Psalms 119:172

KJV

¶ My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments [are] righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

My tongue {H3956} shall speak {H6030} of thy word {H565}: for all thy commandments {H4687} are righteousness {H6664}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let my tongue sing of your promise, because all your mitzvot are righteous.

Berean Standard Bible

My tongue sings of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous.

American Standard Version

Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:172 expresses the psalmist's unwavering commitment to proclaim God's word, driven by the profound conviction that all divine commandments are inherently righteous. This verse encapsulates a central theme of Psalm 119: the deep adoration for and active devotion to God's perfect and life-giving revelation, acknowledging its flawless justice and moral integrity as the ultimate standard for all truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of its 176 verses, with rare exceptions, refers to God's divine revelation using various synonyms such as "word," "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "testimonies," and "judgments." It is an extended meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and perfection of God's instruction (Torah). Verse 172 belongs to the final stanza, "Taw" (verses 169-176), which serves as a climactic summation of the psalmist's fervent pleas for deliverance, declarations of unwavering loyalty, and humble acknowledgment of utter dependence on God. Within this concluding section, verse 172 specifically articulates the psalmist's personal resolve to actively proclaim God's word, grounding this commitment in the inherent and perfect righteousness of divine commands, thereby bringing the psalm's core themes to a powerful crescendo.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "Torah" (often translated as "law") was understood not merely as a set of legal codes but as God's comprehensive instruction, divine revelation, and the very blueprint for a flourishing life in covenant with Him. It was the foundation of their national identity, their worship, and their ethical conduct. Public proclamation and teaching of God's word were central to Israelite life, especially given the prevalence of oral tradition in a largely pre-literate society. Priests, prophets, and wise individuals were entrusted with communicating divine truth. The concept of "righteousness" (`tzedek`) was deeply ingrained, signifying conformity to God's perfect character and His moral standards. Unlike human laws, which could be arbitrary or flawed, God's commandments were perceived as emanating directly from His just and holy nature, making them intrinsically good, trustworthy, and eternally valid. This understanding provided the cultural impetus for the psalmist's declaration, as upholding and speaking God's righteous word was seen as a vital act of faithfulness and wisdom.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:172 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **perfection and inherent righteousness of divine revelation**. The psalmist's conviction that "all thy commandments are righteousness" asserts that God's laws are not arbitrary rules but are perfectly just, morally upright, and inherently good, serving as the ultimate standard for truth and justice. This resonates deeply with the declaration in [Psalm 19:7-8](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-8 - The Perfection and Benefits of God's Law") that "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul." Secondly, the verse highlights the **disciple's active response to God's word**. The phrase "My tongue shall speak of thy word" signifies a personal, volitional commitment to active proclamation, teaching, and praising divine revelation. It moves beyond mere intellectual assent to a vocal, public declaration, echoing the call in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligently Teach Your Children") to diligently teach God's words. Finally, it emphasizes the **inseparability of God's word and His character**, implying that to speak God's word is to speak righteousness itself, and to obey His commands is to walk in righteousness, thereby unifying belief, speech, and conduct.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _davar'_):** This widely used Hebrew term is remarkably broad, encompassing not only God's spoken word, divine decrees, and specific commands but also His entire revelation, His promises, and even His actions. In the context of Psalm 119, it often refers to the comprehensive body of God's revealed truth, His Torah, which guides and illuminates the path of life. It signifies a dynamic, living communication from God to humanity.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitzvah'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to command" or "to instruct," _mitzvah_ refers to the specific divine precepts, ordinances, and authoritative instructions given by God. Unlike general "words," "commandments" emphasize the binding and obligatory nature of God's directives, which are meant to be obeyed. The plural "commandments" here highlights the totality and comprehensive nature of God's moral and ethical demands.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tzedek'_):** This foundational theological term denotes justice, moral rectitude, integrity, and conformity to an absolute, divine standard of what is right and good. It is a core attribute of God Himself, signifying His perfect alignment with His own holy character. When applied to God's commandments, it means they are not arbitrary but are inherently just, fair, and perfectly aligned with His nature, designed to bring about flourishing and order in creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My tongue shall speak of thy word":** This clause is a powerful declaration of personal resolve and commitment. The psalmist is not merely meditating on God's word in private but is determined to vocalize it, to proclaim it publicly. "My tongue" serves as a metonymy for the psalmist's entire being and his active, outward expression. This is a deliberate, volitional act of testimony, teaching, and praise, indicating that the internal conviction about God's word must find external expression.
* **"for all thy commandments are righteousness":** This second clause provides the foundational reason and justification for the first. The causal conjunction "for" (כִּי, _ki_) establishes a direct link: the psalmist will speak of God's word *because* it is inherently and entirely righteous. This asserts that God's commandments are not merely good or beneficial, but they embody perfect justice and moral uprightness. They are an extension of God's own righteous character, making them utterly trustworthy, eternally valid, and supremely worthy of being proclaimed and obeyed by all.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metonymy** is evident in "My tongue shall speak," where "tongue" stands for the entire act of vocal proclamation, encompassing teaching, testifying, and praising. The phrase also suggests **personification**, as the tongue is given an active, volitional role. The **causal conjunction** "for" (כִּי) creates a clear logical relationship, establishing the inherent righteousness of God's commands as the compelling motivation for their proclamation. The use of "all thy commandments" emphasizes **totality** and **comprehensiveness**, highlighting that every single divine directive is imbued with perfect righteousness, leaving no room for arbitrary or flawed instruction. This contributes to the overall **hymnic** and **didactic** tone of Psalm 119, which celebrates and instructs on the nature of God's perfect law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the intrinsic connection between God's character and His revelation. It asserts that God's word is not merely a set of rules but is an emanation of His very essence—holy, just, and good. The psalmist's commitment to speak God's word is rooted in this theological conviction that divine commands are inherently righteous, serving as the ultimate standard for all truth and morality. This understanding elevates the study and proclamation of Scripture from a mere intellectual exercise to a profound act of worship and obedience, recognizing that to speak God's word is to speak righteousness itself. It challenges believers to embrace God's commands not as burdens but as life-giving expressions of His perfect will, worthy of our full trust and vocal declaration in a world that often rejects absolute truth.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection and Benefits of God's Law")
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:172 serves as a profound call to active engagement with God's Word, moving beyond passive reception to vocal proclamation. It challenges us to internalize the truth that God's commandments are not arbitrary dictates but are perfectly righteous, reflecting His holy character and designed for our ultimate good. This conviction should inspire confidence and eagerness to share divine truth, especially in a world grappling with shifting moral standards and subjective truths. Our lives, both in word and deed, should be a consistent testimony to the righteousness of God's commands. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep love for Scripture that compels us to speak of it, to teach it, and to live by it, ensuring that our public declaration of God's truth is always aligned with our personal adherence to His righteous ways, reflecting integrity and faithfulness to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inherent righteousness of God's Word impact your confidence in sharing it with others?**
* **In what practical ways can your "tongue speak of God's word" in your daily life, beyond formal settings?**
* **How does understanding God's commandments as "righteousness" shape your approach to obedience and spiritual discipline?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why does the psalmist emphasize "all thy commandments are righteousness"?

