Psalms 119:67

KJV

¶ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

KJV (with Strong's)

Before I was afflicted {H6031} I went astray {H7683}: but now have I kept {H8104} thy word {H565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Before I was humbled, I used to go astray; but now I observe your word.

Berean Standard Bible

Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.

American Standard Version

Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:67 offers a profound confession from the psalmist, revealing a transformative spiritual journey from a state of wandering and disobedience to one of diligent adherence to God's word. This pivotal shift is directly attributed to the experience of affliction, which served as a divine catalyst, humbling the psalmist and redirecting his path toward faithful obedience. The verse beautifully encapsulates the redemptive purpose of hardship in the life of a believer, demonstrating how God uses even difficult circumstances to draw His people closer to Himself and His truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119:67 is situated within the longest psalm in the biblical canon, Psalms 119, an acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the 22 stanzas (eight verses per letter) begins with the corresponding Hebrew letter, and every verse within the psalm explicitly references God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, or word. This intricate structure underscores the psalmist's singular and unwavering devotion to the Torah. Verse 67 falls within the "Teth" section (verses 65-72), where the psalmist praises God's goodness and righteousness, acknowledging that God's actions, even those involving hardship, are fundamentally good and just. This verse serves as a direct precursor and thematic parallel to [Psalms 119:71](/psalms/119-71 "Psalms 119:71 - The Goodness of Affliction"), where the psalmist explicitly states, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." The progression from "going astray" to "keeping thy word" due to affliction is a central theme in this section, highlighting the pedagogical nature of divine discipline.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of divine discipline and the redemptive purpose of suffering were integral to ancient Israelite theology, particularly within the wisdom tradition. The Torah, or God's instruction, was not merely a set of rules but the very blueprint for a flourishing life in covenant with Yahweh. Deviation from this path, whether intentional or unintentional, was understood to have consequences, often leading to a state of spiritual "wandering." Affliction, in this context, was frequently perceived not as arbitrary punishment but as a corrective measure from a loving God, designed to bring His people back into alignment with His covenantal demands. This perspective is deeply rooted in the Deuteronomic theology, which emphasized the blessings of obedience and the curses (including various forms of affliction) for disobedience, all intended to lead to repentance and return to God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:2-5](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - God's Discipline in the Wilderness")). The psalmist's confession reflects a mature understanding of God's pedagogical methods, recognizing that even hardship is a manifestation of divine goodness aimed at spiritual growth and faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Psalms 119 and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **The Redemptive Purpose of Affliction**, where suffering is presented not as punitive but as a refining tool in God's sovereign hands. The psalmist's prior state of "going astray" indicates a deviation from God's path, and the affliction serves as a necessary, albeit painful, redirection. This leads directly to the theme of **Transformation Through Divine Discipline**, illustrating a profound spiritual change from spiritual negligence to active obedience. The stark contrast between "before I was afflicted" and "but now have I kept thy word" underscores this transformative power, aligning with the biblical principle that [God disciplines those He loves](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves") for their ultimate good and growth in righteousness. Finally, the verse highlights the paramount importance of **Obedience to God's Word**. The outcome of this divine discipline is a renewed or strengthened commitment to God's commands. To "keep thy word" signifies not merely intellectual assent but a diligent, intentional, and active adherence to God's revealed truth, guarding it in one's heart and living it out in one's life. This theme resonates throughout [Psalms 119](/psalms/119 "Psalms 119 - The Excellence of God's Law"), where the psalmist repeatedly expresses a deep love and desire to obey God's statutes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afflicted (Hebrew, _'anah'_):** The Hebrew verb עָנָה (_'anah'_) carries a rich semantic range, often meaning "to humble," "to afflict," "to oppress," or "to bring low." In this context, it suggests an experience of hardship, suffering, or discipline that is designed to humble the individual and bring about a change in behavior or perspective. It implies a purposeful experience, not merely random misfortune, but a divinely orchestrated trial intended for spiritual correction and growth. The passive voice ("I was afflicted") indicates that the psalmist was the recipient of this action, implying God as the agent.
* **Went astray (Hebrew, _shagah'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁגָה (_shagah'_) means "to wander," "to err," "to go astray," or "to stray." While it can imply unintentional error or heedlessness, it still denotes a departure from the right path or a deviation from what is commanded. In a spiritual sense, it signifies a period of spiritual wandering, complacency, or disobedience, where the psalmist's life was not fully aligned with God's revealed will. It suggests a lack of focus or diligence in following God's commands.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַר (_shamar'_) means "to guard," "to watch over," "to observe," "to preserve," or "to keep diligently." This word conveys a sense of active, intentional, and careful adherence. It is not passive reception but an energetic commitment to God's word, implying both a mental apprehension of its truth and a practical application of its precepts in daily life. The psalmist's commitment is now one of vigilance and devoted obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Before I was afflicted":** This opening clause establishes a temporal marker, distinguishing a past state from the present. It points to a period in the psalmist's life prior to a specific, impactful experience of hardship or divine discipline. The passive voice ("I was afflicted") subtly suggests that this affliction was not self-imposed but came upon him, implying a divine hand in the process. This pre-affliction state is characterized by spiritual wandering.
* **"I went astray":** This phrase describes the nature of the psalmist's conduct before the affliction. "Going astray" indicates a deviation from God's righteous path, a wandering from the clear guidance of His word. This could manifest as spiritual complacency, neglect of God's commands, or active disobedience, whether intentional or unintentional. It highlights a period where the psalmist's life was not fully aligned with God's will, perhaps marked by a lack of diligence in pursuing righteousness or a preoccupation with worldly concerns.
* **"but now have I kept thy word":** The conjunction "but now" introduces a stark and dramatic contrast, marking a profound transformation. The affliction served as a catalyst, bringing about a decisive change in the psalmist's spiritual orientation. "Kept thy word" signifies a renewed or deepened commitment to God's commands. This is not merely intellectual assent but an active, diligent, and intentional obedience. It implies guarding God's word in one's heart, meditating on it, and consistently applying its truths to one's life. The transformation is from wandering to devoted adherence, from error to faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:67 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, creating a sharp contrast between the psalmist's past state and his present condition. The pairing of "Before I was afflicted I went astray" with "but now have I kept thy word" highlights the dramatic shift from spiritual deviation to faithful obedience. This contrast emphasizes the transformative power of the affliction. The verse also functions as a **Confession**, a personal acknowledgment of past error and a declaration of present commitment. This confessional tone lends authenticity and vulnerability to the psalmist's words. Furthermore, the phrase "went astray" uses **Metaphor** to describe spiritual wandering, likening it to a physical deviation from a path. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the idea of departing from God's righteous way. Finally, the verse carries a strong **Didactic** element, serving as a lesson or instruction. It teaches the reader about the potential redemptive purpose of suffering and the importance of divine discipline in fostering spiritual growth and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:67 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His methods of sanctification. It underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even painful circumstances for the ultimate good of His people. Affliction, in this context, is not a sign of God's abandonment or punishment in the sense of retribution, but rather an expression of His loving discipline, intended to refine, correct, and draw His children closer to Himself. This perspective reshapes our understanding of suffering, inviting us to see it as a potential instrument of grace rather than merely a misfortune. It teaches that God's primary concern is our spiritual formation and our diligent adherence to His revealed truth, even if that requires humbling experiences. The verse affirms that God's goodness is not negated by hardship; rather, His goodness is often revealed through it, as He faithfully guides His people back to the path of righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2-5](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - God's Discipline in the Wilderness")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - The Purpose of God's Discipline")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Perseverance Through Trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:67 provides immense comfort and a vital perspective for believers navigating the complexities of life, particularly during times of difficulty. It challenges the common human tendency to view suffering solely as negative or punitive, instead inviting us to consider its potential as a divine tool for spiritual refinement. When we find ourselves in seasons of affliction, whether personal trials, professional setbacks, or spiritual dryness, this verse encourages us to pause and examine our hearts. Could this hardship be God's loving hand, gently or firmly redirecting us from a path of complacency, distraction, or even subtle disobedience? It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and openness, allowing our trials to drive us deeper into God's Word, rather than away from it. Instead of becoming bitter or despairing, we are encouraged to seek God's purpose in our pain, allowing it to sharpen our focus on His commands and deepen our commitment to living a life that truly "keeps" His word. This verse reminds us that even in our wanderings, God remains faithful, using every means necessary to bring us back into alignment with His perfect will for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have past difficulties or "afflictions" in your life ultimately shaped your spiritual walk or brought you closer to God?**
* **In what areas of your life might you currently be "going astray" from God's word, perhaps subtly or unintentionally?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more diligently "keep" God's word, especially when facing challenging circumstances?**
* **How does understanding God's discipline as loving correction change your perspective on suffering?**

