Psalms 119:61

KJV

¶ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: [but] I have not forgotten thy law.

KJV (with Strong's)

The bands {H2256} of the wicked {H7563} have robbed {H5749} me: but I have not forgotten {H7911} thy law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even when the cords of the wicked close around me, I don't forget your Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

Though the ropes of the wicked bind me, I do not forget Your law.

American Standard Version

The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; ButI have not forgotten thy law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 119:61 offers a profound declaration of unwavering spiritual fidelity amidst severe adversity. The psalmist, having experienced significant injustice and material loss at the hands of malevolent groups, boldly asserts a steadfast commitment to God's divine instruction. This verse encapsulates the enduring theme of Psalm 119: that genuine devotion to God's law serves as an unshakeable anchor and source of resilience, even when confronted by the most challenging and oppressive worldly opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the biblical canon, an elaborate acrostic poem structured into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a stanza begins with that stanza's Hebrew letter. The entire psalm is a magnificent meditation on and extolling of God's *Torah* (law, instruction), using various synonyms such as statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, and decrees. Verse 61 falls within the 'Samekh' stanza (verses 61-64), which continues the psalmist's lament over the oppression by the wicked while reaffirming his personal commitment to God's ways. This particular verse serves as a powerful testament to the psalmist's resolve to cling to God's word despite the tangible harm inflicted by his adversaries, highlighting the practical efficacy of *Torah* in times of distress.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalmist's experience of being "robbed" by "bands of the wicked" reflects a common reality in ancient Israel where the righteous often faced persecution, injustice, and exploitation from those who disregarded God's covenant and moral standards. These "bands" (Hebrew: *ḥevlei*) could refer to organized groups, gangs, or even corrupt officials who used their power to oppress the vulnerable or those who adhered to God's law. Such experiences were not uncommon for faithful Israelites, as evidenced throughout the prophetic books and wisdom literature, where the poor and righteous are often victims of the powerful and ungodly. The cultural expectation was that God's law provided justice and protection, yet in a fallen world, human wickedness frequently subverted these divine intentions, making the psalmist's fidelity all the more remarkable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **reality of suffering for the righteous**, demonstrating that adherence to God's law does not exempt one from hardship or injustice, echoing the experiences of figures like [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan Attacks Job") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah 20 - Jeremiah's Complaint"). Secondly, it highlights the **unwavering fidelity to God's *Torah*** as a deliberate, active choice in the face of adversity. Despite being victims of injustice, the psalmist's commitment to God's word remains firm, serving as an anchor and source of spiritual resilience. This theme is central to the entire psalm, emphasizing that God's instruction is not merely a set of rules but a life-giving source of wisdom and comfort, as seen in [Psalm 119:92](/psalms/119-92 "Psalm 119:92 - God's Law as Delight and Life"). Lastly, the verse implicitly points to the **power of remembrance and internalization of God's word**, suggesting that true spiritual strength comes from having God's law so deeply ingrained that it cannot be "forgotten" or abandoned, even under duress.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bands (Hebrew, חֶבְלֵי, _ḥevlei'_):** This word is derived from a root meaning "cords" or "ropes," but in this context, it refers to "companies," "gangs," or "bands of people." It suggests organized groups or associations of the wicked, implying a concerted effort to oppress or harm the psalmist. This is not merely individual wrongdoing but potentially a collective or systematic form of injustice. The use of "bands" emphasizes the formidable and perhaps overwhelming nature of the opposition.
* **Robbed (Hebrew, עִוְּתוּ, _ʿiwwetu'_):** This verb comes from the root עָוַת (*ʿawat*), meaning "to twist," "to pervert," or "to make crooked." While it can imply material theft, its broader sense here is "to deal unjustly," "to pervert justice," or "to wrong." It signifies a profound act of injustice, where the wicked have twisted circumstances, corrupted truth, or acted with perversity against the psalmist, causing not just loss of possessions but a deeper sense of being wronged or violated in a fundamental way.
* **Law (Hebrew, תּוֹרָה, _Torah'_):** More than just a legal code, *Torah* encompasses God's entire divine instruction, teaching, and revelation. It is the comprehensive body of God's will and wisdom, intended to guide humanity in all aspects of life. The psalmist's "not forgotten thy law" signifies a deep, internalized knowledge and adherence to God's complete truth, which serves as a moral compass and source of stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The bands of the wicked have robbed me":** This clause vividly portrays the psalmist's dire circumstances. It describes an active, aggressive, and unjust assault by organized groups of ungodly individuals. The "robbery" is not necessarily limited to material possessions but extends to the perversion of justice and the infliction of deep wrong. This highlights the real-world suffering and opposition faced by those who seek to live righteously in a fallen world. The psalmist is a victim, experiencing tangible harm and injustice.
* **"[but] I have not forgotten thy law":** This is the powerful counter-declaration, introduced by an implied "but" (though not explicit in the Hebrew, it conveys the strong contrast). Despite the severe affliction and injustice, the psalmist's commitment to God's *Torah* remains steadfast. "Not forgotten" implies an active, conscious choice to remember, internalize, and adhere to God's instruction. It signifies an unwavering spiritual memory, a refusal to abandon divine truth, and a reliance on God's word as the ultimate source of guidance and comfort, even when all else seems lost or twisted.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Psalms 119:61 is **Contrast**. The verse presents a stark juxtaposition between the destructive actions of the wicked ("The bands of the wicked have robbed me") and the unwavering fidelity of the psalmist ("but I have not forgotten thy law"). This contrast emphasizes the psalmist's spiritual resilience and the enduring power of God's word in the face of adversity. The phrase "robbed me" also employs **Figurative Language** or **Metonymy**, where the specific act of robbery stands in for a broader experience of injustice and perversion of what is right. While literal theft might be involved, the Hebrew verb *ʿiwwetu* suggests a deeper, more systemic wronging, twisting of truth, or corruption of justice, making the "robbery" a symbol of comprehensive oppression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 119:61 resonates deeply with the biblical theme of the suffering righteous and the sustaining power of God's word. It affirms that fidelity to God does not guarantee an easy life, but rather equips the believer to endure hardship with spiritual integrity. The psalmist's refusal to "forget" God's law in the face of being "robbed" speaks to the essential role of divine revelation as an anchor in chaotic times, providing not only moral guidance but also profound comfort and hope. This steadfastness is a testament to the transformative power of God's truth, enabling believers to maintain their spiritual compass even when external circumstances are unjust and disorienting. It connects to the broader narrative of God's ultimate justice, where the wicked will not prevail indefinitely, and the faithfulness of His people will be vindicated.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - The Shema and Remembering God's Law")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good in All Things")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Steadfastness in Trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 119:61 offers a timeless and powerful lesson for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice, loss, and opposition. When we face circumstances where we feel "robbed"—whether of peace, security, reputation, or material well-being—our natural inclination might be to despair, retaliate, or question God's presence. However, the psalmist's response provides a profound counter-narrative: an unwavering commitment to God's law. This verse calls us to actively remember, internalize, and cling to God's word as our ultimate source of truth, comfort, and guidance. It reminds us that our spiritual memory and adherence to divine principles are not passive acts but active choices that fortify our souls against the assaults of the world. In a world that often twists truth and perverts justice, holding fast to God's unchanging word enables us to maintain our spiritual integrity, find solace, and persevere with hope, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "robbed" or unjustly treated by the "bands of the wicked" (whether people, systems, or circumstances)?**
* **How does your immediate response to such injustice compare with the psalmist's declaration of not forgetting God's law?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more deeply internalize God's word so that it becomes an unshakeable anchor in times of adversity?**
* **How does remembering God's character and His unchanging truth help you maintain spiritual integrity when facing hardship?**

