Psalms 119:85

KJV

¶ The proud have digged pits for me, which [are] not after thy law.

KJV (with Strong's)

The proud {H2086} have digged {H3738} pits {H7882} for me, which are not after thy law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The arrogant have dug pits for me to fall in; this is not in keeping with your Torah!

Berean Standard Bible

The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.

American Standard Version

The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:85 is a poignant lament from the psalmist, expressing deep distress over the malicious plots of the arrogant who act in direct defiance of God's divine law. It highlights the stark contrast between the righteous path, guided by God's precepts, and the treacherous schemes of those who reject divine authority, emphasizing the psalmist's reliance on God's unchanging standard amidst severe persecution and a plea for divine justice against unrighteous opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119:85 is situated within the "Yodh" (י) section (verses 81-88) of the longest psalm in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem. Each of the 22 stanzas, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, consists of eight verses. This particular section, like many others in the psalm, reveals the psalmist's profound suffering and longing for God's salvation, even to the point of "fainting" for it ([Psalms 119:81](/psalms/119-81 "Psalms 119:81 - Longing for Salvation")). Amidst this personal anguish, the psalmist consistently anchors hope and identity in God's word, statutes, and precepts, reiterating a steadfast commitment to divine instruction despite external pressures. The immediate verses surrounding [Psalms 119:85](/psalms/119-85 "Psalms 119:85 - The Proud's Plots") continue to articulate the psalmist's experience of being persecuted by the proud and wicked, who seek to destroy him without cause, while he remains devoted to God's testimonies ([Psalms 119:86](/psalms/119-86 "Psalms 119:86 - Persecution Without Cause")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "digging pits" (or "pits for me") is a common and potent metaphor in the ancient Near East, frequently appearing in biblical literature. It refers to a method of setting a hidden trap, typically for animals, but also for enemies in warfare or personal vendettas. Such pits were often camouflaged, making them insidious and dangerous. This practice evokes a cultural understanding of betrayal, ambush, and malicious intent, where an adversary seeks to cause downfall through deceit rather than open confrontation. The "proud" (Hebrew: _zedim_) are not merely arrogant but are characterized by their presumptuous defiance of God and His established order. They are often those in positions of power or influence who abuse it, or those who simply act with contempt for divine law, believing themselves above accountability. This context underscores the psalmist's vulnerability to hidden dangers and the profound injustice of being targeted by those who reject all moral boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution of the righteous** by the wicked, a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, where the faithful suffer unjustly at the hands of those who despise God's ways. Secondly, it powerfully contrasts **righteousness with lawlessness**, emphasizing God's law as the unwavering standard against which all human actions are measured. The actions of the proud are explicitly condemned as being "not after thy law," establishing a clear moral and theological dichotomy. This theme is central to the psalmist's appeal for justice, as seen in [Psalms 119:121](/psalms/119-121 "Psalms 119:121 - Do Justice") and [Psalms 119:134](/psalms/119-134 "Psalms 119:134 - Deliverance from Oppression"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **divine justice and vindication**, as the psalmist's lament implicitly appeals to God to intervene and bring judgment upon those who defy His commands, trusting that God will ultimately uphold His law and deliver His servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proud (Hebrew, _zedim_):** This term denotes individuals who are arrogant, insolent, and presumptuous, often characterized by their contempt for God and His law. Unlike mere pride, _zedim_ implies a defiant, rebellious attitude that actively opposes divine authority and righteous living. They act with a sense of self-sufficiency and disdain for moral boundaries, often leading to oppressive and malicious behavior towards the godly.
* **Digged pits (Hebrew, _karu shuchah_):** This vivid phrase refers to the act of excavating a deep hole in the ground, typically covered to conceal it, for the purpose of trapping prey or enemies. As a metaphor, it powerfully conveys the insidious, deceitful, and premeditated nature of the plots against the psalmist. It implies a hidden danger, a calculated attempt to ensnare, trip up, or destroy, rather than an open confrontation. This imagery emphasizes the treachery and malice of the proud.
* **Not after thy law (Hebrew, _lo k'torateka_):** This crucial phrase serves as the moral and theological anchor of the verse. It explicitly states that the actions of the proud are in direct opposition to God's revealed will, His instruction, and His righteous standards. Their schemes are not merely unjust in a human sense but are fundamentally lawless in a divine sense, violating the very principles of truth, justice, and love that God's law embodies. This provides the psalmist with a firm basis for appeal to God, whose law is the ultimate standard of righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The proud have digged pits for me":** This clause immediately establishes the active and malicious nature of the psalmist's adversaries. The "proud" are identified as the agents of affliction, and their method is one of deceit and hidden danger. The "pits" symbolize their treacherous plots, designed to ensnare and bring about the psalmist's downfall, highlighting the severity and calculated intent of their persecution.
* **"which [are] not after thy law":** This critical second clause provides the theological indictment against the proud and the basis for the psalmist's appeal to God. It declares that the actions and schemes of the proud are utterly contrary to God's divine standard of righteousness. Their plots are not just personally harmful but are fundamentally unjust, lawless, and an affront to God's holy character and revealed will. This phrase underscores the psalmist's confidence that God, as the upholder of His law, will ultimately judge such unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "digged pits." This vivid image transforms the abstract concept of malicious plotting into a concrete, tangible danger, evoking the treachery and hidden nature of the enemies' schemes. It creates a sense of vulnerability and imminent threat for the psalmist. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** established between the actions of "the proud" and "thy law." The psalmist explicitly states that their plots are "not after thy law," setting up a clear dichotomy between human wickedness and divine righteousness. This contrast highlights the psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's standards even as he suffers from those who reject them. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Lament** and an implicit **Plea**, articulating the psalmist's distress and serving as an appeal to God for intervention and justice against those who defy His commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:85 powerfully articulates the tension between the righteous who strive to live by God's law and the wicked who actively oppose it. The psalmist's suffering at the hands of the "proud" reflects a recurring biblical theme of the righteous being persecuted for their faithfulness. This verse underscores the absolute authority and unchanging nature of God's law as the ultimate standard of truth and justice, against which all human actions, especially those born of malice and defiance, are measured and found wanting. It highlights the believer's recourse to God's character and commands when faced with unrighteous opposition, trusting that God sees and will ultimately vindicate His people and judge those who act contrary to His revealed will.

