TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
See also
In the KJVVerse 15,956 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 119 verse 57
57 ¶ CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
We may hence gather the character of a godly man. 1. He makes the favour of God his felicity: Thou art my portion, O Lord! Others place their happiness in the wealth and honours of this world. Their portion is in this life; they look no further; they desire no more; these are their good things, Luk 16:25. But all that are sanctified take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance and their cup, and nothing less will satisfy them. David can appeal to God in this matter: "Lord, thou knowest that I have chosen thee for my portion, and depend upon thee to make me happy." 2. He makes the law of God his rule: "I have said that I would keep thy words; and what I have said by thy grace I will do, and will abide by it to the end." Note, Those that take God for their portion must take him for their prince, and swear allegiance to him; and, having promised to keep his word, we must often put ourselves in mind of our promise, Psa 39:1.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 57. Public domain.
Copy as
Aphrahat the Persian SageAD 345
DEMONSTRATIONS 4:17
In petition one asks for mercy for one’s sins, in thanksgiving you give thanks to your Father who is in heaven, while in praise you praise him for his works. At a time when you are in trouble, offer up petition, and when you are well supplied with good things, you should give thanks to the Giver, and when your mind rejoices, offer up praise. Make all these prayers of yours with discernment to God. See how David was always saying, “I have risen to give thanks to you for your judgments, O just One.” And in another psalm he said, “Praise the Lord in heaven, praise him in the heights.” Again he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, and at all times his praises are in my mouth.” Do not pray using only one kind of prayer, but pray them at different times.
Basil of CaesareaAD 379
HOMILY AGAINST THOSE PROVE TO ANGER
Let each of these considerations find entrance into your mind and check the swollen growth of wrath. By such preparations and by acquiring such dispositions, we quiet the leaping and throbbing of the heart and restore it to tranquil steadiness. This, indeed, is the implication in the words of David: “I am ready and am not troubled.” You must, therefore, repress the violent and frenzied movement of the soul by recalling the example of saintly people. How gently, for instance, the mighty David bore the fury of Shimei. He did not allow himself to grow angry but turned his thoughts to God, saying, “The Lord has bid him curse David.”
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Letter 82
The possession of God is owed to such as these, as Isaiah says: “This is the inheritance of those who believe in the Lord.” Very aptly does he say, “This is the inheritance,” for that alone is the inheritance; there is no other. The inheritance is not a treasure that people stumble on blindly, and passing things have not the quality of an inheritance. The only inheritance is that in which God is the portion, as the Lord’s holy one says: “God is my inheritance,” and again: “I have become an heir of your precepts.” You see what are the possessions of the just person: God’s commandments, his words, his precepts. In these he is rich; on these he feeds; with these he is delighted as if by all riches.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 30:17
Accordingly, let us condition ourselves to not be easily distracted from the task of approaching God constantly with our prayers day and night, and especially at night. Night is the time when there is no one to hinder us, when there is great peace of mind, when there is complete repose. It is also the time when all turmoil is left outside the house, when no one is likely to put us off or distract us from entreaty, and when our mind happens to be set at rest and is able to propose everything precisely to the physician of souls. I mean, if blessed David, king as he was as well as inspired author and beset with so many worries, clad in mantle and crown, could say, “At midnight I rise to praise you for the rulings of your justice,” what should we say who, despite leading a private and carefree life, do not even do the same as he? In other words, since by day he had much on his mind, a great mass of business, terrible confusion, and could not find a suitable time for the proper kind of prayer, he prayed during the time of respite that others devote to sleep, lying on soft beds, tossing and turning. On the contrarythe king, though caught up in such responsibility, devoted the time to prayer, conversing privately with God, directing sincere entreaties to him of the most intense kind, and thus he achieved whatever he set his mind to. Through these prayers he was successful in wars, inflicting defeat and adding victory to victory. He enjoyed, you see, an invincible weaponry, an ally from on high sufficient not merely for battles conducted by human beings but also for the cohorts of the demons.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 119
Let us hear what follows: "I have promised to keep Your law." What means, "My portion, O Lord: I have promised to keep Your law" [Psalm 119:57]; save because the Lord will be each man's portion then, when he has kept His law? Consider therefore what he subjoins: "I entreated Your face, with my whole heart:" and saying in what manner he prayed: "O be merciful," he says, "unto me, according to Your word" [Psalm 119:58]. And as if he had been heard and aided by Him whom he prayed unto, "I thought," he says, "on my own ways, and turned away my feet unto Your testimonies" [Psalm 119:59]. That is, I turned them away from my own ways, which displeased me, that they might follow Your testimonies, and there might find a path. For most of the copies have not, "Because I thought," as is read in some; but only, "I thought." But what is here written, "and I turned away my feet:" some read, "Because I thought, Thou also hast turned away my feet:" that this may rather be ascribed to the grace of God, according to the Apostle's words, "For it is God who works in us." [Philippians 2:13] ...
