TRV
Psalms 119:4
Bible Versions
¶ Thou hast commanded [us] to keep thy precepts diligently.
You laid down your precepts for us to observe with care.
You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.
Thou hast commandedus thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.
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1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. -
John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. -
Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. -
Jeremiah 7:23
But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. -
Deuteronomy 28:1
¶ And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: -
Deuteronomy 28:14
And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them. -
John 14:15
¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Psalms 119:4 declares the psalmist's understanding of God's expectation for His people: "Thou hast commanded [us] to keep thy precepts diligently." This verse serves as a foundational statement within the longest chapter of the Bible, which is entirely dedicated to the praise and contemplation of God's Word in its various forms.
Context
Psalm 119 is an elaborate acrostic poem, with each of its 22 sections corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Within each section, all eight verses begin with that letter. The psalm is a profound meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and necessity of God's law, statutes, testimonies, judgments, and precepts. Verse 4 immediately establishes the divine origin and mandatory nature of these instructions, setting the stage for the psalmist's deep commitment to them throughout the chapter. It highlights that God's directives are not suggestions but authoritative commands, requiring a specific response from humanity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "precepts," piqqudim, conveys the idea of divine directives that are carefully appointed and committed to humanity. They are not random rules but purposeful instructions designed for human flourishing and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. The term "diligently," me'od, intensifies the command, indicating that obedience should be pursued with great zeal, earnestness, and thoroughness, reflecting a heart truly devoted to God, a theme echoed in the command to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might.
Related Scriptures
This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the profound value of God's law, a theme celebrated elsewhere in scripture, such as in Psalm 1:2, which speaks of the blessedness of delighting in the law of the Lord. The New Testament also affirms the importance of obedience to God's commands, with Jesus Himself stating, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15), echoing the diligent devotion called for in this psalm.
Practical Application
For believers today, Psalms 119:4 serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is not merely about belief, but also about active, sincere obedience to His Word. It challenges us to move beyond superficial adherence and to embrace God's commands with earnestness and consistency in every area of life. This diligence leads to spiritual growth, wisdom, and a life that honors God, demonstrating a true love for Him through our actions.