Psalms 119:38

KJV

¶ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who [is devoted] to thy fear.

KJV (with Strong's)

Stablish {H6965} thy word {H565} unto thy servant {H5650}, who is devoted to thy fear {H3374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Fulfill your promise, which you made to your servant, which you made to those who fear you.

Berean Standard Bible

Establish Your word to Your servant, to produce reverence for You.

American Standard Version

Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Whichis in order unto the fear of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:38 is a heartfelt prayer from the psalmist, a devoted servant, appealing to God to confirm and fulfill His divine word and promises in his life. It reflects a deep yearning for the tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness, grounded in the psalmist's reverential awe and obedient devotion. This verse encapsulates a profound desire for God's truth to be not merely an abstract concept but a living, active reality for those who honor Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic psalm, with each of its 22 eight-verse stanzas beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This particular verse, Psalms 119:38, falls within the fifth stanza, "Daleth" (verses 33-40). The preceding verses in this section are also fervent prayers for guidance and empowerment to obey God's commands. For example, [Psalms 119:33](/psalms/119-33 "Psalms 119:33 - Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes") asks for teaching, and [Psalms 119:36](/psalms/119-36 "Psalms 119:36 - Incline my heart unto thy testimonies") pleads for an inclined heart towards God's testimonies. Verse 38, therefore, is a natural continuation of this plea, specifically asking for the *establishment* or *fulfillment* of God's word, emphasizing the reliability of God's promises for one who is genuinely devoted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "God's word" (דָּבָר, _davar_) in ancient Israel encompassed not just written law but also divine decrees, promises, and prophetic utterances. For a "servant" (עֶבֶד, _'eved_) of God, this word was the very foundation of life, identity, and covenant relationship. The "fear of the Lord" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yir'at Yahweh_) was a central tenet, signifying not terror but a profound, reverential awe and respect that led to obedience and moral uprightness. This was the expected posture of a covenant people towards their sovereign God. The psalmist, likely a devout Israelite, lived in a society where the Law was paramount, and faithfulness to God's word was understood to bring blessing and stability, while disobedience brought curses and instability, as outlined in the covenant stipulations of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **faithfulness of God** to His promises, a recurring motif throughout Scripture (e.g., [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")). It underscores the **importance of God's Word** as the source of life, truth, and guidance, echoing sentiments found in [Psalms 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7 "Psalms 19:7-11 - The Law of the Lord is Perfect"). The verse also emphasizes the **posture of devotion and reverence** ("fear") as the proper response to God's holiness and authority, a theme foundational to wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Lastly, it portrays the **intimate relationship between God and His servant**, where humble submission and earnest prayer lead to the experience of divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stablish (Hebrew, _qum'_):** The Hebrew verb ק֫וּם (_qum_) carries a rich semantic range, including "to rise," "to stand," "to confirm," "to fulfill," or "to uphold." In this context, the piel stem (intensive/causative) implies God actively causing His word to stand firm, to be confirmed, and to become a tangible reality in the psalmist's life. It's a prayer for the promises and decrees of God to be made effective and enduring, not merely abstract truths but living, active principles that shape and sustain the servant.
* **Servant (Hebrew, _'eved'_):** The term עֶבֶד (_'eved_) denotes a servant, slave, or bond-servant. In a theological context, it signifies a person who belongs to God, is dedicated to His service, and lives in submission to His will. This identity is not one of degradation but of honor and intimacy, implying a covenant relationship where the servant is utterly dependent on and devoted to their divine Master. The psalmist identifies himself by this term, highlighting his commitment and humble reliance on God.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yir'ah'_):** The Hebrew noun יִרְאָה (_yir'ah_) refers to "fear," "awe," "reverence," or "respect." Crucially, in the context of God, it does not primarily mean cowering terror but rather a profound, worshipful awe that acknowledges God's absolute holiness, power, and authority. This reverential fear is the wellspring of obedience, wisdom, and moral uprightness, leading to a life lived in accordance with God's will. It is the proper response of a creature to their Creator, leading to a desire to please Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Stablish thy word unto thy servant":** This is a direct, earnest petition to God. The psalmist is not questioning God's inherent faithfulness or the truth of His word, but rather praying for its active manifestation and confirmation in his personal experience. He desires that God's promises, decrees, and instructions—His entire revealed will—would be made firm, reliable, and effective in his life. The use of "thy servant" highlights the psalmist's humble posture and his identity as one wholly dedicated to God, implying that this request is made from a place of genuine commitment and dependence.
* **"who [is devoted] to thy fear":** This clause describes the character and qualification of the psalmist, providing the basis for his appeal. The phrase "who is devoted to thy fear" (the bracketed "is devoted" is supplied for clarity in English, but the Hebrew implies this connection) indicates that the psalmist's life is characterized by a profound reverence and awe for God. This "fear" is not a mere emotion but a guiding principle that shapes his actions, choices, and entire being, leading to obedience and a desire to honor God above all else. It is this posture of humble, reverent devotion that the psalmist presents as the grounds for God to "stablish" His word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily functions as a **Supplication** or **Prayer**, a direct address to God seeking divine action. The psalmist employs **Personification** implicitly by asking God's "word" to be "stablished," treating it as something that can be made firm or upheld, underscoring its active and living quality. There is also an element of **Covenant Language**, as the relationship between "servant" and "fear" reflects the reciprocal obligations and blessings within the covenant between God and His people. The structure of the verse, linking the request for divine action directly to the psalmist's character, creates a subtle **Cause and Effect** or **Conditionality**, where the psalmist's devotion to God's fear serves as the context for God's faithfulness to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:38 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's unwavering faithfulness and the reciprocal call for human devotion. It teaches that God's word is not merely a collection of commands but a living, active force that shapes reality, and that those who genuinely revere Him can confidently pray for its fulfillment in their lives. This verse highlights the dynamic interplay between divine promise and human obedience, suggesting that a life marked by reverential fear creates the fertile ground for God's truth to take root and bear fruit. It is a prayer for the experiential reality of God's promises, grounded in a life of sincere worship and submission.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not one word failed of any good thing")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:38 offers a timeless model for our own spiritual lives. It invites us to cultivate a deep, reverential awe for God, recognizing His supreme authority and holiness, which in turn fuels our desire to obey His commands. This verse encourages us to pray boldly and specifically for God's word—His promises, His character, His revealed will—to be "stablished" or made real and effective in our daily experiences. Are we living in such a way that demonstrates our devotion to His fear? Are we actively seeking the confirmation of His truth in our circumstances, trusting that He is faithful to uphold what He has spoken? This prayer is not a demand but a humble plea from a servant who desires to see God's faithfulness powerfully manifested, reminding us that our identity as God's servants, marked by reverent obedience, positions us to experience the tangible reality of His unchanging word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most longing to see God "stablish" His word?**
* **How does your daily life reflect a genuine "devotion to God's fear" (reverential awe and obedience)?**
* **What specific promises of God are you praying to see fulfilled in your life or the lives of those around you?**
* **How does understanding yourself as a "servant" of God shape your prayers and expectations of Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "stablish thy word"?**