Isaac of NinevehAD 700
ASCETICAL HOMILIES 75
Prayer offered up at night possesses a great power, more so than the prayer of the daytime. Therefore all the righteous prayed during the night, while combating the heaviness of the body and the sweetness of sleep and repelling corporeal nature. And this the prophet also says, “I toiled in my groaning; every night I will wash my bed, with tears will I water my couch,” while he sighed in fervent prayer. And again, “At midnight I arose to give thanks unto Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness.” And for every entreaty for which they urgently besought God, they armed themselves with the prayer of night vigil, and at once they received their request.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Psalms 119:57 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Psalms 119:57 stands as a profound declaration of the psalmist's ultimate allegiance and source of satisfaction, proclaiming the Lord as his exclusive "portion." This foundational confession is immediately followed by a resolute commitment to obey God's "words," establishing a direct and inseparable link between one's identity rooted in God and one's dedication to His revealed will. The verse encapsulates a core tenet of biblical faith: that true devotion to God naturally expresses itself in diligent adherence to His commands, revealing a life wholly surrendered to divine sovereignty and wisdom.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 119:57 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the overarching Acrostic Structure of Psalm 119 itself, where the CHETH (ח) marks this verse as part of a larger, meticulously crafted poetic form that emphasizes the comprehensive and orderly nature of God's Word. The phrase "Thou art my portion, O LORD" utilizes Metaphor, comparing God to an inherited share or allotment, thereby elevating Him above all earthly possessions and positioning Him as the ultimate source of sustenance and security. The verse also functions as a powerful Declaration and a solemn Pledge, with the psalmist first declaring a profound truth about God ("Thou art my portion") and then making a resolute vow ("I have said that I would keep thy words"). This sequence establishes a clear Cause-and-Effect relationship between theological conviction and ethical living, highlighting the volitional commitment required in the life of faith.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in Psalms 119:57 encapsulates a core theological truth: that the believer's ultimate security, satisfaction, and identity are found exclusively in God, which naturally compels a life of devoted obedience to His revealed will. The psalmist's assertion of God as his "portion" is not merely a poetic expression but a deep theological statement about God's absolute sufficiency and sovereignty as the sole source of true life and blessing. This conviction then serves as the indispensable foundation for a steadfast commitment to "keep thy words," demonstrating that genuine love for God is intrinsically linked to active adherence to His commands. This verse beautifully illustrates the covenantal relationship, where God's self-revelation and provision evoke a response of faithful allegiance and obedience from His people, establishing a dynamic where knowing God profoundly transforms one's will and actions.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:57 calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities and affections, inviting us to examine the deepest desires of our hearts. In a world constantly vying for our attention and offering fleeting satisfactions, this verse challenges us to ask: What truly constitutes my "portion"? Where do I seek my ultimate security, joy, and fulfillment? When we genuinely declare the Lord as our portion, it means we find our deepest satisfaction and sufficiency in Him alone, recognizing that all other pursuits—be they wealth, status, relationships, or personal comfort—are secondary and ultimately incapable of providing lasting contentment. This profound conviction then serves as the wellspring for a life of intentional obedience. Our commitment to "keep thy words" becomes not a burdensome duty, but a joyful and natural response to the One who is our all-sufficient inheritance. It invites us to examine whether our daily choices, our use of time and resources, and our aspirations truly reflect this foundational declaration, prompting us to live out our faith with steadfast devotion to God's commands, knowing that in Him alone is true life found.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "CHETH" at the beginning of Psalms 119:57?
Answer: The "CHETH" (ח) is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and marks the beginning of the eighth stanza (verses 57-64) of Psalm 119. Psalm 119 is an elaborate acrostic poem, meaning each of its 22 sections corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and all eight verses within each section begin with that specific letter. The inclusion of "CHETH" here is primarily a structural and mnemonic device, reinforcing the psalm's meticulous design and its comprehensive praise of God's Word. While individual Hebrew letters sometimes carry symbolic meanings, in the context of this psalm, its primary function is to maintain the intricate poetic structure, guiding the reader through the psalmist's extensive meditation on the divine law and emphasizing the exhaustive nature of his devotion.
How does declaring God as "my portion" relate to the commitment to "keep thy words"?
Answer: These two declarations in Psalms 119:57 are intrinsically linked, forming a powerful cause-and-effect relationship. Declaring God as "my portion" (Hebrew: chêleq) signifies that the psalmist finds his ultimate satisfaction, security, and inheritance in God alone, rather than in any earthly possession or pursuit. This deep conviction of God's all-sufficiency and supreme value naturally leads to a resolute commitment to "keep thy words." When God is truly our ultimate treasure and source of life, our desire to obey His commands flows organically from that relationship. Obedience becomes a joyful expression of love and trust, a demonstration that we value His revealed will because we value Him above all else. It's a testament to the idea that true devotion to God is inseparable from a life lived in accordance with His divine instructions, as Jesus Himself taught in John 14:15 and John 15:10.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:57 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the believer's true and eternal portion, and through whom we are empowered to truly keep God's words. In the New Testament, Christ is revealed as the ultimate inheritance for believers, far surpassing any earthly portion or material possession. Colossians 1:12 speaks of being made "fit to share in the inheritance of the saints in light," an inheritance fully realized and secured in Christ. Ephesians 1:11 further clarifies that "in him we have obtained an inheritance," emphasizing that our spiritual wealth and identity are found solely in Him. Jesus not only embodies the perfect "portion" for humanity, providing complete satisfaction, security, and eternal life, but He also perfectly fulfilled the command to "keep thy words." His entire life was one of complete and unwavering obedience to the Father's will (John 8:29; Philippians 2:8). Moreover, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are now enabled to live out the commitment to "keep thy words," not by their own strength or legalistic effort, but by the transformative power of Christ within them, fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law (Romans 8:4). Thus, Christ is both the ultimate portion we receive and the perfect example and divine enabler of the obedience we are called to render, fulfilling the psalmist's longing for God and His Word in a way only God Himself could provide.