Psalms 119:55

KJV

¶ I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have remembered {H2142} thy name {H8034}, O LORD {H3068}, in the night {H3915}, and have kept {H8104} thy law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I remember your name, ADONAI, at night; and I observe your Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law.

American Standard Version

I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:55 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering devotion, revealing a deep, personal commitment to God's character and commands. It encapsulates the essence of true piety: a constant, heartfelt remembrance of the Lord, particularly during times of quiet solitude or potential distress, which naturally flows into a diligent and joyful obedience to His divine law. This verse highlights a faith that is both intimately reflective and actively lived out, demonstrating steadfastness in all circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of its 22 sections contains eight verses, all meticulously crafted to extol the virtues and transformative power of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms such as law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments, and word. Verse 55 falls within the 'Zayin' section (verses 49-56), where the psalmist frequently expresses profound hope and comfort derived from God's promises. This section also often touches on the psalmist's experience of affliction and how God's Word serves as a source of steadfastness amidst such trials. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 119:49-50](/psalms/119-49 "Psalms 119:49-50 - Hope in God's Word")) emphasize the comfort found in God's promises, while the subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 119:56](/psalms/119-56 "Psalms 119:56 - Blessing of Keeping God's Precepts")) speak of the blessings that come from keeping His precepts, positioning verse 55 as a pivotal statement of the psalmist's personal commitment to both remembering and obeying.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, as a collection, served as the hymnbook and prayer manual for ancient Israel, reflecting the spiritual life and theological understanding of the covenant community. The concept of "remembering God's name" was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern thought; a name was not merely a label but encapsulated the very essence, character, and authority of the person. For Israel, remembering the LORD's name meant recalling His mighty acts of deliverance, His covenant faithfulness, and His revealed attributes (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Character Revealed")). The "night" (Hebrew: _laylah_) in ancient Israel was a time of quiet, solitude, and often contemplation, but also a period when fears, anxieties, or dangers might be heightened. The practice of meditating on God's law "day and night" was a foundational spiritual discipline, as seen in [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditating on the Law") and [Psalms 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalms 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the LORD"), underscoring the cultural emphasis on constant engagement with divine instruction as the source of wisdom and prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Personal Piety and Devotion**, showcasing a deeply intimate relationship with God that transcends circumstances. The psalmist's active remembrance of God's character is not a passive intellectual exercise but an ongoing, heartfelt engagement that shapes his entire being. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Obedience as a Response to Relationship**, illustrating that keeping God's law is not a burdensome duty but a natural and joyful outflow of knowing and remembering who God is. This connection between knowing God and obeying Him is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, where love for God is intrinsically linked to adherence to His commands (e.g., [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments.")). Finally, the phrase "in the night" introduces the theme of **Steadfastness Amidst Adversity**, suggesting that true faith endures and even flourishes during periods of quiet reflection, solitude, or even distress. It speaks to a consistent reliance on God's unchanging truth as a source of comfort and guidance, regardless of external circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remembered (Hebrew, _zakhar_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual recall; it implies an active, conscious engagement with and bringing to mind of a past event, person, or truth, often with the intention of acting upon it. To "remember God's name" means to actively bring His character, attributes, covenant faithfulness, and mighty deeds to the forefront of one's consciousness, allowing these truths to shape one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. It denotes a deep, personal re-engagement with the reality of God's being.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem_):** In biblical thought, a "name" is not just a label but represents the full essence, character, reputation, authority, and revealed nature of an individual. When applied to God, "His name" encompasses everything He has revealed about Himself—His holiness, justice, love, power, mercy, and faithfulness. Remembering His name means recalling and revering all that God is, as He has made Himself known through His acts in history and His Word.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _shamar_):** This verb means to guard, observe, watch over, preserve, or obey. It implies a diligent, active, and protective adherence. To "keep" God's law is not a passive acknowledgment but an active commitment to live according to its precepts, to protect its integrity, and to preserve its principles in one's life. It suggests a careful, intentional, and consistent practice of obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night":** This clause reveals the psalmist's deep, personal, and consistent devotion. The "I have" indicates a settled practice and a personal testimony. "Thy name, O LORD" refers to God's revealed character, His attributes, and His covenant faithfulness. Remembering His name is an active, ongoing process of bringing these truths to mind and allowing them to shape one's inner being. The phrase "in the night" is significant; it can literally mean during the quiet hours of darkness, a time often associated with solitude, contemplation, or even fear and distress. It suggests that the psalmist's devotion is not limited to public worship or daylight hours but permeates even the most private and potentially challenging moments, highlighting an intimate and unwavering communion with God.
* **"and have kept thy law":** This second clause demonstrates the practical outflow of the psalmist's remembrance. The active, personal act of "keeping" God's law signifies a diligent, intentional, and obedient adherence to His divine instruction (Torah). It is presented not as a burdensome obligation but as a natural and willing response to the intimate knowledge and remembrance of God's character. This connection underscores that true piety is not merely intellectual assent or emotional experience, but a life transformed by and lived in accordance with God's revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. The most prominent is **Personal Confession**, indicated by the repeated use of "I have remembered" and "I have kept," which lends an intimate and testimonial quality to the psalmist's declaration. This direct, first-person statement makes the experience relatable and serves as an example of genuine piety. **Metaphor** is evident in the phrase "in the night," which serves not only as a literal time but also as a powerful symbol for periods of solitude, quiet contemplation, or even spiritual and emotional darkness and adversity. This metaphorical usage highlights the enduring nature of the psalmist's faith regardless of external circumstances. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Cause and Effect** relationship or **Parallelism of Thought** between remembering God's name and keeping His law. The verse suggests that the active remembrance of God's character (the cause) naturally leads to and empowers the diligent obedience to His commands (the effect), portraying these two aspects of devotion as intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:55 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical theme of the relationship between divine revelation and human response. It posits that a deep, internal knowledge and remembrance of God's character (His "name") is the wellspring from which true, external obedience to His will (His "law") flows. This is not a legalistic adherence but a joyful, relational submission. The verse underscores that God's law is not a set of arbitrary rules but an expression of His very nature, and therefore, engaging with His law is a way of engaging with Him. This intimate connection fosters a steadfast faith that endures through all seasons of life, particularly in the "night" of difficulty or quiet reflection, affirming God's Word as a constant source of guidance and comfort.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Commands to be on your heart and taught diligently")
* [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Meditate on the Law day and night")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:55 offers a timeless blueprint for cultivating a vibrant and resilient faith in contemporary life. It challenges believers to move beyond superficial engagement with God to a profound, internal remembrance of His character that permeates every aspect of their existence. This means intentionally setting aside time, especially during quiet moments or periods of personal challenge, to meditate on who God is—His faithfulness, His love, His power, and His promises. When we truly remember God's name, our obedience to His commands ceases to be a burdensome duty and transforms into a natural, joyful, and spontaneous expression of our love and trust. The "night" in our lives—whether literal hours of solitude, seasons of doubt, or periods of intense trial—becomes not a time for despair but an opportunity for deeper communion, where God's unchanging Word and character provide unwavering comfort and direction. This verse encourages us to cultivate a faith that is not just for the daylight hours but sustains and strengthens us through every shadow, enabling us to live lives of consistent devotion and active obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively "remember God's name" in my daily life, especially during times of quiet or solitude?**
* **What does "the night" symbolize in my current circumstances, and how can I lean on God's character and law during these times?**
* **In what ways does my obedience to God's commands reflect my intimate knowledge and love for Him, rather than mere duty?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent and unwavering commitment to God's ways, even when faced with distractions or difficulties?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "remember God's name" in this context?**

