Psalms 119:68

KJV

¶ Thou [art] good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou art good {H2896}, and doest good {H2895}; teach {H3925} me thy statutes {H2706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are good, and you do good; teach me your laws.

Berean Standard Bible

You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.

American Standard Version

Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:68 profoundly articulates the psalmist's foundational understanding of God's character and His actions, declaring Him to be inherently good and consistently benevolent. This theological confession serves as the bedrock for a humble and earnest petition for divine instruction, reflecting a deep desire to comprehend and align one's life with God's perfect and beneficial decrees. The verse thus intertwines adoration of God's nature with a profound dependency on His revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the biblical canon, an elaborate acrostic poem structured into twenty-two stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza comprises eight verses, all of which typically refer to God's law, word, statutes, precepts, commands, or testimonies. Verse 68 falls within the 'Ayin' section (verses 65-72), where the psalmist continues to express his unwavering love for God's directives, often in the face of affliction, opposition, or the temptations of the proud. The immediate verses reinforce the psalmist's trust in God's good dealings (v. 65), his learning from affliction (v. 67), and his desire for wisdom, even from those who persecute him (v. 69). This verse serves as a pivotal declaration of God's character, providing the basis for the psalmist's ongoing plea for wisdom and guidance throughout the psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period of Israelite history when the Law (Torah) was central to national and individual identity, Psalm 119 reflects a deep-seated reverence for God's revealed will. The concept of "goodness" (Hebrew: *tov*) in the ancient Near East was comprehensive, encompassing not just moral rectitude but also prosperity, blessing, beauty, and benefit. When applied to God, it speaks to His perfect nature and His benevolent disposition towards His creation and covenant people. The "statutes" refer to the divinely ordained decrees and ordinances that governed Israelite life, distinguishing them from surrounding nations. The act of seeking instruction was a common practice in wisdom traditions, but here, the instruction is sought directly from God, highlighting a personal, covenantal relationship where divine revelation is the ultimate source of truth and life.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Unchanging Goodness and Benevolence of God**, asserting that God's very being is good, and consequently, all His actions flow from this inherent nature. This foundational truth provides the bedrock for faith and trust, affirming that everything God does is ultimately for the good of His creation and consistent with His holy character, as echoed in the declaration, "[The Lord is good; his love endures forever](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good")." Secondly, it highlights **Human Dependence on Divine Revelation and Instruction**. The psalmist's immediate plea, "teach me thy statutes," reveals a profound humility and a recognition that human wisdom is insufficient for navigating life righteously. True understanding of God's ways, and the path to a blessed life, comes solely through His revealed Word, a sentiment beautifully articulated in the prayer, "[Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4 - Show Me Your Ways, O Lord")." This theme emphasizes that God's law is not burdensome but a gracious gift designed for human flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _tov_):** This rich Hebrew term (טוֹב) extends beyond mere moral uprightness to encompass concepts of pleasantness, benefit, prosperity, suitability, and perfection. When applied to God, as in "Thou art good," it signifies His inherent, unchangeable, and comprehensive benevolence. His very essence is goodness, meaning He is perfectly righteous, beautiful, and beneficial in all His being. This is not merely an attribute but His fundamental nature, from which all His actions proceed.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _choq_ or _chuqqah_):** The term (חֻקָּה) refers to an ordained decree, an established ordinance, or a prescribed rule. Unlike arbitrary laws, *choq* denotes something "carved out" or "engraved," implying a fixed, unalterable, and divinely established principle. These are God's authoritative, non-negotiable instructions for living, designed not to restrict but to guide humanity towards blessing, righteousness, and a flourishing life in covenant with Him. They are an expression of His good and wise character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou art good":** This opening declaration is a profound theological statement affirming God's essential nature. It asserts that goodness is not merely something God possesses or occasionally exhibits, but it is intrinsic to His very being. He is the standard of goodness, perfectly righteous, benevolent, and beautiful in His character. This truth forms the unshakeable foundation for all faith and trust in Him.
* **"and doest good":** Following the declaration of God's inherent goodness, this clause emphasizes that His actions are always consistent with His nature. Because He *is* good, He *does* good. This refers to His benevolent acts in creation, providence, redemption, and His ongoing care for His people. Every deed, every decree, every dealing of God flows from His perfect goodness and is ultimately intended for the benefit and blessing of those who trust Him.
* **"teach me thy statutes":** This is the humble and earnest petition of the psalmist, directly following the confession of God's goodness. It reveals a deep awareness of human inadequacy and a profound dependence on divine revelation. The psalmist desires not just intellectual knowledge of God's laws, but a transformative understanding that leads to obedience and righteous living. This plea is rooted in the conviction that because God is good and does good, His statutes are inherently good and beneficial, and therefore, worth knowing and living by.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:68 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "Thou art good" and "and doest good" express similar ideas in different words, reinforcing the singular concept of God's comprehensive goodness—both in His essence and in His actions. This repetition emphasizes the unwavering and complete nature of God's benevolence. The verse also utilizes **Apostrophe**, a direct address to God ("Thou art good... teach me"), which creates an intimate and personal tone, reflecting the psalmist's direct relationship with the Divine. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Theological Statement followed by a Petition**, a common structure in biblical prayers. The declaration of God's character ("Thou art good, and doest good") serves as the foundational premise and motivation for the subsequent request ("teach me thy statutes"), illustrating that true prayer is rooted in a right understanding of who God is.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:68 provides a vital theological anchor, affirming that God's inherent goodness is the source and guarantee of all His actions and His revealed will. This truth is foundational for trust and obedience; if God is perfectly good, then His commands are not arbitrary burdens but gracious guidelines designed for our ultimate well-being. The psalmist's plea for instruction, therefore, is not born out of ignorance of God's existence, but a deep desire for intimate knowledge of His character as expressed through His statutes. It underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom is not self-derived but divinely imparted, and that a humble, teachable spirit is essential for spiritual growth. This verse reminds us that our pursuit of God's Word should always be predicated on the unwavering belief in His benevolent nature.

