Psalms 119:6

KJV

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall I not be ashamed {H954}, when I have respect {H5027} unto all thy commandments {H4687}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will not be put to shame, since I will have fixed my sight on all your mitzvot.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I would not be ashamed when I consider all Your commandments.

American Standard Version

Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:6 articulates a profound spiritual principle: a life characterized by comprehensive and heartfelt obedience to God's divine commands leads to an unshakeable inner confidence, freeing the believer from the burden of shame. The psalmist expresses a deep conviction that when one holds all of God's precepts in high regard and diligently strives to live by them, the result is a blameless walk before both God and humanity, culminating in a state of integrity and peace that precludes any cause for regret or disgrace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as 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 beginning with the same Hebrew letter. This psalm is a fervent and sustained meditation on the multifaceted nature of God's law, which is referred to by a rich tapestry of synonyms including statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, and testimonies. Far from being a burdensome legal code, the psalmist consistently portrays God's law as a source of life, wisdom, guidance, and profound joy, reflecting a deep personal devotion. Within this grand tribute, verse 6 functions as a personal declaration of the psalmist's aspiration and the anticipated blessed outcome of such devotion, highlighting the intimate connection between diligent adherence to God's word and the experience of spiritual integrity and freedom from shame. The verse is nestled within the second section (Beth), which continues to express the psalmist's longing for perfect obedience and understanding of God's ways, building on the blessedness of those who walk in the law of the Lord as introduced in [Psalm 119:1](/psalms/119-1 "Psalm 119:1 - The Blessedness of Walking in God's Law").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern world, shame was a powerful and pervasive social and emotional construct, often carrying far greater weight than individual guilt in a communal society. It was intrinsically linked to one's honor, reputation, and standing within the community and before the divine. To be "ashamed" (בּוֹשׁ, *bosh*) meant to experience public disgrace, humiliation, or a profound sense of failure, particularly in failing to meet expected standards or divine expectations. Conversely, to be "unashamed" signified honor, integrity, and a clear conscience, often implying divine approval and a confident standing before others. The psalmist's desire to be unashamed reflects a deep understanding of this cultural dynamic, asserting that true honor and freedom from disgrace are not derived from human accolades or societal status, but from a steadfast commitment to God's unchanging and perfect law. This commitment ensures a life lived in alignment with divine standards, thereby securing an honorable standing that transcends fleeting human judgments.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 119:6 encapsulates several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the entire psalm and indeed, the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **Blessing of Unashamed Confidence**, which posits that a life lived in sincere obedience to God's commands leads to an inner peace and integrity that removes any cause for regret or embarrassment before God or others. This is directly linked to the theme of **Comprehensive Obedience**, emphasized by the crucial phrase "all thy commandments." This signifies that God's law is an indivisible whole, and true devotion requires a commitment to its entirety, rather than selective adherence. The psalmist understands that partial obedience leads to compromise and ultimately, shame, whereas a holistic "respect unto" God's instructions ensures a consistent and blameless walk, echoing the principle found in [James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - The Law as a Unified Whole"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Integrity and Purity of Motive**, as "respect unto" implies more than mere outward conformity; it suggests a deep regard, careful consideration, and intentional adherence to God's word, reflecting a heart that genuinely seeks to please Him and live according to His perfect will. This internal disposition is the wellspring of true freedom from shame, aligning with the call for a blameless walk found in [Psalm 119:1](/psalms/119-1 "Psalm 119:1 - The Blessedness of Walking in God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** The Hebrew verb בּוּשׁ (transliterated *bûwsh*) means "to pale," "to be ashamed," "to be confounded," or "to be disappointed." It carries a strong connotation of disgrace, often public, resulting from a failure to meet expectations, a moral lapse, or an inability to achieve a desired outcome. In a theological context, it refers to the profound humiliation of being exposed in one's sin or inadequacy before God or others. The psalmist's declaration, "Then shall I not be ashamed," expresses a confident expectation of being vindicated and found blameless, not through personal merit, but through faithful adherence to God's righteous standards, which align the individual with divine truth and integrity.
