Psalms 119:39

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn away {H5674} my reproach {H2781} which I fear {H3025}: for thy judgments {H4941} are good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avert the disgrace which I dread, for your rulings are good.

Berean Standard Bible

Turn away the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good.

American Standard Version

Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:39 presents a profound and vulnerable prayer from the psalmist, who earnestly entreats God to remove the public shame and ridicule he fears, immediately grounding this plea in an unwavering confession of faith in the inherent goodness and righteousness of God's divine decrees. It masterfully captures the tension between the believer's experience of worldly opposition and their deep, abiding trust in the perfect character and just judgments of the Almighty, seeking God's active and sovereign intervention for vindication and protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 stands as the longest chapter in the biblical canon, an intricately crafted acrostic poem divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and comprising eight verses. A defining characteristic is that every verse within a given section typically commences with that section's designated Hebrew letter. Verse 39 is situated within the 'Teth' section (verses 33-40), a segment marked by the psalmist's fervent petitions for divine instruction, guidance, and deliverance from those who scorn or oppose his steadfast devotion to God’s law. This section powerfully articulates the psalmist's resolute commitment to walking in God's ways, even when such faithfulness precipitates conflict with a hostile world, and his profound reliance on God's Word as his ultimate source of life and truth. His earnest desire to be taught God's statutes and to keep His law with his whole heart is vividly expressed in his prayer found in [Psalms 119:33-34](/psalms/119-33-34 "Psalms 119:33-34 - Teach Me Your Statutes and I Will Keep Them").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the societies of the ancient Near East, the concepts of honor and shame permeated every facet of life, holding paramount significance. An individual's public reputation, the standing of their family, and the approval of their community were not merely superficial concerns but foundational elements of their identity and well-being. To suffer "reproach" (Hebrew: *ḥerpâ*) meant to endure public disgrace, scorn, or profound humiliation, often resulting from false accusations, social ostracization, or being ridiculed for one's deeply held beliefs. This was far from a private emotional experience; it was a deeply impactful social reality with tangible consequences. The psalmist's fear of reproach, therefore, reflects a genuine concern for his social standing and the potential damage to his public witness, particularly given the pervasive pressure to conform to societal norms that frequently contradicted God's divine commands. His heartfelt plea is thus a poignant request for divine vindication and the restoration of honor within a cultural framework where such matters bore immense social and personal weight.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound and intimately interconnected themes central to the expansive scope of Psalms 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly illuminates **The Cost of Discipleship and the Burden of Reproach**, demonstrating that unwavering faithfulness to God's Word frequently invites scorn, opposition, and even persecution from the world. This enduring reality is powerfully echoed in the New Testament's teachings concerning suffering for righteousness' sake, as articulated by Jesus in [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake"). Secondly, the verse unequivocally showcases **Unwavering Trust in God's Justice and Goodness**, as the psalmist’s declarative statement, "for thy judgments are good," serves as the unshakeable theological bedrock for his fervent plea. This is not a passive resignation but an active, confident affirmation that God’s decrees, laws, and divine decisions are inherently righteous, perfectly equitable, and ultimately lead to what is best, even when circumstances appear difficult or incomprehensible to human understanding. This profound trust mirrors the praise for the perfection and life-giving nature of God's law found in [Psalms 19:7-8](/psalms/19-7-8 "Psalms 19:7-8 - The Perfection of the Lord's Law"). Finally, it powerfully underscores the **Power and Necessity of Prayer for Vindication**, demonstrating that the believer's primary and most effective response to suffering, shame, and public disgrace is to turn directly to God, trusting Him alone to intervene, remove the source of humiliation, and ultimately reveal the truth of His righteous ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn away (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From the primitive root H5674, this verb signifies "to cross over" or "to pass over," but is used very widely to denote any transition, including causing something to pass or be removed. In this context, it is a fervent plea for God to actively remove, avert, or cause the feared reproach to bypass the psalmist. It implies a desire for divine intervention to make the shame "pass by" or "pass over" him, preventing it from settling upon him.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, this noun denotes contumely, disgrace, or public scorn. It conveys a deep sense of humiliation and dishonor, often associated with being mocked, ridiculed, or falsely accused. In ancient Near Eastern culture, where honor and public standing were paramount, *ḥerpâ* was a severe affliction, impacting one's social standing, personal dignity, and even spiritual well-being. The psalmist's fear of it is not a sign of weakness but an honest acknowledgment of the profound pain and spiritual burden that such public humiliation can inflict upon a faithful follower of God.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this term refers to God’s righteous ordinances, decrees, and governing principles. Properly, it signifies a verdict pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree, encompassing divine law, justice, and a participant's right or privilege. Unlike fallible human judgments, God's *mishpâṭîm* are inherently just, equitable, and good, reflecting His perfect character and moral order. The psalmist's declaration that God's "judgments are good" is a profound theological statement, asserting that God's every decision and command is rooted in His perfect goodness and will ultimately lead to righteousness and vindication, even when they seem harsh or incomprehensible to human understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn away my reproach which I fear":** This is a direct, earnest supplication to God, revealing a raw human vulnerability. The psalmist openly admits his fear, signifying not a lack of faith, but an honest confession of the dread of public disgrace or the spiritual and emotional toll it can take. The phrase "Turn away" (Hebrew: *haʿabēr*) implies a desire for God to actively remove, avert, or cause the reproach to pass over him, seeking divine intervention against external pressures and the internal anxieties they generate. It is a plea for God's powerful hand to vindicate his faithfulness and protect his reputation and inner peace.
