Psalms 119:46

KJV

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will speak {H1696} of thy testimonies {H5713} also before kings {H4428}, and will not be ashamed {H954}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will speak of your instructions even to kings without being ashamed.

Berean Standard Bible

I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.

American Standard Version

I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:46 expresses the psalmist's profound and unwavering commitment to boldly proclaim God's divine declarations and precepts, even when confronted by the highest human authorities. It signifies a courageous resolve to speak truth without fear of intimidation, shame, or societal pressure, prioritizing allegiance to God's Word above all earthly concerns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Vav" (or "Waw") section of Psalm 119, an extensive acrostic poem celebrating the perfection and value of God's law, statutes, precepts, and testimonies. The preceding verses (41-45) establish a foundation of seeking God's steadfast love, salvation, and truth, leading to a life of liberty and unwavering obedience. Specifically, verse 45 speaks of walking "at liberty: for I seek thy precepts," which naturally flows into the bold declaration of speaking God's testimonies without shame in verse 46. The psalmist's confidence in public proclamation stems directly from his private devotion and the freedom he experiences in following God's commands. The subsequent verses (47-48) reinforce this devotion, expressing delight in and reverence for God's commandments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings wielded absolute power, often considered divine or divinely appointed. To speak "before kings" was to address the ultimate human authority, a context fraught with potential danger, political pressure, and even the risk of execution for perceived insubordination or heresy. This setting contrasts sharply with the psalmist's declaration of "will not be ashamed," highlighting a profound allegiance to a higher authority—God Himself. The cultural norm would be to defer to royal power, making the psalmist's resolve exceptionally courageous. This historical backdrop underscores the radical nature of prioritizing divine truth over human fear, a theme echoed in biblical narratives of prophets and faithful individuals who challenged oppressive rulers, such as [Daniel](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den") or [Nathan confronting David](/2_samuel/12 "2 Samuel 12 - Nathan Rebukes David").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:46 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. It exemplifies **unashamed proclamation** of God's truth, demonstrating that genuine devotion to God's Word leads to courageous witness. The phrase "thy testimonies" emphasizes the **authority and reliability of God's revealed will**, which serves as the bedrock of the psalmist's confidence. This verse also highlights the **freedom found in obedience**, as the psalmist's liberty (mentioned in [Psalms 119:45](/psalms/119-45 "Psalms 119:45 - Walking in Liberty")) empowers him to speak without fear. Ultimately, it underscores the theme of **prioritizing divine approval over human fear**, asserting that God's truth stands supreme over all earthly powers and that there is no valid reason to compromise or hide it, even in the most intimidating circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Testimonies (Hebrew, _‘ēdōt'_):** This plural noun refers to God's solemn declarations, divine decrees, or covenant stipulations. It emphasizes the authoritative, binding, and reliable nature of God's revealed will. Unlike human laws, God's testimonies are eternal and bear witness to His unchanging character, His faithfulness, and His righteous expectations for humanity. They are not merely suggestions but divine pronouncements that demand obedience and trust.
* **Kings (Hebrew, _məlāḵîm'_):** This term represents the highest echelon of human authority, power, and potential opposition. To speak "before kings" signifies addressing the most intimidating and influential audience possible, where one's message could be met with severe disapproval, ridicule, or even persecution. It symbolizes any context where human power seeks to silence or diminish divine truth.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûš'_):** This verb means to be put to shame, confounded, disgraced, or disappointed. The psalmist's declaration, "will not be ashamed," expresses a resolute refusal to be intimidated into silence, to feel foolish, or to compromise his allegiance to God's truth, even when confronted by those in positions of immense power. His confidence is rooted in the inherent truth and authority of God's testimonies, which transcend any human judgment or scorn.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will speak of thy testimonies also":** This opening clause is a strong, personal declaration of intent. The psalmist is not merely contemplating or believing God's testimonies, but actively committing to verbally proclaiming them. The inclusion of "also" suggests that this public, bold proclamation is an extension of his private devotion and a natural outflow of his love for God's Word, now applied to a specific, challenging context.
* **"before kings":** This phrase specifies the challenging audience and environment for the psalmist's proclamation. It implies a public, official, and potentially hostile or intimidating setting, where human power and authority are at their peak. It represents the ultimate test of courage and conviction, signifying a willingness to stand for truth in the face of the greatest earthly opposition.
* **"and will not be ashamed":** This is the climax of the verse, a powerful statement of resolute courage and conviction. It signifies an inner resolve not to be intimidated, silenced, or to compromise the truth due to fear of human disapproval, ridicule, or persecution. The psalmist's confidence is not in his own strength or eloquence, but in the inherent truth, authority, and divine origin of God's testimonies, rendering any human scorn powerless to make him feel disgraced.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:46 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of courageous proclamation. The phrase "before kings" functions as **hyperbole**, representing the most formidable and intimidating audience imaginable, thereby emphasizing the extreme courage and conviction of the psalmist. It could also be interpreted as **synecdoche**, where "kings" stands in for all forms of human authority, opposition, or societal pressure that might seek to silence divine truth. The verse also features a strong **antithesis** between the immense power and potential intimidation of "kings" and the psalmist's resolute declaration, "will not be ashamed." This stark contrast highlights the superiority of divine truth and the psalmist's unwavering allegiance over any earthly fear or power. Furthermore, the repeated use of "I will" ("I will speak," "I will not be ashamed") serves as a powerful **personal affirmation**, underscoring the psalmist's deep, personal commitment and unwavering resolve to honor God's Word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:46 is a profound declaration of prophetic courage and unwavering allegiance to God's truth. It underscores the biblical principle that God's Word possesses inherent authority and power, which transcends all human institutions and opinions. The psalmist's resolve to speak "before kings" without shame reflects a deep conviction that divine truth is not subject to human approval or intimidation. This commitment to unashamed proclamation is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, calling God's people to be bold witnesses for His name and His revealed will, regardless of the cost. It teaches that true freedom lies in obedience to God and that confidence in His testimonies empowers believers to stand firm against any opposition.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Paul is Not Ashamed of the Gospel")
* [Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - Apostles Pray for Boldness")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Be Ready to Give a Defense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 119:46 serves as a potent call to courageous witness in a world often hostile or indifferent to God's truth. It challenges us to examine our own willingness to speak of God's testimonies, not just in comfortable settings, but "before kings"—metaphorically representing influential people, challenging social environments, professional contexts, or even online platforms where our faith might be met with scorn or opposition. This verse encourages us to prioritize God's approval over human fear, social pressure, or the desire for acceptance. Our confidence to speak comes not from our own eloquence or strength, but from the unchanging, authoritative nature of God's Word itself. It reminds us that there is no valid reason to be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most challenged to speak God's truth, perhaps fearing disapproval or ridicule?**
* **What specific "kings" or intimidating audiences (e.g., social media, workplace, family members, cultural trends) might cause you to be "ashamed" of your faith or God's Word?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper conviction in God's "testimonies" to overcome these fears and speak with greater boldness?**

