Psalms 119:74

¶ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

They that fear {H3373} thee will be glad {H8055} when they see {H7200} me; because I have hoped {H3176} in thy word {H1697}.

Those who fear you rejoice at the sight of me, because I put my hope in your word.

May those who fear You see me and rejoice, for I have hoped in Your word.

They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word.

Context of Psalms 119:74

Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic psalm dedicated entirely to the praise and contemplation of God's Word (Torah, statutes, precepts, commandments, etc.). Each section of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 74 falls within the 'Ayin' section (verses 73-80), where the psalmist often expresses his dependence on God, his suffering, and his enduring hope found solely in divine revelation.

In this specific verse, the psalmist expresses confidence that his faithfulness will be a source of joy and encouragement to others who also reverence God. Despite the trials and afflictions often mentioned elsewhere in the psalm, his steadfastness in God's promises makes him a living testimony.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Shared Faith and Mutual Encouragement: The verse highlights the communal aspect of faith. The psalmist anticipates that those who also "fear thee" (God) will be glad to see his unwavering commitment. This suggests that one believer's steadfastness can be a powerful source of affirmation and encouragement for others on their spiritual journey. It underscores the importance of the community of believers.
  • The Power of Hope in God's Word: The core reason for this anticipated joy is the psalmist's deep-seated hope in God's word. This hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God's trustworthy promises and decrees. It is a hope that sustains through adversity and serves as a beacon for others. The psalmist's unwavering dedication and steadfast hope in God's word serves as a beacon.
  • The Community of the Righteous: "They that fear thee" refers to those who hold God in reverent awe, respecting His authority and living according to His commands. This shared reverence creates a bond, making the testimony of one righteous person a source of gladness for others in the same spiritual family.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Fear thee" (Hebrew: yare' - יָרֵא): This term signifies more than just being afraid; it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God, coupled with obedience to His will. It implies a lifestyle of devotion and adherence to His commands.
  • "Hoped" (Hebrew: yahal - יָחַל): This word conveys a sense of active waiting, patient endurance, and confident expectation. It's not a passive hope but an enduring trust and anticipation, demonstrating reliance on God's faithfulness even in challenging circumstances. This is a recurring theme in Psalms 119; see also Psalms 119:49.
  • "Thy word": In Psalms 119, this phrase encompasses all of God's revelation – His law, statutes, precepts, testimonies, and commandments. It is the comprehensive term for divine instruction and promise, which is the foundation of the psalmist's hope.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:74 offers a powerful reminder that our personal walk of faith has a ripple effect. When we consistently place our hope and trust in God's Word, especially during difficult times, our steadfastness can become a visible testimony that encourages and strengthens other believers. Our commitment to God's truth can inspire joy and confidence in those who also revere the Lord. It challenges us to live in such a way that our faith is not only personal but also a source of light and encouragement to the community of faith around us, demonstrating the enduring power and trustworthiness of God's promises.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 66:16

    Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

  • Psalms 34:2

    My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

  • Psalms 34:6

    This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

  • Psalms 119:79

    Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

  • Psalms 119:42

    So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

  • Genesis 32:11

    Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children.

  • Genesis 32:12

    And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

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