Psalms 119:22

KJV

¶ Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remove {H1556} from me reproach {H2781} and contempt {H937}; for I have kept {H5341} thy testimonies {H5713}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remove scorn and contempt from me, because I observe your instruction.

Berean Standard Bible

Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.

American Standard Version

Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:22 presents a heartfelt supplication from the psalmist, imploring God to deliver him from the public shame and scorn he endures. This earnest plea is firmly rooted in a confident declaration of his unwavering faithfulness to God's "testimonies"—His authoritative and revealed commands. The verse powerfully encapsulates the tension between the world's disdain for righteousness and the believer's steadfast commitment to divine truth, appealing to God for ultimate vindication and protection against societal reproach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 stands as the longest chapter in the Bible, an intricately crafted acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each of its 22 stanzas (eight verses each) beginning with a successive letter. This monumental psalm is an unparalleled meditation on the multifaceted nature and supreme value of God's Word, employing a rich lexicon of synonyms—such as "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "judgments," "word," and "testimonies"—to extol its wisdom, life-giving power, and unerring guidance. Within this grand framework of profound devotion to divine instruction, [Psalms 119:22](/psalms/119-22 "Psalms 119:22 - Prayer Against Reproach") forms part of the "Daleth" stanza. It marks a significant shift from general declarations of love for God's law (e.g., [Psalms 119:16](/psalms/119-16 "Psalms 119:16 - Delight in God's Statutes")) to a deeply personal and earnest petition for deliverance from external pressures, specifically "reproach and contempt." This prayer underscores that even those most devoted to God's Word are not immune to social scorn and highlights the psalmist's absolute reliance on God for vindication in the face of such opposition, linking his suffering directly to his obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, honor and shame were paramount social currencies, profoundly shaping an individual's identity and standing. Public reputation, often intrinsically tied to one's adherence to community norms and, more significantly, to the covenant with Yahweh, critically impacted an individual's social position. To be subjected to "reproach" (חרפה, _cherpâh_) and "contempt" (בוז, _bûwz_) was not merely a private emotional burden but a public degradation, a profound loss of face that could be deeply debilitating. This scorn often stemmed from diverging from prevailing societal norms, which, for a faithful Israelite, might mean upholding God's righteous standards in a corrupt or indifferent world. The psalmist's plea reflects the real-world consequences of living righteously in a society that might mock or despise such a commitment. His appeal to God is a recognition that true vindication and honor ultimately come from the divine, not from fickle human opinion, echoing the experience of prophets and righteous individuals throughout Israel's history who faced opposition for their faithfulness, as seen in the trials of figures like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah's Persecution").
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 119:22](/psalms/119-22 "Psalms 119:22 - Prayer Against Reproach") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the **Suffering of the Righteous**, demonstrating that faithfulness to God's Word can paradoxically lead to social alienation and scorn, rather than immediate worldly approval. This theme resonates deeply with the experiences of many biblical figures and is a recurring motif in wisdom literature and prophetic books, such as in [Job's trials](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Job's Suffering"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Basis of Confident Prayer**, showing that the psalmist's appeal to God is not presumptuous but founded upon a declared commitment to God's "testimonies." This illustrates a principle of divine justice where God responds to the sincere efforts of His people, not as a merit-based claim but as an appeal to His covenant faithfulness and promise to honor those who honor Him (e.g., [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")). Thirdly, it underscores the **Supreme Value of God's Word**, as the "testimonies" are presented as something worth enduring scorn for, a treasure more precious than human approval. The psalmist's unwavering dedication to these testimonies, even in the face of public humiliation, elevates God's revealed will as the ultimate standard for life, a theme echoed in [Psalms 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7-11 "Psalms 19:7-11 - The Perfection of God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this term signifies contumely, disgrace, or shame. It often implies a public dishonor, a situation that brings discredit, or a taunt directed at one's character or actions. In the context of ancient Israel, it carried significant social weight, denoting a loss of honor and standing within the community, often associated with a failure to uphold covenant obligations or a perceived moral failing. The psalmist here uses it to describe the ignominy he suffers for his *adherence* to God's law, highlighting the inversion of values in the world where righteousness is scorned.
* **Contempt (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** From H937, this word denotes disrespect, scorn, or derision. It suggests being looked down upon, treated as worthless, or mocked. When combined with "reproach," it emphasizes the profound emotional and social pain the psalmist is experiencing—not just a lack of respect, but active, dismissive ridicule. It implies a deliberate act of belittling the psalmist and, by extension, the very "testimonies" he upholds.
* **Testimonies (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** From H5713, this term, a feminine form of 'êd in its technical sense, refers to testimony or witness. Distinct from other synonyms for God's law, _ʻêdâh_ specifically refers to God's solemn declarations, His authoritative witness to Himself and His will. It often highlights the enduring and binding nature of His commands, such as the Ten Commandments, which are themselves a "testimony" to God's character and expectations. "Keeping" these testimonies implies not just intellectual assent but active obedience and faithful adherence to God's revealed truth as a way of life, making them the foundation of the psalmist's identity and plea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remove from me reproach and contempt;":** This is a direct, earnest petition to God, reflecting a deep personal anguish. The psalmist is not merely expressing discomfort but is asking for divine intervention to alleviate the burden of public shame and disdain. The verb "remove" (H1556, _gâlal_) implies rolling away a heavy burden, suggesting the oppressive weight of the scorn he endures. This plea acknowledges God's sovereignty and His ability to vindicate His faithful servants, turning their humiliation into honor, demonstrating a profound trust in divine justice.
* **"for I have kept thy testimonies.":** This clause provides the justification or basis for the psalmist's prayer. It is not a boast of sinless perfection, but a sincere declaration of his consistent, intentional obedience to God's authoritative commands. The phrase "I have kept" (H5341, _nâtsar_) implies guarding, observing, or diligently obeying. This declaration serves as an appeal to God's justice and faithfulness: since the psalmist has honored God by keeping His Word, he trusts that God will, in turn, honor him by removing the undeserved reproach and contempt. It establishes a covenantal relationship where obedience is met with divine care and protection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic parallelism, where the second part of the verse advances the thought of the first. The initial plea ("Remove from me reproach and contempt") is followed by its justification ("for I have kept thy testimonies"), creating a cause-and-effect relationship or a basis for the petition. This structure emphasizes the psalmist's logic: his suffering is a consequence of his faithfulness, and therefore, God, being just, should intervene. The use of the paired nouns "reproach and contempt" also functions as a **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a totality, encompassing all forms of social scorn and humiliation. This amplifies the depth and breadth of the psalmist's suffering, indicating that he is experiencing a comprehensive assault on his honor and standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:22 profoundly connects the experience of suffering for righteousness with the unwavering commitment to God's revealed will. It teaches that fidelity to divine truth can indeed invite the world's scorn, yet this very scorn becomes the ground for a confident appeal to God for vindication. The psalmist's trust is not in his own ability to withstand the pressure, but in God's character and His promise to uphold those who honor His Word. This verse highlights a consistent biblical theme: the righteous often face opposition in a fallen world, but their ultimate hope and vindication rest with God, who sees their faithfulness and will act on their behalf. It underscores that true honor comes from divine approval, not human applause, and that living by God's standards is a worthy pursuit, even when it incurs worldly disdain.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are the Persecuted")
* [1 Peter 4:14-16](/1_peter/4-14-16 "1 Peter 4:14-16 - Suffering for Christ's Name")
* [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Endured Reproach")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:22 offers a timeless blueprint for believers navigating a world often hostile to biblical truth. When we face ridicule, misunderstanding, or outright contempt for our adherence to God's Word—whether in our moral stands, our evangelistic efforts, or our lifestyle choices—this verse provides a powerful model for prayer. It invites us to bring our pain and humiliation directly to God, not in a spirit of self-righteousness, but with the humble confidence that our sincere efforts to obey Him are seen and valued by Him. It reminds us that such "reproach and contempt" are not necessarily indicators of our failure but can be the very badge of our faithfulness, aligning us with a long line of saints and prophets who suffered for righteousness' sake. Our ultimate vindication and honor come from God alone, encouraging us to persevere in living out His testimonies, valuing His approval above all human opinion or societal acceptance. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep love for God's Word, making it the non-negotiable foundation of our lives, even when it costs us dearly in the eyes of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you experience "reproach and contempt" for your faith or adherence to God's Word?**
* **How does the psalmist's declaration, "for I have kept thy testimonies," inform your own prayers when facing opposition?**
* **What does it mean practically to "keep God's testimonies" in a way that might invite scorn from the world today?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper love for God's Word that strengthens you to endure reproach for His sake?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "reproach and contempt" is the psalmist referring to?**

