Psalms 119:32

KJV

I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will run {H7323} the way {H1870} of thy commandments {H4687}, when thou shalt enlarge {H7337} my heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will run the way of your mitzvot, for you have broadened my understanding.

Berean Standard Bible

I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.

American Standard Version

I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. ה HE.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:32 encapsulates the psalmist's profound aspiration for unhindered, fervent obedience to God's divine commands, recognizing that such wholehearted devotion is not merely a product of human will but is fundamentally contingent upon a transformative work of divine grace—the spiritual enlargement and liberation of the heart by God Himself, enabling a joyful and swift pursuit of righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest psalm in the biblical canon, an extensive acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each of its 22 sections (stanzas) comprising eight verses, all beginning with the same letter. This meticulous structure underscores the comprehensive and deliberate nature of the psalmist's devotion to God's Torah (law, instruction). Verse 32 falls within the "Daleth" section (verses 25-32), a segment often characterized by the psalmist's plea for revival and understanding amidst affliction. Having expressed a desire for God to "revive me according to your word" in [Psalms 119:25](/psalms/119-25 "Psalms 119:25 - A Plea for Revival"), and to be taught God's statutes in [Psalms 119:26](/psalms/119-26 "Psalms 119:26 - Seeking God's Instruction"), verse 32 serves as a climactic declaration of the psalmist's commitment to active obedience, directly linking it to divine enablement. It moves from a plea for understanding and revival to an active commitment to "run," highlighting the dynamic interplay between God's grace and human response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite thought, the "heart" (Hebrew: _lev_) was understood not merely as an organ but as the very core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. It was the source of one's thoughts, intentions, and decisions. Therefore, for God to "enlarge" the heart was a profound spiritual request, signifying a divine intervention that would remove spiritual constriction, fear, narrow-mindedness, or any inner obstacle hindering a full and free response to God's commands. This concept is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where obedience to the Torah was the foundation of national and individual flourishing. The desire to "run the way of thy commandments" reflects the ideal of a covenant people whose lives were to be wholly dedicated to God's revealed will, not out of burdensome obligation but out of a liberated and willing spirit.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout [Psalms 119](/psalms/119 "Psalms 119 - The Praise of God's Law") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Eager and Swift Obedience**, where "running the way" signifies a joyful, unhindered, and enthusiastic pursuit of God's will, contrasting with reluctant or grudging compliance. This eagerness is a hallmark of true devotion, reflecting a heart fully aligned with divine truth. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Enablement for Obedience**, revealing that such joyful and comprehensive obedience is not solely a human effort but is fundamentally enabled by God's work within the believer. The phrase "when thou shalt enlarge my heart" points to a spiritual liberation, a broadening of spiritual capacity, understanding, and freedom to embrace God's vast wisdom, making obedience both possible and desirable. This theme resonates with God's promise to give a new heart in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The New Heart and Spirit"). Lastly, it emphasizes **The Heart as the Center of Being**, affirming the biblical understanding of the heart as the wellspring of life ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). An "enlarged heart" signifies a liberated, capacious, and willing inner being, capable of fully apprehending and responding to God's truth, transforming the inner person and making comprehensive and joyful obedience a natural outflow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Run (Hebrew, _ruts'_):** This verb signifies swift, eager, and unhindered movement. In the context of obedience, it conveys more than mere compliance; it denotes a willing, enthusiastic, and passionate pursuit of God's commands. It implies a heart that is not merely dragged along but actively desires to press forward in the path of righteousness, free from obstacles or reluctance.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitzvot'_):** This term refers to God's divine instructions, precepts, and laws. It encompasses the entirety of God's revealed will, intended for the guidance and flourishing of His people. The psalmist's desire is not for a select few commands but for the "way of thy commandments"—the entire path of life governed by God's truth.
* **Enlarge (Hebrew, _rachav'_):** This verb means "to make wide," "to broaden," or "to expand." When applied to the heart, it metaphorically describes the removal of spiritual constriction, fear, anxiety, or any inner obstacle that hinders a full and free response to God's commands. It implies an increase in spiritual capacity, understanding, and freedom, allowing one to pursue God's truth with passion and unhindered devotion.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev'_):** In biblical anthropology, the heart is the center of the inner person—the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. It is the core of human personality and the source of moral decisions and spiritual life. An "enlarged heart" therefore signifies a liberated, capacious, and willing inner being, capable of fully apprehending and responding to God's truth, leading to comprehensive and joyful obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will run the way of thy commandments":** This clause expresses the psalmist's fervent resolve and active commitment to God's law. The imagery of "running" denotes speed, eagerness, and unhindered progress, suggesting a joyful and enthusiastic pursuit of righteousness rather than a reluctant or burdensome duty. It signifies a life lived in alignment with divine instruction, not out of compulsion but out of deep desire. The "way of thy commandments" refers to the entire course of life as defined and directed by God's revealed will.
* **"when thou shalt enlarge my heart":** This crucial dependent clause reveals the condition and source of the psalmist's ability to "run." The capacity for such eager and unhindered obedience is not inherent or self-generated but is a direct result of God's transformative work. To "enlarge the heart" means God removing spiritual constraints, fear, narrow-mindedness, or any inner obstacle that limits one's spiritual capacity. It implies a divine act of liberation that broadens understanding, deepens affection for God's ways, and frees the will, making comprehensive and joyful obedience both possible and desirable. This signifies that true, spiritual obedience flows from a divinely liberated and capacious inner being.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrases "run the way of thy commandments" and "enlarge my heart." "Running the way" is a powerful metaphor for eager, swift, and unhindered obedience, transforming the abstract concept of following God's laws into a dynamic, active pursuit. It evokes a sense of joy and freedom in devotion. "Enlarge my heart" is another profound metaphor, representing a spiritual liberation and expansion of one's inner capacity for understanding, affection, and will. It suggests the removal of spiritual constriction, fear, or narrow-mindedness that hinders full devotion. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Conditionality or Dependence**, indicated by the word "when." This grammatical structure highlights that the psalmist's ability to "run" is directly dependent on God's prior action of "enlarging" the heart, underscoring the necessity of divine grace for human spiritual vitality and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:32 beautifully articulates the profound truth that genuine, joyful obedience to God's will is not a mere human endeavor but a divine enablement. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life and the primary locus of spiritual transformation. The psalmist's prayer acknowledges human limitation and the need for God's grace to remove internal barriers (fear, doubt, self-will) that impede a full and free response to His commands. This desire for an "enlarged heart" reflects a deep understanding that true righteousness flows from an inner renewal, a spiritual liberation that makes God's ways not burdensome but delightful. It points to the ongoing work of sanctification, where God continually expands our capacity to love, understand, and obey Him.

