Psalms 119:66

KJV

Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Teach {H3925} me good {H2898} judgment {H2940} and knowledge {H1847}: for I have believed {H539} thy commandments {H4687}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Teach me good judgment and knowledge, because I trust in your mitzvot.

Berean Standard Bible

Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.

American Standard Version

Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:66 presents a heartfelt supplication from the psalmist, an earnest request for divine illumination in the form of "good judgment and knowledge." This prayer is not born of doubt but is deeply rooted in an established faith and a profound commitment to God's revealed will. It encapsulates a humble recognition that true discernment and practical wisdom, essential for navigating life righteously, originate solely from the Lord, whose commandments the psalmist has already embraced and trusted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. It is an extensive and passionate meditation on the nature, value, and power of God's Word, using various synonyms like "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "judgments," and "testimonies." The psalm consistently expresses the author's unwavering love, devotion, and obedience to God's instruction, often in the midst of affliction or opposition from the wicked. Verse 66 falls within the "Teth" section (verses 65-72), a segment that frequently emphasizes God's goodness and the psalmist's suffering, yet his continued trust in God's Word. This specific verse functions as a direct prayer for practical wisdom and discernment, building upon the psalmist's foundational faith and desire to live in full alignment with divine truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The composition of Psalms 119 likely dates to the post-exilic period, when the Torah (God's Law) had become the central pillar of Israelite identity and religious life. In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued and understood not merely as intellectual prowess but as the practical skill of living righteously and successfully in accordance with God's will. The concept of "judgment" (טעַם, _ṭaʿam_) would have resonated deeply within a society where legal and moral discernment were crucial for justice and communal well-being. The psalmist, as a devout individual, would have lived in a culture where adherence to God's commandments was paramount for both individual flourishing and national covenant faithfulness. This cultural backdrop underscores the profound significance of a prayer for divine guidance in navigating life's complexities according to the established divine framework.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Discernment**, emphasizing that true insight and the ability to make sound decisions are gifts from God, not products of human ingenuity. This aligns with the wisdom tradition found in books like Proverbs, which consistently teaches that [the Lord gives wisdom](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom") and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Secondly, the verse underscores **Obedience as the Basis for Understanding**. The psalmist's declaration, "for I have believed thy commandments," reveals that his desire for deeper knowledge stems from an existing commitment of faith, not from doubt. This reflects the biblical principle that understanding God's truth is often predicated on a willingness to obey it, as seen in Jesus' teaching that [if anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God](/john/7-17 "John 7:17 - Doing God's Will to Know Doctrine"). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Sufficiency and Perfection of God's Word**. The entire psalm testifies to the comprehensive and life-giving nature of God's law, and the prayer for judgment and knowledge is ultimately a desire to better live out this perfect and trustworthy Word, echoing the praise for [the law of the Lord, which is perfect, reviving the soul](/psalms/19 "Psalm 19 - The Perfection of God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **לַמְּדֵנִי (Hebrew, _lammedeni'_):** "Teach me." This is an imperative verb, a direct and humble plea from the psalmist to God. It signifies a posture of dependence and a recognition that true wisdom and understanding are not self-generated but are divinely imparted. The psalmist acknowledges God as the ultimate Teacher and himself as a willing, eager student.
* **טעַם (Hebrew, _ṭaʿam'_):** "Judgment." Often translated as "taste," "discernment," or "understanding." In this context, it refers to the spiritual faculty of distinguishing between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and the ability to apply wisdom practically in daily life. It implies an inner sensitivity or "spiritual taste buds" that can discern what is right and beneficial according to God's standards. The phrase "good judgment" (טעַם טוֹב, _ṭaʿam ṭov_) emphasizes the moral and ethical quality of this discernment.
* **דַּעַת (Hebrew, _daʿath'_):** "Knowledge." This is not merely intellectual information or factual data, but a deep, experiential, and relational understanding. It implies an intimate acquaintance with God's ways, character, and truth that informs one's actions and worldview. It is the kind of knowledge that transforms the heart and guides the will, leading to wise and righteous living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Teach me good judgment and knowledge":** This opening clause is a fervent prayer, expressing the psalmist's profound desire for divine wisdom. The imperative "Teach me" (לַמְּדֵנִי) underscores his humility and dependence on God as the sole source of true insight. "Good judgment" (טעַם טוֹב) refers to the practical ability to discern and apply truth, making wise choices in complex situations. "Knowledge" (דַּעַת) speaks to a deeper, experiential understanding of God's character and His ways. Together, these terms represent a comprehensive plea for spiritual discernment and practical wisdom that enables one to navigate life righteously and effectively.
* **"for I have believed thy commandments":** This crucial second clause provides the foundational reason and motivation for the psalmist's prayer. It is not a plea for God to prove Himself or a request born of doubt, but rather an affirmation of prior faith and commitment. The psalmist's declaration "I have believed" (אָמַנְתִּי) indicates a settled trust and conviction in the truth and goodness of God's commandments (מִצְוֹתֶיךָ). This demonstrates that genuine faith naturally leads to a hunger for deeper comprehension and practical application of God's Word, not a questioning of it. It signifies that the psalmist desires to understand God's will more fully precisely *because* he already trusts and embraces it, seeking to live out his faith with greater precision and integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Supplication**, as it is a direct and earnest prayer to God. The psalmist's humble posture is evident in the imperative "Teach me," highlighting his dependence on divine instruction. There is also an implicit **Cause and Effect** or **Foundational Relationship** at play, where the psalmist's prior belief in God's commandments ("for I have believed thy commandments") serves as the basis and motivation for his request for "good judgment and knowledge." This showcases a logical progression from faith to the desire for deeper understanding and practical application. Furthermore, the term "commandments" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entirety of God's revealed law or Word, encompassing all divine instruction and wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on wisdom as a divine gift, not a human achievement. It underscores that true wisdom (encompassing both judgment and knowledge) is inextricably linked to one's relationship with God and a humble, obedient posture towards His Word. The psalmist's prayer highlights the theological truth that faith is not static but active, leading to a desire for deeper understanding and practical application of divine truth. It also reinforces the theme of God's Word as the ultimate source of truth, guidance, and life, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The verse demonstrates that genuine belief in God's commands naturally cultivates a hunger for the wisdom necessary to live them out fully, illustrating that spiritual growth is a continuous process of learning and applying God's revealed will.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:66 offers a timeless model for believers today, challenging us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's Word and to actively pursue divine wisdom that shapes our character and conduct. In a world saturated with conflicting information, moral ambiguities, and a constant barrage of voices vying for our attention, the psalmist's earnest prayer for "good judgment and knowledge" is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that our desire for understanding should flow from a deep-seated trust in God's goodness and the perfection of His commands, rather than from a place of doubt or skepticism. This prayer fosters humility, recognizing our profound dependence on God for true insight, and motivates us to live out our faith with integrity, discernment, and practical wisdom in all areas of life, from personal decisions to navigating complex societal issues.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I truly believe God's commandments are good and true, even when they challenge my personal desires or cultural norms?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—be it relationships, career, finances, or ministry—do I most urgently need God's "good judgment and knowledge" today?**
* **How does my daily pursuit of wisdom, through prayer and study of Scripture, reflect my underlying trust and commitment to God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and teachable spirit before the Lord, eager to learn and apply His truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "judgment" and "knowledge" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related, "judgment" (טעַם, _ṭaʿam_) here refers more to the faculty of discernment—the ability to "taste" or distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error, and to make sound, practical decisions. It's about spiritual sensitivity and the application of wisdom. "Knowledge" (דַּעַת, _daʿath_), on the other hand, implies a deeper, more experiential and relational understanding of God's character, His ways, and His revealed truth. It's not just intellectual facts, but an intimate acquaintance that shapes one's worldview and informs one's actions. Together, they represent a comprehensive request for both insightful understanding and the practical ability to live by that understanding. The psalmist desires both the internal comprehension and the external manifestation of divine wisdom.