* **Respect unto (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** The Hebrew verb נָבַט (transliterated *nâbaṭ*) means "to scan," "to look intently at," or "to regard with pleasure, favor or care." When combined with the preposition "unto" (אֶל, *el*), it implies a focused, intentional, and thoughtful attention. It is not a passive glance but an active, deliberate engagement with the object of one's gaze. In this context, "respect unto all thy commandments" signifies more than mere intellectual assent or outward conformity; it denotes a deep, internal reverence, a careful study, and a conscious, deliberate effort to align one's life with God's revealed will. This active "looking at" or "considering carefully" is the prerequisite for comprehensive and genuine obedience, forming the foundation for a life free from shame.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitsvâh'_):** The Hebrew noun מִצְוָה (transliterated *mitsvâh*) refers to "a command," whether human or divine, often used collectively to refer to the Law. It encompasses ordinances, precepts, and the entire body of God's revealed will. The plural "commandments" emphasizes the totality and comprehensive nature of God's instructions, reinforcing the idea that true obedience involves adherence to the whole of God's law, not merely selective portions. The psalmist's commitment to "all thy commandments" highlights the unified and indivisible nature of divine truth, asserting that holistic devotion is essential for genuine integrity and freedom from shame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall I not be ashamed":** This clause presents the anticipated outcome or blessed consequence of the condition that follows. The psalmist expresses a confident expectation of being free from disgrace, humiliation, or regret. This "unashamed" state implies a clear conscience, a sense of integrity, and a confident standing before God and others. It is a declaration of vindication and approval, suggesting that a life lived in accordance with divine standards will ultimately be upheld and honored, rather than exposed in failure.
* **"when I have respect unto all thy commandments":** This is the crucial condition upon which the freedom from shame is predicated. The phrase "respect unto" (as analyzed above, *nâbaṭ el*) implies an active, intentional, and comprehensive engagement with God's law. It means to gaze upon, consider carefully, and hold in high regard *all* of God's commandments—not just a select few that are convenient or easy. This comprehensive and heartfelt adherence to the entirety of God's revealed will is presented as the pathway to integrity, consistency, and ultimately, a life lived without cause for shame. It underscores the psalmist's commitment to holistic obedience, recognizing the interconnectedness and unified nature of God's divine instructions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Psalms 119:6 is **Conditional Clause**, structured as "Then X, when Y." This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the psalmist's conviction that freedom from shame (X) is directly contingent upon comprehensive obedience to God's commandments (Y). This logical structure underscores the psalmist's theological understanding that divine blessing and personal integrity are the direct results of intentional adherence to God's word. Furthermore, the verse, like the entire psalm, embodies **Didactic** purpose, serving to teach and instruct the reader about the benefits and necessity of living according to God's law. The use of the personal pronoun "I" also imbues the verse with **Personal Declaration**, making it a deeply intimate expression of faith and commitment, inviting the reader to adopt a similar posture of devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 119:6 deeply intertwines the concepts of obedience, integrity, and divine approval, asserting that a life genuinely devoted to God's entire law is one lived without spiritual or moral disgrace. This principle reflects a core biblical truth: God's commands are not arbitrary burdens but pathways to true life, wisdom, and flourishing. The psalmist's aspiration to "respect unto all thy commandments" underscores the holistic nature of God's demands, emphasizing that true faithfulness requires a commitment to the entirety of His revealed will, not just convenient portions. This comprehensive obedience is the foundation for a clear conscience and a confident standing before God, anticipating the ultimate judgment where only those found righteous will stand unashamed. It speaks to the integrity of heart that God desires, where internal disposition aligns with external action, leading to a life that honors Him.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience")
* [Proverbs 10:9](/proverbs/10-9 "Proverbs 10:9 - Integrity and Security")
* [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abiding in Christ and His Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalm 119:6 offers a profound challenge and a comforting promise. It calls us to move beyond superficial or selective obedience, urging us to cultivate a deep, heartfelt "respect unto all" of God's commandments. This means actively engaging with Scripture, seeking to understand God's will in its entirety, and intentionally aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with His truth. When we genuinely value and strive to live by God's whole counsel, we build a foundation of integrity that withstands the scrutiny of both others and our own conscience. This commitment fosters an inner confidence and peace, freeing us from the debilitating weight of shame that arises from compromise or disobedience. It encourages us to trust that God's ways are always for our good, leading us to a life of purpose, blessing, and ultimately, an unashamed standing before our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be selectively obeying God's commandments, and how can I cultivate a more comprehensive "respect unto all" His word?**
* **What does "shame" mean to me personally, and how does the promise of being "unashamed" through obedience resonate with my desire for integrity and peace?**
* **How does a deep, internal reverence for God's instructions (as implied by "respect unto") translate into my daily actions and decisions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my engagement with God's word so that my obedience flows from a place of genuine love and understanding?**