* [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on the Heart")
* [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race with Endurance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:32 offers a profound model for our own spiritual lives, reminding us that our pursuit of God's will should be characterized by eagerness and joy, not by reluctance or legalistic burden. If we find ourselves struggling with apathy, spiritual constriction, or a sense of duty rather than delight in obedience, this verse provides a powerful prayer. It encourages us to humbly acknowledge our limitations and to seek God's transformative work within our hearts. To pray for an "enlarged heart" is to ask God to expand our understanding of His truth, deepen our love for Him, remove our fears and prejudices, and free our will so that we might eagerly embrace His ways. It is a prayer for spiritual liberation, enabling us to "run" with endurance and delight in the path of His commandments, trusting that He will provide the inner capacity for the external obedience He desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "running the way of thy commandments" look like in my daily life? Am I running with eagerness or dragging my feet?**
* **In what areas of my life do I feel my "heart" is constricted or narrow, hindering my full obedience to God?**
* **How does the idea of God "enlarging my heart" impact my understanding of spiritual growth and personal responsibility?**
* **What specific prayer can I offer based on the psalmist's plea in this verse?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "enlarge my heart" in a practical sense?**
Answer: Practically, for God to "enlarge your heart" means He removes spiritual constraints, fears, anxieties, or self-imposed limitations that hinder your ability to fully and joyfully obey Him. It signifies a divine work that expands your spiritual capacity, understanding, and affection for God and His ways. This can manifest as increased clarity in discerning God's will, a deeper love for His Word, a greater willingness to step out in faith, freedom from crippling fear or doubt, and a broader compassion for others. It's not about making your heart physically bigger, but spiritually more capacious and responsive to divine truth, allowing you to "run" in obedience rather than being weighed down. This divine enablement often comes through prayer, meditating on God's Word ([Psalms 119:27](/psalms/119-27 "Psalms 119:27 - Understanding God's Precepts")), and surrendering to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:32 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated. While the psalmist longed for an enlarged heart to run God's commandments, Jesus perfectly embodied this ideal, demonstrating unhindered, joyful, and complete obedience to the Father's will throughout His earthly life. His heart was always "enlarged" by divine love and perfect communion with God, enabling Him to declare, "I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart" ([Psalms 40:8](/psalms/40-8 "Psalms 40:8 - Delight in God's Will"), quoted in [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection secured the New Covenant, where God promises to write His laws not on tablets of stone but directly on the hearts of His people ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are now given a "new heart" and a "new spirit" ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit")), enabling them to genuinely desire and "walk in His statutes." The Spirit "enlarges" our hearts, empowering us to love God and neighbor, and to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the Race, Looking to Jesus")), making the psalmist's aspiration a present reality for those in Christ.

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

1 Kings 4:29

¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty.

Psalms 18:36

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

Psalms 119:45

¶ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

2 Corinthians 6:11

¶ O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.