Answer: The "reproach and contempt" mentioned in [Psalms 119:22](/psalms/119-22 "Psalms 119:22 - Prayer Against Reproach") refer to public shame, ridicule, scorn, and disdain. In ancient Israelite society, honor and shame were deeply ingrained cultural values. To be reproached was to suffer a loss of social standing, to be publicly humiliated or mocked, often for perceived moral failings or, as in the psalmist's case, for upholding righteous principles that might go against the prevailing norms. It's not merely private emotional distress but a social burden that affects one's reputation and acceptance within the community. This kind of suffering is often experienced by those who faithfully follow God's commands in a world that rejects divine truth, as seen in the experiences of prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah 20 - Jeremiah's Complaint") and [Elijah](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel").

**Does the psalmist's statement "for I have kept thy testimonies" imply a boast of perfect righteousness?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's statement is generally not interpreted as a boast of sinless perfection. Instead, it serves as a sincere declaration of his earnest and consistent effort to obey God's commands. It's an appeal to God's justice and covenant faithfulness, acknowledging that he has diligently striven to live according to God's revealed will. In the context of the psalms, such declarations often reflect a heart devoted to God and His law, seeking vindication based on a genuine commitment to righteousness, rather than claiming flawless execution. It's a plea from a loyal servant to his just Lord, trusting that God will honor those who honor Him, as promised in passages like [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those who honor me I will honor") and affirmed throughout the wisdom literature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:22 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the psalmist's plea and declaration. Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, uniquely "kept God's testimonies" in every thought, word, and deed, living a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's will (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Yet, precisely because of His perfect righteousness and unwavering adherence to divine truth, He faced the most intense "reproach and contempt" imaginable from a world that hated the light (e.g., [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Recognize Him")). He was reviled, mocked, spat upon, and ultimately crucified as a criminal, bearing the ultimate shame for humanity's sin (e.g., [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Despising the Shame")). In His suffering, Christ not only experienced the psalmist's pain but also absorbed it fully, becoming the one who removes our reproach and contempt by taking it upon Himself. His resurrection and ascension are God's ultimate vindication, demonstrating that perfect obedience, even when it leads to the cross, is honored and exalted. Through faith in Him, believers are united with His righteousness and share in His vindication, finding freedom from the ultimate reproach of sin and the world's scorn (e.g., [Romans 8:33-34](/romans/8-33-34 "Romans 8:33-34 - Who Can Bring a Charge Against God's Elect?")).

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 39:8

Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.

Psalms 119:39

¶ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments [are] good.

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.