### FAQ

**Is "affliction" always a punishment from God for specific sins?**
Answer: Not necessarily. While affliction can sometimes be a consequence of sin (e.g., [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")), Psalms 119:67, along with other passages like [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline as a Father's Love"), indicates that affliction often serves as a loving, disciplinary, and refining tool from God. Its purpose is not always punitive retribution but rather pedagogical, designed to humble us, correct our course, teach us His statutes, and draw us into deeper obedience and conformity to His character. It can be a sign of His fatherly care, guiding us away from spiritual wandering and toward righteousness.

**What does it mean to "go astray" in a spiritual sense?**
Answer: To "go astray" (Hebrew _shagah'_) in a spiritual sense means to wander or deviate from God's revealed path and His commands. This can encompass various forms of spiritual misalignment: it might be active disobedience, but it can also be more subtle, such as complacency, spiritual negligence, a lack of diligence in pursuing God's truth, or allowing worldly distractions to pull one's focus away from God's word. It describes a state where one's life is not fully aligned with God's will, leading to a departure from the blessings and guidance found in His statutes.

**How does one "keep" God's word, and what does that look like practically?**
Answer: To "keep" God's word (Hebrew _shamar'_) means to guard, watch over, observe, and diligently obey it. Practically, this involves more than just intellectual understanding. It means meditating on Scripture ([Psalms 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalms 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")), internalizing its truths, and actively applying its precepts to daily life. It implies a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, words, and actions with God's commands. It also involves guarding one's heart against influences that would lead one away from God's truth ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")). This diligent obedience is a mark of true discipleship and a sign of love for God ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:67, though penned centuries before Christ, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus. The psalmist's journey from "going astray" to "keeping thy word" through affliction powerfully foreshadows the Christian experience of redemption and sanctification, which is entirely centered on Christ. We, like the psalmist before his affliction, were all "astray" like sheep, alienated from God by our sin ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")). However, God, in His infinite love, sent His Son, Jesus, who perfectly "kept" God's word in every aspect of His life, never going astray. He was the obedient Son, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). It was through His ultimate "affliction"—His suffering and crucifixion—that the path for our return to God was opened. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment we deserved. Now, through faith in Him, we are no longer "astray" but are brought near to God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent, empowers believers to "keep" God's word, transforming our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh that desire to obey ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the affliction of Christ enables our transformation, allowing us to move from wandering to walking in His truth, empowered by His Spirit, and ultimately fulfilling the psalmist's longing for perfect obedience. He is the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep ([Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")) and brings them back to the fold, teaching them to follow His voice and "keep" His commands ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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.