Answer: To "stablish thy word" (from the Hebrew _qum_) means for God to confirm, make firm, uphold, or fulfill His promises and decrees. It's a prayer for God's word to move from being a mere declaration to a tangible, active reality in the psalmist's life. It implies a desire for God's faithfulness to be visibly demonstrated and experienced, ensuring that what God has spoken will indeed come to pass and be reliable for His servant. This is not a question of God's ability or truthfulness, but a humble request for the manifestation of His power and faithfulness in a personal way, aligning with the truth that [God is faithful to His covenant](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant").

**What is "fear" in the context of "devoted to thy fear"?**

Answer: In biblical terms, "fear" (Hebrew _yir'ah_) when referring to God, signifies not a cowering terror but a profound, reverential awe, respect, and worshipful submission. It is the recognition of God's absolute holiness, sovereignty, and power, which naturally leads to a desire to obey His commands and live in a way that honors Him. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented as the beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom")) and a foundation for a righteous life. It implies a deep devotion that stems from acknowledging God's rightful place as Creator and Lord, fostering a spirit of humility and obedience rather than mere fright.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:38, a prayer for God to "stablish His word" to His servant devoted to His fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word")), through whom all of God's promises are not just established but fully embodied and brought to their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen")). Jesus perfectly exemplified the "servant" identity, humbling Himself and becoming obedient even unto death ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant")). His entire life was one of absolute devotion to the Father's will, characterized by perfect "fear" or reverential obedience, even when it meant immense suffering ([Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7-8 - Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared")). Through Christ, God's word—His redemptive plan, His covenant promises, and His very nature—is not only established but eternally secured for all who believe. As believers, we become servants of God through Christ, and it is in Him that God's word is truly "stablished" in our lives, empowering us to live in the fear of the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus")).

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 147:11

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Jeremiah 32:39

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

Psalms 103:17

But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Psalms 103:11

For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

2 Samuel 7:25

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.