TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
American Standard Version
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.
World English Bible Messianic
You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast destroied the proud: cursed are they that doe erre from thy commandements.
Young's Literal Translation
Thou hast rebuked the cursed proud, Who are erring from Thy commands.
In the KJVVerse 15,920 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 119 verse 21
21 ¶ Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
Here is, 1. The wretched character of wicked people. The temper of their minds is bad. They are proud; they magnify themselves above others. And yet that is not all: they magnify themselves against God, and set up their wills in competition with and opposition to the will of God, as if their hearts, and tongues, and all, were their own. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin, and the tenour of their lives is no better: They do err from thy commandments, as Israel, that did always err in their hearts; they err in judgment, and embrace principles contrary to thy commandments, and then no wonder that they err in practice, and wilfully turn aside out of the good way. This is the effect of their pride; for they say, What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? As Pharaoh, Who is the Lord? 2. The wretched case of such. They are certainly cursed, for God resists the proud; and those that throw off the commands of the law lay themselves under its curse (Gal 3:10), and he that now beholds them afar off will shortly say to them, Go, you cursed. The proud sinners bless themselves; God curses them; and, though the most direful effects of this curse are reserved for the other world, yet they are often severely rebuked in this world: Providence crosses them, vexes them, and, wherein they dealt proudly, God shows himself above them; and these rebukes are earnests of worse. David took notice of the rebukes proud men were under, and it made him cleave the more closely to the word of God and pray the more earnestly that he might not err from God's commandments. Thus saints get good by God's judgments on sinners.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 21. Public domain.
Copy as
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On the Holy Spirit 2.4.29-31
And what wonder is it the Spirit works life, who enlivens as does the Father and as does the Son? And who can deny that giving new life is the work of the eternal Majesty? For it is written, “Give life to your servant.” He, then, is enlivened who is a servant, that is, a person, who before he did not have life but received the privilege of having it.Let us then see whether the Spirit is enlivened, or himself giving life. Now it is written, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” So, then, the Spirit enlivens.
But that you may understand that the enlivening of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is no separate work, read how there is a oneness of quickening also, since God gives life through the Spirit, for Paul said, “He who raised up Christ from the dead shall also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who dwells in you.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 15
God does not wish us merely to listen to the words and phrases contained in the Scriptures but to do so with a great deal of prudent reflection. Therefore, blessed David frequently prefixed to his psalms the expression “a meditation” and also said, “Open my eyes, and I will consider the wondrous things of your law.” And after him, his son also pointed out by way of instruction that one must seek for wisdom even as for silver, or, rather, to trade in it more than in gold.
JeromeAD 420
LETTER 58.9
Hear me, therefore, my fellow servant, my friend, my brother; give ear for a moment that I may tell you how you are to walk in the holy Scriptures. All that we read in the divine books, while glistening and shining without, is yet far sweeter within. “He who desires to eat the kernel must first break the nut.” “Open my eyes,” says David, “that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Now, if so great a prophet confesses that he is in the darkness of ignorance, how deep, do you think, must be the night of misapprehension with which we, mere babes and unweaned infants, are enveloped! Now this veil rests not only on the face of Moses but on the Evangelists and the apostles as well. To the multitudes the Savior spoke only in parables and, to make it clear that his words had a mystical meaning, said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Unless all things that are written are opened by him “who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens,” no one can undo the lock or set them before you.
JeromeAD 420
LETTER 53.4
Now it was in the law and in the prophets that he was foreordained and prefigured. For this reason too the prophets were called seers, because they saw him whom others did not see. Abraham saw his day and was glad. The heavens that were sealed to a rebellious people were opened to Ezekiel. “Open my eyes,” David says, “that I may behold wonderful things out of your law.” For “the law is spiritual,” and a revelation is needed to enable us to comprehend it and, when God uncovers his face, to behold his glory.
