. The psalmist, identifying himself as God's "servant," adopts a posture of profound humility and utter dependence. He is not asserting a right or demanding anything, but rather appealing to God's inherent character—His boundless grace, generosity, and covenant faithfulness. The request is for God to act with abundant kindness and favor, providing all that is spiritually and physically necessary for the psalmist's well-being. It acknowledges that any good in the psalmist's life, especially the capacity for obedience, must originate from God's gracious initiative and enabling power.
* **"that I may live":** This clause expresses the immediate purpose or desired outcome of God's bountiful dealing. The verb "live" here extends far beyond mere physical existence to encompass spiritual vitality, flourishing, and a life lived in vibrant communion with God. It implies a desire for sustained spiritual strength, health, purpose, and the ability to thrive in God's presence, without which true obedience would be impossible. The psalmist recognizes that genuine life, in its fullest and most meaningful sense, is a divine gift, made possible and sustained by God's grace.
* **"and keep thy word":** This is the ultimate goal and deepest desire of the psalmist, presented as a direct consequence of the gift of "life" and God's bountiful dealing. The ability to "keep" (meaning to observe, guard, obey, or preserve) God's Word is presented not as an independent human endeavor or a matter of sheer willpower, but as a direct result of God's gracious enablement. The psalmist understands that spiritual vitality ("live") is inextricably linked to and expressed through faithful obedience to God's commands. This reveals a heart that values God's Word supremely and longs to align every aspect of life with divine truth, recognizing that such alignment requires continuous divine assistance and empowerment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 119:17 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and emotional impact. The most prominent is **Prayer** or **Petition**, as the verse is a direct, personal address to God, expressing a humble and dependent request. There is also a clear use of a **Purpose Clause**, indicated by the phrase "that I may live, and keep thy word," which explicitly states the desired outcome and rationale for God's "bountiful dealing." This highlights the psalmist's understanding that spiritual life and obedience are not self-generated but are direct results of divine enablement. Furthermore, the verse subtly presents a **Paradox**: the psalmist desires to "keep thy word," implying human effort and responsibility, yet acknowledges that the very capacity to do so ("that I may live") must come from God's unmerited favor. This tension between human responsibility and divine grace is a recurring and vital theme in biblical theology. Finally, as part of Psalm 119, the verse participates in the overarching **Acrostic Structure** of the psalm, contributing to its intricate design and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's Word, which is intended to permeate every aspect of life from "Aleph" to "Tav."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 119:17 articulates a profound theological truth: human obedience and spiritual vitality are not self-generated or achieved through mere willpower, but are direct results of God's enabling grace. This verse beautifully bridges the gap between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, demonstrating that while God commands obedience, He also graciously provides the very means and capacity to fulfill those commands. It underscores the biblical emphasis on absolute dependence on God for all aspects of life, particularly spiritual flourishing and righteous living. This dependency is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of life, wisdom, and strength. The psalmist's prayer anticipates the New Testament understanding of grace, where God "works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in Us")). It serves as a timeless reminder to believers that a life lived in accordance with God's Word is not achieved through sheer human effort but through a continuous, humble reliance on His bountiful provision and empowering Spirit.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life through Obedience")
* [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit Enables Obedience")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 119:17 serves as a timeless model for the believer's prayer life, inviting us to cultivate a profound sense of dependence on God for every aspect of our spiritual journey. In a world that often champions self-reliance and personal achievement, this verse calls us to humble ourselves and acknowledge that our capacity to live a life pleasing to God, to overcome temptation, and to genuinely obey His commands is not derived from our own strength or willpower. Instead, it flows entirely from God's continuous, bountiful grace. This recognition liberates us from the burden of striving in our own might and redirects our focus to the inexhaustible wellspring of divine provision. It encourages us to pray earnestly for spiritual vitality, understanding that true "life" is found in intimate communion with God and active adherence to His Word. When we pray "Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word," we are aligning our hearts with God's design for a flourishing life, acknowledging that His enablement is the prerequisite for all true obedience and spiritual fruitfulness. This verse fosters both humility and hope, reminding us that God delights to empower His children to walk in His ways and fulfill His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently attempting to "keep God's word" through your own strength rather than relying on His bountiful grace?**
* **How does the psalmist's request "that I may live" deepen your understanding of what true spiritual life entails beyond mere physical existence?**
* **What specific prayer can you offer today, echoing the psalmist's plea for God to "deal bountifully" with you, enabling you to truly live and faithfully obey His Word?**

### FAQ
**What does "Deal bountifully with thy servant" mean in practical terms for a believer today?**

Answer: In practical terms, "Deal bountifully with thy servant" is a prayer for God's generous and enabling grace in every aspect of our lives, particularly our spiritual walk. It means asking God to provide us with the spiritual vitality, wisdom, strength, and resources necessary to live a life that honors Him and obeys His Word. This isn't a request for material wealth, but for the divine favor and empowerment that allows us to thrive spiritually. It acknowledges our inherent weakness and dependence on God, inviting Him to work in us so that we can fulfill His purposes. It's a recognition that without His abundant grace, our efforts to live righteously are futile, as [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ") reminds us, "apart from me you can do nothing."

**Why is "that I may live, and keep thy word" so closely linked?**

Answer: The close linkage between "that I may live" and "and keep thy word" reveals a profound biblical truth: for the psalmist, true life is inextricably tied to obedience to God's commands. It's not just about physical existence, but about a flourishing, purposeful, and spiritually vibrant life lived in covenant relationship with God. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, where obedience to God's Law is presented as the path to life and blessing (e.g., [Deuteronomy 30:16](/deuteronomy/30-16 "Deuteronomy 30:16 - Obeying God for Life")). The psalmist understands that spiritual vitality is sustained by actively engaging with and obeying God's truth. Conversely, the ability to obey God's Word is itself a gift of His grace, indicating that genuine obedience flows from a life that is spiritually alive and empowered by God. It highlights a symbiotic relationship: God's grace gives us life, and that life expresses itself in faithful obedience to His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 119:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "servant" of God, the one who perfectly embodied humility and complete dependence on the Father, as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - God's Chosen Servant"). Where the psalmist prayed for the grace to live and keep God's Word, Jesus, as the incarnate Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly lived out and fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). God "dealt bountifully" with Christ, not only in sustaining His earthly life but supremely in raising Him from the dead, granting Him "life" in its ultimate, resurrected, and eternal form ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus became the very source of true life for all who believe, offering it abundantly and eternally ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ's finished work, believers are empowered to "live" a new life in Him and are enabled to "keep God's word," not by their own strength, but by the same divine grace that sustained the psalmist and perfected Christ's obedience ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, Christ is both the perfect example of the servant who lived and kept God's Word, and the divine enabler who graciously grants us the capacity to do the same.

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 13:6

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Ephesians 2:4

¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:12

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Psalms 116:7

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psalms 119:65

¶ TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.