Psalms 119:51

ยถ The proud have had me greatly in derision: [yet] have I not declined from thy law.

The proud {H2086} have had me greatly {H3966} in derision {H3887}: yet have I not declined {H5186} from thy law {H8451}.

Though the arrogant scorn me completely, I have not turned away from your Torah.

The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law.

The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yethave I not swerved from thy law.

Commentary

Psalms 119:51 (KJV) presents the psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's law despite intense scorn from the arrogant. It highlights a common experience for the faithful: facing ridicule from those who disregard divine principles, yet choosing steadfast obedience.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the glory and sufficiency of God's Word. Each stanza (eight verses) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This verse, Psalms 119:51, falls within the 'Kaph' section (verses 49-56), where the psalmist often reflects on his affliction and suffering, contrasting it with his deep love for and reliance on God's commandments. The recurring theme throughout the psalm is the profound value of God's statutes as a guide, comfort, and source of life, especially in a world often hostile to righteousness.

Key Themes

  • Steadfastness Amidst Scorn: The central message is the psalmist's firm resolve to adhere to God's law, even when subjected to intense mockery. This speaks to the strength of conviction that God's Word is true and worthy of obedience, regardless of social pressure or personal cost.
  • The Nature of the Proud: The "proud" (Hebrew: zedim) are depicted as those who live in arrogance, disregard God's authority, and actively scorn those who seek to follow His ways. Their derision is a mark of their rebellion against divine order.
  • Unwavering Devotion to God's Law: Despite the temptation to compromise or give in to the pressure of ridicule, the psalmist declares that he has "not declined from thy law." This emphasizes the enduring power and vital importance of God's Word as the believer's anchor.
  • The Reality of Persecution: The verse implicitly acknowledges that those who live godly lives will often face opposition and scorn from the world.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "proud" translates the Hebrew word zedim (ื–ึตื“ึดื™ื), which refers to arrogant, insolent, or presumptuous individuals who act defiantly against God's commands. It signifies a willful and open contempt for divine authority.
  • "Derision" comes from the Hebrew root halal (ื”ึธืœึทืœ), here in a form that means to mock, scorn, or treat with contempt. It indicates a strong, active form of ridicule.
  • "Declined" is from the Hebrew verb natah (ื ึธื˜ึธื”), meaning to stretch out, incline, or turn aside. The phrase "not declined" therefore powerfully conveys the idea of not swerving, deviating, or turning away from God's prescribed path.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 119:51 offers a powerful encouragement. In a world that often mocks biblical values and those who uphold them, this verse reminds us that true faithfulness involves standing firm in God's Word. We may encounter scorn for our beliefs, our moral stances, or our commitment to Christ. However, like the psalmist, our response should be an unwavering devotion to God's law. This verse calls us to cultivate an inner resolve, finding our stability and guidance not in popular opinion, but in the eternal truth of God's commands, recognizing that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.

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Cross-References

  • Job 23:11

    My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

  • Jeremiah 20:7

    ยถ O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

  • Psalms 44:18

    Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

  • Psalms 119:157

    ยถ Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies; [yet] do I not decline from thy testimonies.

  • Acts 20:23

    Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

  • Acts 20:24

    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Hebrews 12:1

    ยถ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,