* [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good")
* [Psalm 25:4](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4 - Show Me Your Ways, O Lord; Teach Me Your Paths")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift Is From Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:68 offers a profound model for our faith and prayer life. It calls us first to anchor our hearts in the unshakeable truth of God's intrinsic goodness and His consistent benevolence. In a world often marked by suffering, injustice, and doubt, this verse encourages us to remember that God's character remains pure and His intentions towards His children are always good, even when circumstances are difficult. This foundational trust then empowers us to approach Him with humility, acknowledging our need for His divine guidance. Just as the psalmist recognized his dependence on God to "teach him His statutes," we too must cultivate a teachable spirit, diligently seeking to understand and apply God's Word in every aspect of our lives. This isn't merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline that shapes our decisions, transforms our character, and aligns our will with His perfect plan, leading to a life of greater peace, purpose, and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's inherent goodness influence your trust in Him during difficult times or when His ways seem unclear?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God to "teach you His statutes" today, and how are you actively seeking His instruction?**
* **How does cultivating a humble posture of learning from God's Word transform your daily decisions, relationships, and overall spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Psalmist ask God to "teach me thy statutes" if God is already good?**

Answer: The psalmist's request for God to "teach me thy statutes" is not an indictment of God's goodness, but rather a direct consequence and affirmation of it. Because God *is* good and *does* good, His statutes are inherently good, beneficial, and perfect. The psalmist recognizes that human understanding is limited and prone to error, and therefore, relies on God's perfect wisdom to illuminate His ways. It is a humble acknowledgment that true wisdom and the path to a flourishing life come only through divine revelation and instruction. This plea demonstrates a deep trust in God's benevolent intentions, believing that His laws are not burdensome but liberating, designed for human well-being. It reflects a posture of dependence, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?**

Answer: Psalms 119:68 deeply intertwines with the concept of God's sovereignty by establishing His goodness as the very foundation of His rule. If God is inherently good and consistently does good, then His sovereign authority is not arbitrary or tyrannical, but perfectly just, wise, and benevolent. His "statutes" are the tangible expressions of His sovereign will and wise governance, designed for the flourishing of His creation. This verse assures us that God's control over all things is exercised from a place of perfect goodness, meaning His ultimate purposes are always for the good of His people and the glory of His name. Even when His sovereign ways are mysterious, we can trust that they are rooted in His unchanging goodness, as affirmed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:68 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's goodness, the very radiance of God's glory, through whom the Father's benevolent nature is fully revealed to humanity. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus perfectly lived out God's statutes, fulfilling every jot and tittle of the Law not by abolishing it, but by living in perfect obedience and demonstrating its true intent ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the preeminent Teacher, the one who authoritatively expounds God's ways, not merely as an interpreter but as the very source of truth and life ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority as a Teacher")). Through Christ, we not only understand God's statutes, but we are also empowered by the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sends, to live in accordance with them. The Spirit, the [Helper, will teach us all things](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher"), guiding us into all truth and enabling us to obey God's good will, for it is God who [works in us to will and to act according to his good purpose](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You"). Thus, in Christ, the psalmist's declaration of God's goodness and his plea for divine instruction are met and perfectly answered.

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.