Psalms 119:34

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with [my] whole heart.

Give me understanding {H995}, and I shall keep {H5341} thy law {H8451}; yea, I shall observe {H8104} it with my whole heart {H3820}.

Give me understanding; then I will keep your Torah; I will observe it with all my heart.

Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Psalms 119:34 (KJV) is a poignant prayer from the psalmist, expressing a deep desire for spiritual understanding as the foundation for true obedience to God's law. It highlights the crucial connection between divine insight and wholehearted devotion, emphasizing that genuine adherence to God's precepts comes not from mere intellectual knowledge but from an illuminated heart.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem (though not apparent in English translations) entirely dedicated to celebrating the beauty, power, and wisdom of God's Word. The psalmist uses various synonyms for God's revelation—law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments—to express an unwavering love and commitment to them. Throughout the Psalm, the author repeatedly prays for guidance, strength, and understanding to live according to these divine instructions. Verse 34 falls within a section where the psalmist is earnestly seeking God's teaching and enablement to walk in His ways, acknowledging human inadequacy without divine assistance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Understanding as a Prerequisite for Obedience: The verse posits that true adherence to God's law is not simply a matter of knowing what to do, but of understanding *why* and *how* to do it from God's perspective. This understanding is a gift from God, essential for living a life pleasing to Him.
  • Wholehearted Obedience: The psalmist desires to "observe it with [my] whole heart." This signifies a desire for sincere, complete, and undivided devotion, contrasting with partial or grudging compliance. It speaks to an internal commitment rather than mere external conformity.
  • The Interdependence of Knowledge and Action: The verse beautifully illustrates that understanding leads to keeping, and keeping requires understanding. It's a holistic approach to faith where intellectual grasp and heartfelt application are intertwined.
  • Prayer for Spiritual Insight: The psalmist's plea, "Give me understanding," underscores the recognition that spiritual wisdom is not naturally possessed but must be sought and received from God. This aligns with other biblical calls to seek wisdom from above.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "understanding" is biyn or binah, which implies more than just intellectual comprehension. It refers to discerning insight, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and to grasp the significance and application of truth. It's a deep, practical wisdom that enables one to act skillfully and appropriately. The "law" (Hebrew: torah) in this context is broader than legal codes; it encompasses God's entire revelation, His instruction, and His way of life. "Whole heart" (Hebrew: levav shalem) emphasizes an undivided, sincere, and complete devotion, echoing the command to love the Lord with all one's heart.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates with several other passages that emphasize the importance of divine wisdom and heartfelt obedience:

  • Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
  • The importance of a sincere heart in obedience is echoed in Deuteronomy 10:12: "...to serve him with all thy heart and with all thy soul."
  • Jesus Himself taught that love for God is demonstrated through obedience: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 119:34 serves as a vital reminder that true obedience to God's Word is not a burdensome duty but a joyful response stemming from a divinely enlightened mind and heart. It encourages us to:

  1. Pray for Understanding: Before and during our study of Scripture, we should earnestly ask God to open our minds and hearts to comprehend His truth, just as the psalmist did.
  2. Seek Heartfelt Obedience: Our goal should be more than outward conformity; it should be to embrace God's commands with genuine desire and an undivided heart, allowing them to shape our inner motives and attitudes.
  3. Recognize God's Grace: Understanding and the ability to obey are ultimately gifts of God's grace, empowering us to live a life that honors Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 7:24

    Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • Proverbs 2:5

    Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

  • Proverbs 2:6

    For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

  • Psalms 119:73

    ¶ JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

  • James 1:25

    But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

  • Psalms 119:69

    ¶ The proud have forged a lie against me: [but] I will keep thy precepts with [my] whole heart.
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