Answer: To "remember God's name" (Hebrew: _zakhar_ _shem_) goes far beyond simple intellectual recall. It means to actively bring to mind, meditate upon, and fully engage with God's revealed character, His attributes (such as His faithfulness, holiness, love, and justice), His covenant promises, and His mighty acts throughout history. It implies a deep, personal, and heartfelt acknowledgment of who God is, allowing these truths to shape one's inner being and outward actions. It's a conscious, ongoing process of keeping God's essence at the forefront of one's mind, particularly as revealed in His Word (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do not forget the things your eyes have seen")).

**Why is "in the night" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "in the night" (Hebrew: _balaylah_) carries multiple layers of significance. Literally, it refers to the quiet hours of darkness when daily distractions subside, providing an opportunity for deep contemplation and communion with God. Metaphorically, "night" can symbolize periods of difficulty, distress, loneliness, or spiritual darkness. The psalmist's remembrance of God's name "in the night" therefore highlights an unwavering devotion that transcends circumstances. It suggests that even when life feels uncertain or challenging, God's character and law remain a steadfast source of comfort, guidance, and strength, demonstrating a faith that is resilient and deeply rooted (e.g., [Psalms 63:6](/psalms/63-6 "Psalms 63:6 - I remember you on my bed; I meditate on you in the night watches.")).

**Is keeping God's law a burden or a blessing according to this verse?**

Answer: According to Psalms 119:55, keeping God's law is presented as a blessing and a natural outflow of a deep, loving relationship with God, rather than a burdensome duty. The psalmist's obedience ("have kept thy law") is directly linked to his remembrance of God's character ("I have remembered thy name"). This connection implies that when one truly knows and reveres God, living according to His will becomes a joyful and willing response, not a grudging obligation. This perspective aligns with other biblical passages that affirm God's commandments are not burdensome but are given for our good and lead to life and blessing (e.g., [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.") and [Deuteronomy 10:13](/deuteronomy/10-13 "Deuteronomy 10:13 - Keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good.")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:55 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist diligently remembered God's name and kept His law, Jesus is the perfect embodiment and full revelation of God's name and character. He is the Word made flesh, through whom the Father's glory and truth are fully known (e.g., [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.")). Jesus perfectly kept God's law, fulfilling every jot and tittle, not abrogating it but bringing it to its intended purpose (e.g., [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the one who perfectly remembered the Father's will "in the night" of Gethsemane, choosing obedience even unto death (e.g., [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Not my will, but yours be done.")). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to remember God's name and keep His law, not by their own strength, but by grace. The Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus taught (e.g., [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), enabling us to walk in newness of life and fulfill the righteous requirement of the law (e.g., [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law and the Spirit")). Thus, our remembrance of God's name is now a remembrance of Christ, and our keeping of His law is a joyful response to His redemptive work, finding light and comfort in Him even in the deepest "night" (e.g., [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

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 63:6

When I remember thee upon my bed, [and] meditate on thee in the [night] watches.

Psalms 42:8

[Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Psalms 139:18

[If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Job 35:9

¶ By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make [the oppressed] to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.

Job 35:10

But none saith, Where [is] God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;