Answer: This emphasis on "all" highlights the comprehensive and unblemished perfection of God's entire body of instruction. It's not just some commands, or a select few, but *every single one* embodies His perfect justice and moral uprightness. This provides the ultimate basis for trust and eager proclamation, contrasting sharply with human laws, which are often flawed, arbitrary, or subject to change. God's law is an extension of His unchanging character, inherently good, beneficial, and designed for human flourishing, as seen in [Deuteronomy 4:8](/deuteronomy/4-8 "Deuteronomy 4:8 - God's Righteous Statutes and Ordinances"). It underscores the divine origin and infallible nature of His precepts.

**Question?** What does "my tongue shall speak" imply beyond just reading the Bible?

Answer: "My tongue shall speak" implies an active, volitional, and public declaration of God's word. It goes beyond private meditation or intellectual assent to vocal expression, making God's truth known to others. This can take many forms: teaching, testifying, praising God for His word, defending its truth, or simply sharing its wisdom in daily conversation. It signifies a deep personal conviction that compels outward expression, demonstrating that the psalmist's heart is so full of God's word that it overflows into speech, as encouraged in [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly"). It's a commitment to be a mouthpiece for divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:172 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the living "Word" (Logos) of God, and the perfect embodiment of divine righteousness. While the psalmist committed to speaking God's written word, Christians proclaim Christ, for He is the Word made flesh, through whom God's ultimate revelation and righteousness are manifested ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus perfectly fulfilled "all" the commandments, demonstrating their inherent righteousness in His sinless life ([Matthew 5:17-18](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfilled the Law")). His life, death, and resurrection are the supreme expression of God's righteousness, not merely in precept but in redemptive action. Through faith in Him, we are not only declared righteous but are also progressively conformed to His righteousness ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Therefore, our "tongue shall speak of thy word" by proclaiming Christ, who is the sum and substance of God's righteous commands, bringing salvation and transformation to all who believe.

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

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Romans 7:14

¶ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Matthew 12:35

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Psalms 37:30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Romans 7:12

Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Psalms 119:138

Thy testimonies [that] thou hast commanded [are] righteous and very faithful.