**Why does the psalmist say "for I have believed thy commandments" as a reason for the prayer?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial because it clarifies the psalmist's motivation. It's not a transactional plea ("I believe, so now you owe me wisdom") nor a request born of doubt. Instead, it's a prayer *from* a position of established faith. The psalmist is essentially saying, "Because I already trust and embrace your commands as true and good, I now earnestly desire to understand them more deeply and to live them out with greater discernment." It's a statement of commitment and a demonstration that genuine belief naturally leads to a hunger for deeper comprehension and practical obedience. This aligns with the biblical principle that [the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"), indicating that a reverent trust in God is the foundational prerequisite for true wisdom.

**How does this verse relate to wisdom literature like Proverbs?**

Answer: This verse is deeply resonant with the themes found throughout biblical wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs. Both emphasize that true wisdom originates from God, not from human intellect or worldly experience. Just as [the Lord gives wisdom](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom"), and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding, Psalms 119:66 illustrates a humble dependence on God for "good judgment and knowledge." Wisdom literature often portrays wisdom as practical skill in living righteously, and this verse's prayer for "judgment" (discernment) and "knowledge" (experiential understanding) directly reflects that emphasis on applying divine truth to daily life. It underscores the active pursuit of wisdom through prayer and adherence to God's Word, a central tenos of the wisdom tradition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:66 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and knowledge. While the psalmist earnestly prays for judgment and knowledge, Christ perfectly possesses and flawlessly demonstrates both. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the one in whom [are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge"). Jesus perfectly lived out God's commandments, not only knowing them intimately but also demonstrating perfect judgment in every situation, from His interactions with religious leaders to His compassionate responses to the marginalized. Furthermore, through His atoning sacrifice, Christ enables us to truly "believe God's commandments" in a new covenant sense, transforming our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we might genuinely desire and be able to obey. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised, is the [Spirit of truth who guides believers into all truth](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides"), fulfilling the psalmist's prayer for divine teaching and imparting the very judgment and knowledge that lead to life in Christ. Thus, the prayer of Psalms 119:66 is answered most fully in our union with Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

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

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 2:9

Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Psalms 119:34

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with [my] whole heart.