Psalms 119:20
¶ My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times.
My soul {H5315} breaketh {H1638} for the longing {H8375} that it hath unto thy judgments {H4941} at all times {H6256}.
I am continually consumed with longing for your rulings.
My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times.
My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times.
Cross-References
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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.
Commentary
Psalm 119:20 reads, "My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times." This verse from the King James Version powerfully articulates a profound spiritual yearning for God's divine instruction and will.
Context
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the excellence and necessity of God's Word. Each of its 22 sections, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, contains eight verses, all of which touch upon various facets of God's law, statutes, precepts, testimonies, and judgments. The psalmist consistently expresses deep love, devotion, and reliance on divine revelation. Verse 20, part of the Daleth (ד) section, reveals the intense personal emotion the psalmist feels towards God's righteous decrees.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated "breaketh" is garas (גָּרַס), which literally means "to crush," "to grind," or "to scrape." Its use here vividly portrays the psalmist's soul as being consumed by an intense, almost unbearable, longing—a profound spiritual ache that feels as though it is physically breaking him. This strong imagery underscores the depth of his devotion.
"Judgments" translates mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים), a term frequently used in Psalm 119 alongside synonyms like statutes, precepts, and testimonies. It refers to God's righteous ordinances and the divine decisions that reveal His character and guide humanity. They are not merely rules but expressions of God's perfect justice and wisdom, serving as the standard for righteous living.
Practical Application
Psalm 119:20 challenges believers to examine the depth of their own desire for God's Word. Is it a casual interest, or is it a profound, soul-consuming longing? Cultivating such a longing involves consistent engagement with Scripture, seeing it not as a legalistic burden but as the very sustenance for the soul. This verse reminds us that true spiritual satisfaction comes from aligning our lives with God's "judgments" and seeking His will, much like the blessing promised to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. It is an invitation to pursue God's truth with wholehearted devotion, recognizing its life-giving and soul-sustaining power.
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