JeromeAD 420
Against the Pelagians 1.14
This is true wisdom in a person: to know that he is imperfect; and, if I may say so, the perfection of all the just, living in the flesh, is imperfect. Whence, also, we read in Proverbs: “To understand true justice.” For unless there were also false justice, the justice of God would never be referred to as true justice. And the apostle continues in the same passage: “And if in any point you think otherwise, this also God will reveal to you.” It is a strange thing that I hear. He who but a moment ago had said “Not that I have already obtained it or have already been made perfect”; he, who was the chosen vessel, who dared to say with the confidence of Christ dwelling within him, “Do you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me?” and yet frankly confessed that he had not been made perfect, now ascribes to the multitude something that he specifically denied to himself, and he associates himself with the others and says, “Let us then, as many as are perfect, be of this mind.” But he explains in the following verses what he meant by this statement. Let us, he says, who wish to be perfect, according to the measure of human frailty, be of this mind, that we have not yet obtained it; that we have not yet laid hold of it; that we have not yet been made perfect. And because we have not yet been made perfect, and, perhaps, think otherwise than is demanded by true and perfect perfection, if we think of and understand anything that is different from what is consistent with the knowledge of God, this, also, God will reveal to us, so that we may pray with David and say, “Open my eyes, and I will consider the wondrous things of your law.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 119
"You have rebuked the proud: and cursed are they that do err from Your commandments" [Psalm 119:21]. For the proud err from the commandments of God. For it is one thing not to fulfil the commandments of God through infirmity or ignorance; another to err from them through pride; as they have done, who have begotten us in our mortal state unto these evils....But consider now, after saying, "You have rebuked the proud," he says not, Cursed are they that have erred from Your commandments; so that only that sin of the first men should come into the mind; but he says, "Cursed are they that do err." For it was needful that all might be terrified by that example, that they might not err from the divine commandments, and by loving righteousness in all time, recover in the toil of this world, what we lost in the pleasure of Paradise.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Psalms 119:21 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 119:21 declares God's decisive and authoritative judgment against those who proudly disregard His divine will, highlighting a fundamental principle of biblical justice: the Almighty actively opposes the arrogant who presumptuously deviate from His perfect law. This verse underscores the severe consequences awaiting those whose pride leads them to rebellion against divine authority, contrasting sharply with the psalmist's deep devotion to God's commandments.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Antithesis is implicitly present, contrasting the psalmist's humble devotion to God's law, which permeates Psalm 119, with the proud's defiant departure from it. This creates a stark moral and spiritual dichotomy. The phrase "Thou hast rebuked" employs a form of divine anthropomorphism, attributing a human-like action (rebuking) to God, thereby making His active engagement and righteous indignation more relatable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a statement of consequence, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship: pride leads to erring from God's commandments, which in turn results in being cursed. This reinforces the biblical principle that actions have divine repercussions. The use of the strong, definitive past tense "hast rebuked" also lends a sense of divine certainty and finality to God's judgment against the proud.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:21 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, revealing His active opposition to human pride and rebellion. Theologically, it underscores that God is not a passive observer of human conduct but an engaged sovereign who holds humanity accountable to His divine standards. Pride, in this context, is not merely a character flaw but a direct affront to God's authority, leading to a state of being "cursed" – alienated from His blessing and favor. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that true wisdom and blessing are found in humble submission to God's Word, while defiant disobedience leads to divine judgment. It serves as a stark reminder that God's moral order is immutable and that His righteous character necessitates a response to those who willfully transgress His commandments.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:21 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to introspection for believers today. It compels us to examine our hearts for any vestiges of pride that might lead us to disregard or deviate from God's revealed will. Recognizing that God actively rebukes the proud should cultivate in us a deep humility, a posture of constant dependence on His grace, and a fervent desire to align our lives with His perfect commandments. Our obedience is not merely a duty but a reflection of our love and submission to the One who knows what is truly good for us. This verse reminds us that straying from God's Word, whether through intentional rebellion or subtle neglect, carries significant spiritual consequences, potentially leading to a state alienated from His richest blessings. Therefore, we are called to diligently study, meditate upon, and apply God's Word, allowing it to be the lamp to our feet and the light to our path, ensuring that our steps remain firm on the way of righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "rebuked" mean in this context, and how does God "rebuke" the proud?
Answer: In Psalms 119:21, "rebuked" (Hebrew: ga'ar) signifies God's authoritative, often indignant, correction and opposition. It's not a mere suggestion but a declaration of divine disapproval and active judgment. God "rebukes" the proud through various means: sometimes through direct pronouncements in His Word, sometimes through the natural consequences of their sin, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or even through historical events and the downfall of arrogant individuals or nations. His rebuke is a manifestation of His justice and His commitment to upholding His holy standards.
Who exactly are "the proud" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: "The proud" (Hebrew: zedim) in this context refers to those who are characterized by presumptuous, deliberate rebellion against God's revealed will and commandments. They are not simply arrogant in disposition but act with insolence and defiance, intentionally straying from God's path. Their pride leads them to believe they are above divine authority or that they know better than God, resulting in a willful disregard for His law. This is a more severe form of pride than mere haughtiness; it speaks to a rebellious heart.
How does this verse, which speaks of God rebuking and cursing, reconcile with God's love and mercy?
Answer: While seemingly harsh, God's rebuke of the proud and their cursed state is an act of His righteous governance, not a contradiction of His love. It underscores His holiness and the seriousness of sin, particularly defiant rebellion against His revealed truth. God's justice is an expression of His perfect character, which cannot tolerate unrepentant sin. His rebukes serve to uphold His truth, protect His covenant people, and ultimately, call individuals to repentance. Even in judgment, there is an implicit invitation to turn from pride and embrace humility, which is the path to receiving His grace and mercy, as seen in 1 Peter 5:5.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:21, with its declaration of God rebuking the proud who err from His commandments and are cursed, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is inherently proud, consistently erring from God's perfect commandments and consequently living under a spiritual curse, alienated from His life-giving presence, as described in Romans 3:23. Jesus, however, stands in stark contrast to the "proud" of this verse. He is the perfectly humble and obedient Son, who never erred from His Father's commandments but perfectly fulfilled the Law in every detail (Matthew 5:17). Furthermore, the curse pronounced upon those who err from the Law was fully borne by Christ on the cross. Galatians 3:13 powerfully declares, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Through His sacrificial death, Jesus absorbed the divine rebuke and the curse that was due to humanity's pride and disobedience, thereby making a way for us to be reconciled to God. In Christ, those who were once proud and cursed can now receive grace and forgiveness, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, are empowered to walk in humble obedience to God's commandments, fulfilling the very desire of the psalmist (Romans 8:3-4).