### FAQ
**What does "the bands of the wicked have robbed me" specifically refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers to organized groups or companies of ungodly individuals who have inflicted significant injustice and harm upon the psalmist. The Hebrew word for "robbed" (*ʿiwwetu*) implies more than just material theft; it suggests a deeper perversion of justice, a twisting of truth, or dealing corruptly with the psalmist. So, it encompasses not only potential financial or material loss but also a profound sense of being wronged, oppressed, or having one's rights or dignity violated by those who disregard God's moral standards. It highlights the reality of righteous individuals facing systemic or collective opposition in a fallen world, as seen in other biblical texts like [Psalm 37:12](/psalms/37-12 "Psalm 37:12 - The Wicked Plot Against the Righteous").

**How can "not forgetting God's law" help someone who is suffering injustice or loss?**

Answer: "Not forgetting God's law" is an active choice to remember, internalize, and adhere to God's divine instruction, even amidst severe trials. For someone suffering injustice or loss, this commitment provides several vital benefits:
1. **Spiritual Anchor:** God's word serves as an unshakeable foundation, preventing despair and bitterness from overwhelming the soul. It reminds the believer of God's sovereignty and ultimate control, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
2. **Moral Compass:** In situations where justice is perverted, God's law provides a clear standard of right and wrong, helping the believer to maintain integrity and not succumb to the same wickedness, as urged in [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Do Not Be Overcome by Evil").
3. **Comfort and Hope:** The *Torah* is not just rules but also promises and comfort. Remembering God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan for justice provides solace and hope for future vindication.
4. **Perspective:** It helps the believer see their suffering within the larger context of God's redemptive plan, understanding that trials can refine faith and produce perseverance, as described in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Steadfastness in Trials").
5. **Guidance:** Even in the midst of confusion, God's word offers wisdom and direction on how to respond righteously to adversity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 119:61 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the psalmist's steadfast fidelity to God's law in the face of unimaginable injustice. While the psalmist experienced being "robbed" and wronged by "bands of the wicked," Jesus endured the ultimate perversion of justice, being falsely accused, betrayed, and crucified by the very people He came to save. He was stripped of His dignity, His reputation, and ultimately His life, yet He never "forgotten [His Father's] law" or deviated from His divine mission. Like the suffering servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"), He was "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities," bearing the ultimate injustice of sin itself. His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, demonstrates the complete fulfillment of God's law and provides the pattern for all believers. Through His resurrection, Christ triumphed over all the "bands of the wicked" – sin, death, and the powers of darkness – offering hope and strength to those who suffer. Believers, united with Christ, are empowered by His Spirit to endure injustice, knowing that He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")) and will ultimately bring perfect justice and vindication to His faithful ones ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")).

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 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Psalms 119:176

¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Hosea 6:9

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, [so] the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

Psalms 3:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

1 Samuel 26:9

And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

1 Samuel 26:11

The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that [is] at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.