Psalms 119:20

KJV

¶ My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times.

KJV (with Strong's)

My soul {H5315} breaketh {H1638} for the longing {H8375} that it hath unto thy judgments {H4941} at all times {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am continually consumed with longing for your rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times.

American Standard Version

My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:20 profoundly articulates the psalmist's overwhelming and unceasing spiritual yearning for God's divine instructions and righteous decrees. The verse conveys an intense, almost physically painful, desire for God's "judgments"—His perfect will and revealed truth—suggesting a soul so deeply devoted to divine wisdom that it feels as though it is breaking under the weight of its unfulfilled longing. This expression reveals a heart that not only highly values God's Word but craves it incessantly, recognizing it as the indispensable sustenance for a life of righteousness and spiritual vitality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 stands as the longest psalm in the biblical canon, a masterful acrostic poem meticulously structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of its 22 sections comprises eight verses, with every verse within a given section commencing with the same Hebrew letter. The entire psalm functions as an expansive ode to the multifaceted excellence, wisdom, and life-giving power of God's revealed Word, referred to by a rich tapestry of synonyms such as law (Torah), statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, and judgments. Verse 20 is situated within the Daleth (ד) section (verses 17-24), where the psalmist earnestly pleads for God's gracious intervention, deeper understanding, and divine protection, underscoring a profound personal reliance on God's instruction. This particular verse intensifies the personal emotional connection, demonstrating that the psalmist's devotion is not merely intellectual assent but a deeply affective and consuming passion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, God's "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, *mishpatim*) were understood not merely as a collection of legalistic rules but as direct expressions of God's perfect justice, inherent wisdom, and unwavering covenant faithfulness. The Law (Torah) served as the foundational revelation of God's character and His divine will for His covenant people, providing comprehensive guidance for every facet of life—moral, social, and spiritual. Distinct from the often arbitrary or self-serving laws of surrounding pagan nations, God's judgments were perceived as intrinsically good, righteous, and meticulously designed for the holistic flourishing of His people. The psalmist's intense longing reflects a deep-seated cultural understanding that true wisdom, order, and abundant life were found in aligning oneself with the divine order established by God, standing in stark contrast to human-devised philosophies or the chaotic systems prevalent in the world. This profound yearning for God's decrees was, therefore, a hallmark of genuine piety and steadfast covenant fidelity in a world frequently hostile to divine truth.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:20 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights a **Profound Spiritual Longing**, depicting a hunger for God's truth so intense that the soul feels as though it is "breaking." This is not a casual interest but an overwhelming, consuming desire for divine righteousness, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 42:1](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1 - The Soul's Thirst for God"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Excellence and Sufficiency of God's Word**. The object of this intense desire is God's "judgments," which represent His perfect decrees and instructions. The psalmist consistently views God's law not as a burdensome set of rules but as a source of life, wisdom, and profound delight, as highlighted in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law"). Finally, the phrase "at all times" emphasizes **Constant Devotion and Unceasing Pursuit**. This longing is not fleeting or situational but a continuous, unwavering state of the heart, signifying a lifelong commitment to seeking and living by God's will and presence through His revealed Word, a theme found throughout [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Praise of God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** H5315 from נָפַשׁ; Properly, a breathing creature, but used here in a very wide sense to denote the innermost being, the seat of emotions, will, and life itself. When the psalmist declares, "My soul breaketh," it signifies that this intense longing affects the very core of his existence, his entire person, encompassing his desires, mind, and vitality. It is not merely a superficial emotion but a profound, all-enconsuming spiritual state.
* **Breaketh (Hebrew, _gâraç'_):** H1638 a primitive root; to crush; also (intransitively and figuratively) to dissolve. The Hebrew verb גָּרַס (*gâraç*) literally means "to crush," "to grind," or "to scrape." Its metaphorical use here is highly evocative, portraying the psalmist's soul as being so overwhelmed by an intense, almost unbearable longing that it feels physically shattered or consumed. This powerful imagery communicates a profound spiritual ache, a deep yearning that is not merely emotional but affects the very core of one's being, indicating an all-consuming desire for God's truth.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** H4941 from שָׁפַט; Properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective). The plural noun מִשְׁפָּטִים (*mishpâṭ*) refers to God's righteous decrees, ordinances, or decisions. In Psalm 119, it is one of many synonyms for God's revealed Word, emphasizing its character as just, equitable, and perfectly ordered. These are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's unchanging character, His perfect justice, and His divine wisdom, serving as the standard for righteous living and the means by which humanity can understand and align with His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My soul breaketh":** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound emotional and spiritual intensity experienced by the psalmist. "My soul" (נַפְשִׁי, *nafshi*), signifying the psalmist's entire inner being, is depicted as being in a state of "breaking" (גָּרַס, *gâraç*). This vivid verb conveys a sense of being crushed, consumed, or dissolved, not by despair or sorrow, but by an overwhelming, almost unbearable intensity of desire. It signifies a soul so passionately engaged and deeply affected that it feels a physical manifestation of its spiritual yearning.
* **"for the longing [that it hath]":** This phrase clarifies the *cause* of the soul's "breaking." It is not a breaking from pain or affliction, but from an insatiable "longing" (תָּאָבָה, *taʼăbâh*). This longing is portrayed as so powerful and persistent that it exerts immense pressure on the psalmist's inner being, demonstrating a spiritual hunger that demands satisfaction. The parenthetical "that it hath" in the KJV serves to clarify that this profound longing is an inherent and continuous state of the psalmist's soul.
* **"unto thy judgments":** This specifies the precise *object* of the psalmist's intense longing: God's "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, *mishpâṭ*). This refers to the divine standard of righteousness, God's perfect decrees, ordinances, and judicial decisions. The psalmist's desire is not for fleeting worldly possessions, human approval, or ephemeral pleasures, but for the very essence of God's revealed will and righteous character as expressed in His Word. It underscores a profound desire for divine truth, moral clarity, and alignment with God's perfect order.
* **"at all times":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the *unceasing* and *perpetual* nature of this profound longing. It is not a sporadic, occasional, or situational desire but a constant, abiding state of the heart. The psalmist's devotion to God's Word is unwavering and continuous, indicating a lifelong, relentless pursuit of divine wisdom and righteousness throughout every moment and circumstance of life.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:20 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where the psalmist declares, "My soul breaketh," to express an intensity of longing that goes far beyond literal physical breakage. This exaggerated language effectively communicates the overwhelming, almost painfully consuming, nature of his spiritual desire for God's judgments. This hyperbole is further amplified by **Personification**, as the psalmist's "soul" is depicted as an entity capable of "breaking" and "longing," endowing it with human-like emotional capacity and agency. The phrase "at all times" functions as an **Adverbial Phrase of Time**, emphasizing the constant and unceasing nature of this desire, highlighting the psalmist's unwavering devotion and the perpetual presence of this spiritual hunger. Together, these devices create a vivid, emotionally charged, and deeply impactful portrayal of a heart consumed by an insatiable hunger for divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:20 stands as a profound testament to the supreme value of God's revealed Word and the appropriate human response to it: an unquenchable spiritual longing. Theologically, it affirms that God's "judgments" are not burdensome legalistic constraints but rather life-giving expressions of His righteous character, absolutely essential for human flourishing and spiritual vitality. This verse connects the intensity of one's desire for God's truth with the depth of one's spiritual health, suggesting that a soul not consumed by this longing may be spiritually malnourished or adrift. It underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom, guidance, and ultimate satisfaction are found in diligent, continuous, and passionate engagement with divine revelation, leading to a life profoundly aligned with God's perfect will. This intense yearning for righteousness is a hallmark of a truly devoted heart, recognizing God's Word as the ultimate source of guidance, comfort, and life itself.

* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1-2 "Psalm 42:1-2 - Longing for God")
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness")
* [Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Valuing Christ Above All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:20 challenges believers to deeply examine the nature and intensity of their own desire for God's Word. Is our engagement with Scripture a casual habit, a burdensome duty, or a profound, soul-consuming longing? The psalmist's "breaking" soul serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to cultivate an insatiable hunger for God's "judgments," recognizing them as the very sustenance for our spiritual lives. In a world saturated with distractions, fleeting desires, and competing voices, this verse calls us to re-prioritize, to seek God's truth "at all times," allowing His Word to shape our thoughts, guide our decisions, and satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. It reminds us that true spiritual satisfaction, growth, and flourishing are intrinsically linked to our persistent and passionate pursuit of divine revelation. This longing is not a sign of weakness, but of profound spiritual health and a deep awareness of our utter dependence on God's perfect wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "my soul breaketh for the longing" reveal about the psalmist's relationship with God's Word, and how does this compare to my own spiritual appetite and engagement with Scripture?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more intense and consistent "longing" for God's "judgments" in my daily life, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a heart-level craving?**
* **How might the "judgments" of God, often perceived as restrictive or legalistic, actually be a profound source of life, wisdom, freedom, and delight, as the psalmist suggests?**

### FAQ
**What does "My soul breaketh" mean in this context?**

Answer: "My soul breaketh" is a powerful expression of intense, overwhelming longing rather than literal physical pain or despair. The Hebrew word for "breaketh" (גָּרַס, *gâraç*) means "to crush" or "to grind," conveying a feeling of being consumed or shattered by an insatiable desire. In this verse, it vividly portrays the psalmist's inner being as being so passionately and deeply affected by his yearning for God's righteous decrees that it feels as though his soul is being torn apart by the sheer intensity of this unfulfilled spiritual hunger. It signifies an all-consuming devotion and an urgent, desperate need for God's truth and presence.

**Why does the psalmist long for "judgments" specifically? Aren't judgments usually associated with punishment?**

Answer: In the context of Psalms 119 and much of the Old Testament, "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, *mishpâṭ*) refers to God's righteous ordinances, decrees, and the divine decisions that reveal His character and guide humanity. While the term can indeed refer to divine justice and punishment, here it broadly encompasses God's perfect standards, laws, and the wisdom by which He governs the world and His people. The psalmist longs for these "judgments" because they are seen as expressions of God's perfect justice, inherent wisdom, and unchanging truth, providing the pathway to righteous living and true flourishing. They are not burdensome rules but divine instructions that bring light, life, and order, as seen throughout [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Praise of God's Law") and in verses like [Psalm 19:9-10](/psalms/19-9-10 "Psalm 19:9-10 - The Judgments of the Lord are True and Righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:20, with its profound longing for God's "judgments," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God, the perfect embodiment of all God's righteous judgments and His complete will. While the psalmist yearned for written decrees and ordinances, believers now behold the very wisdom and righteousness of God incarnate in [Jesus Christ](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom"). The longing expressed in this psalm for God's "judgments" is, at its core, a longing for perfect righteousness and divine truth—a righteousness that is fully revealed, perfectly lived out, and graciously imputed to us by Christ. He perfectly fulfilled the Law, not by abolishing it, but by bringing it to its intended completion and ultimate purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")). Therefore, our deepest longing for God's truth and righteousness is supremely satisfied in knowing Christ, who has become for us "wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, God's laws are written on our hearts and minds ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")), transforming our desires to align with His perfect will, thus fulfilling the psalmist's perpetual yearning for God's judgments "at all times."

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 63:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Psalms 84:2

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Psalms 42:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Psalms 42:2

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Job 23:11

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Psalms 119:131

¶ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.