* [Psalms 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalms 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")
* [Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often seems to disregard divine truth, Psalms 119:85 offers profound comfort and guidance. It reminds us that opposition to God's people and His ways is not a new phenomenon; believers throughout history have faced malicious plots and unjust persecution from those who reject God's law. This verse calls us to recognize the reality of such spiritual warfare, but more importantly, it directs our gaze to the unchanging standard of God's Word. When we experience betrayal, slander, or schemes designed to harm us, our solace is not found in human justice alone, but in the unwavering truth that God's law remains the ultimate arbiter. Our response, like the psalmist's, should be one of steadfast devotion to God's commands, knowing that our vindication rests in His hands. This verse encourages us to bring our grievances before God, confident that He sees every hidden pit and every lawless act, and that His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing deliverance to His faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "digging pits" resonate with the subtle or overt opposition you might face in living out your faith today?**
* **In what ways do you see actions "not after thy law" impacting society or your personal life, and how does this verse encourage your response?**
* **How does the psalmist's reliance on God's law in the face of persecution strengthen your own trust in God's Word during difficult times?**

### FAQ
**What does "digged pits" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: In a biblical context, "digged pits" is a powerful metaphor for setting a hidden trap or devising a treacherous plot. It refers to the ancient practice of digging a deep hole, often camouflaged, to ensnare animals or enemies. Spiritually, it signifies malicious and deceitful schemes designed to cause someone's downfall, harm, or destruction. This imagery is used elsewhere in scripture to describe the wicked's insidious efforts against the righteous, often with the ironic outcome that the plotters themselves fall into their own traps ([Psalms 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalms 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit"); [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")).

**Who are "the proud" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The proud" (Hebrew: _zedim_) in this context refers to individuals characterized by arrogance, insolence, and presumptuousness. They are not merely self-important but actively defy God's authority and His law. Their pride often manifests as contempt for divine commands and a willingness to oppress or harm the righteous without remorse. They believe themselves above accountability, acting with a lawless spirit that directly opposes God's righteous standards. This term often describes those who are powerful or influential but use their position to persecute the godly ([Psalms 119:69](/psalms/119-69 "Psalms 119:69 - The Proud Have Forged a Lie Against Me")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:85 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous one who, far more than the psalmist, faced the most profound and insidious plots from "the proud" – the religious and political authorities of His day. Their schemes to entrap Him in His words ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - The Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")) and ultimately to crucify Him ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - Council Plots to Kill Jesus")) were undeniably "not after thy law" but were acts of profound lawlessness and injustice. Yet, in God's sovereign plan, these very pits dug for Him became the means of our salvation. The cross, though a symbol of human malice, was God's chosen path for the ultimate Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus, who perfectly upheld the law, suffered the full weight of lawless human opposition, yet He rose victorious, demonstrating God's ultimate vindication of the righteous. For believers, Christ is our refuge and our vindicator; in Him, we find strength to endure persecution, knowing that the "proud" who oppose God's kingdom will ultimately fall into their own pits, and Christ's perfect law of liberty will prevail ([James 1:25](/james/1-25 "James 1:25 - The Law of Liberty")).

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

Proverbs 16:27

¶ An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire.

Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

Jeremiah 18:20

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

Psalms 119:78

¶ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: [but] I will meditate in thy precepts.

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 36:11

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Jeremiah 18:22

Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.