### FAQ

**Does "not be ashamed" mean a Christian will never feel guilt or regret?**

Answer: No, "not be ashamed" in this context refers to a state of ultimate vindication and integrity before God, rather than the absence of all human emotions like guilt or regret. The Hebrew word *bûwsh* (ashamed) often carries the connotation of public disgrace or being confounded, especially when one's actions are exposed as contrary to divine standards. For the psalmist, it means that when his life is measured against God's perfect law, he will be found blameless and upright, not having cause for ultimate disgrace or eternal condemnation. While believers may still experience healthy guilt (conviction by the Holy Spirit leading to repentance) for specific sins, the promise here is that a life characterized by sincere and comprehensive obedience will ultimately stand firm and unashamed before God's judgment, particularly in the context of [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abiding in Christ and Not Being Ashamed at His Coming"). It speaks to a foundational integrity and confidence in God's approval, rather than a denial of human fallibility.

**How can a person truly have "respect unto all thy commandments" given human imperfection?**

Answer: The psalmist's aspiration to "respect unto all thy commandments" reflects a genuine desire for holistic obedience, acknowledging that God's law is a unified whole (as seen in [James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - The Law as a Unified Whole")). This does not imply a claim to sinless perfection, which is unattainable for humans (e.g., [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short")). Rather, "respect unto" (*nâbaṭ el*) signifies a deep, intentional, and consistent orientation of the heart and life towards God's entire revealed will. It means that one's default posture, desire, and diligent effort are directed towards obeying every command, without picking and choosing. When failures occur, the "respect unto" means a readiness to repent and return to the path of obedience. This commitment, empowered by God's grace, is what distinguishes a life of integrity from one of casual or selective adherence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 119:6 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who truly and perfectly had "respect unto all thy commandments," living a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, without a single deviation. Unlike humanity, who consistently fall short and incur shame through disobedience, as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short") declares, Jesus never knew sin and therefore never experienced shame for His own actions, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless"). More profoundly, Christ bore the shame of humanity's disobedience on the cross, becoming a curse for us so that we might be redeemed from the curse of the law, as powerfully articulated in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are justified, declared righteous in God's sight, and granted a new standing where they can approach God "without shame," as promised in [Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justification by Faith"). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to genuinely desire and increasingly live in obedience to God's commands, fulfilling the psalmist's longing for a life unashamed through the power of the New Covenant described in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"). Thus, the freedom from shame promised in this verse is ultimately realized not by our own perfect obedience, but by Christ's perfect obedience imputed to us, and by His Spirit enabling us to walk in a manner that increasingly reflects His righteousness, ensuring we will not be ashamed at His coming, a hope beautifully expressed in [1 John 2:28](/1_john/2-28 "1 John 2:28 - Abiding in Christ and Not Being Ashamed at His Coming").

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

1 John 2:28

¶ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Job 22:26

For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

Psalms 119:80

¶ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

1 John 3:20

¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Psalms 119:31

I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.