* **"for thy judgments are good":** This clause provides the theological foundation and profound motivation for the preceding plea. It is a declaration of unwavering faith and a core theological truth. The psalmist's confidence is rooted not in his own strength, righteousness, or ability to withstand scorn, but in the absolute goodness and justice of God's decrees (*mishpâṭîm*). He trusts implicitly that God's ways are perfect, inherently righteous, and ultimately beneficial, even if they lead to temporary suffering or misunderstanding. This powerful affirmation transforms the prayer from a mere cry of distress into a profound statement of trust in God's character as the ultimate source of justice, vindication, and goodness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:39 employs several impactful literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional resonance. Primarily, it functions as a **Supplication**, a direct and earnest prayer to God, vividly demonstrating the psalmist's intimate and dependent relationship with the divine and his reliance on God for deliverance from a deeply personal affliction. The verse's structure also exhibits a clear form of **Reasoned Plea**, where the heartfelt request ("Turn away my reproach which I fear") is immediately followed by its theological justification or basis ("for thy judgments are good"). This creates a powerful logical and theological connection, illustrating that the psalmist's hope for vindication is not arbitrary or based on wishful thinking, but is firmly grounded in his profound understanding of God's unchanging, perfectly good character. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** woven into the verse: the stark disparity between the human experience of fear and potential shame, and the divine reality of perfect, inherently good judgments. This contrast highlights the chasm between the world's often flawed perception and God's ultimate truth, offering profound comfort and assurance to the one who trusts in Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:39 deeply resonates with the broader biblical narrative concerning God's unwavering justice, the suffering often endured by the righteous, and the ultimate vindication of those who place their trust in Him. It underscores the profound truth that God's character is inherently and immutably good, and therefore, all His decrees, laws, and judgments are also good, serving His righteous and perfect purposes. This verse powerfully encourages believers to find solace, strength, and an unshakeable anchor in God's unchanging nature when facing opposition, misunderstanding, or public scorn for their faith. It serves as a vital reminder that our ultimate vindication comes not from human approval or worldly recognition, but solely from God, who sees beyond superficial appearances and worldly contempt, affirming the integrity and faithfulness of those who walk in His ways. The psalmist's prayer is thus a timeless model for bringing our deepest fears, vulnerabilities, and anxieties before a God who is both perfectly just in His decrees and infinitely compassionate in His care, trusting that His goodness will ultimately prevail and His righteous plan will be fulfilled.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "Blessed When Reproached for the Name of Christ")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that frequently pressures conformity, ridicules conviction, or deliberately misrepresents truth, the psalmist's poignant prayer in Psalms 119:39 offers profound comfort, timeless guidance, and a powerful model for faith. We, too, may experience "reproach"—whether it manifests as the subtle scorn of cultural norms that contradict our values, the overt criticism and hostility directed at our deeply held beliefs, or the painful sting of false accusations that seek to undermine our character. This verse encourages us to acknowledge our fears honestly and openly, bringing them before God without reservation or pretense. More importantly, it calls us to anchor our hope and confidence not in fleeting human approval, temporary vindication, or the absence of suffering, but in the unshakeable, eternal truth that God's "judgments are good." This profound theological affirmation means trusting implicitly that His ways are perfect, His justice is absolutely certain, and His ultimate plan for those who love and obey Him is always for their highest good, even when the path involves temporary suffering, misunderstanding, or public disgrace. It empowers us to persevere with unwavering faithfulness, knowing with certainty that God is our ultimate defender, our righteous vindicator, and the singular source of all true honor and lasting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "reproach" or fear of shame do you currently face in your life because of your faith, ethical convictions, or commitment to God's Word?**
* **How does the profound truth that "thy judgments are good" provide comfort, strength, or a renewed sense of purpose when you are feeling vulnerable, misunderstood, or unfairly treated?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can you "turn away" or surrender your fear of reproach to God in prayer this week, trusting Him with your reputation and circumstances?**
* **How can affirming God's inherent goodness in His judgments help you navigate difficult situations where you feel unjustly criticized, misrepresented, or publicly shamed for your obedience to Him?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "reproach" is the psalmist fearing?**