### FAQ
**Why is "speaking before kings" significant?**

Answer: "Speaking before kings" is significant because it represents the ultimate test of courage and conviction. In ancient times, kings held absolute power, and speaking to them, especially about matters that might challenge their authority or worldview, carried immense personal risk, including imprisonment or death. Thus, it symbolizes the willingness to proclaim God's truth in the most intimidating and potentially hostile environments, demonstrating that the psalmist's allegiance to God's Word transcends all human authority and fear of consequence. It is a powerful metaphor for speaking truth to power in any age.

**What are "testimonies" in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 119:46, "testimonies" (Hebrew: *‘ēdōt'*) refers to God's solemn declarations, divine decrees, and covenant stipulations. They are not merely suggestions or advice, but God's authoritative self-revelations that bear witness to His character, His will, and His righteous expectations for humanity. These "testimonies" are reliable, trustworthy, and binding, forming the very foundation of the psalmist's confidence and the truth he is committed to proclaiming. They are the objective truths about God and His ways, which He has revealed to His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:46 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the unashamed proclamation of God's testimonies, even before the most powerful earthly authorities. Jesus consistently spoke the truth of God's kingdom and His own divine identity, whether teaching in the temple, confronting the religious elite, or standing before [Pilate, the Roman governor](/john/18-33 "John 18:33 - Jesus Before Pilate"). He was never ashamed of His Father's will or His own mission, even when it led Him to the cross. His life was a testament to the Father's testimonies, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets not by abolishing them, but by bringing them to their intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The early apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, followed Christ's example, boldly proclaiming the Gospel before councils and kings, just as the psalmist envisioned ([Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - Apostles Pray for Boldness")). The call to "not be ashamed" is central to the New Testament's command for believers to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection and the power of the Gospel ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")), echoing Paul's declaration, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Paul is Not Ashamed of the Gospel")). Thus, the psalmist's resolve to speak God's testimonies before kings foreshadows the ultimate witness of Christ and the ongoing mission of His church to proclaim the good news to all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

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

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Matthew 10:18

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Matthew 10:19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Acts 26:1

¶ Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

Acts 26:2

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Psalms 138:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Mark 8:38

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.