Answer: The "reproach" (Hebrew: *ḥerpâ*) the psalmist fears is likely multifaceted, encompassing various forms of public shame and disgrace common in ancient Near Eastern societies. It could refer to public humiliation stemming from being mocked or ridiculed for his unwavering devotion to God's law, facing false accusations from adversaries who sought to discredit him, or experiencing social ostracization because his righteous walk and adherence to divine truth contrasted sharply with the world's prevailing ways. In ancient culture, public opinion, honor, and community standing were deeply significant, so such reproach was not merely an internal feeling but a tangible threat to one's social and personal well-being. The psalmist's fear is a very human response to the potential humiliation, isolation, and spiritual burden that can arise from standing firm in one's faith, a reality echoed in the experiences of prophets and righteous individuals throughout biblical history, such as Jeremiah, who lamented, "I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me" ([Jeremiah 20:7](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah 20:7 - Jeremiah's Reproach")).

**How can God's "judgments" be good when they sometimes involve discipline or hardship?**

Answer: The goodness of God's "judgments" (*mishpâṭîm*) refers to their inherent righteousness, justice, and perfect alignment with His holy character, rather than their immediate pleasantness from a human perspective. While God's judgments can indeed include discipline, correction, or consequences for sin, these are ultimately good because they are designed to lead to repentance, spiritual restoration, and conformity to His holy will. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, "God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" ([Hebrews 12:10-11](/hebrews/12-10-11 "Hebrews 12:10-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")). Even when God's judgments involve hardship or allow suffering, they are always just, always purposeful, and always serve a greater, redemptive purpose within His sovereign plan. The psalmist's declaration affirms that God's decrees are always right, always fair, and always aimed at what is ultimately best for His people and the magnificent display of His glory, even when our limited human understanding cannot fully comprehend them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:39 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodied unwavering faithfulness to God's judgments, even as He endured unimaginable reproach and shame on behalf of humanity. The prophet Isaiah powerfully foretold of the suffering servant who would be "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, willingly and obediently bore the full weight of humanity's ultimate reproach—the curse and shame of sin—being mocked, scourged, and crucified, not for His own wrongdoing, but for ours. He "endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")), demonstrating His perfect trust in the goodness of His Father's judgments and His divine plan, even unto a humiliating death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus definitively "turned away" the reproach of sin that stood against us, offering us complete forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life. He became our ultimate vindication, and in Him, we are counted righteous and are given a new, imperishable honor. Thus, the psalmist's prayer for deliverance from reproach is answered definitively in the one who bore our shame and, by His glorious resurrection, proved the ultimate goodness, justice, and triumph of God's judgments over sin, death, and all forms of reproach.

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 119:22

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

Titus 2:8

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

1 Timothy 3:7

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Romans 2:2

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

Psalms 57:3

He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Psalms 39:8

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