Psalms 119:86

KJV

All thy commandments [are] faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

KJV (with Strong's)

All thy commandments {H4687} are faithful {H530}: they persecute {H7291} me wrongfully {H8267}; help {H5826} thou me.

Complete Jewish Bible

All your mitzvot [show your] faithfulness; they are hounding me with lies; help me!

Berean Standard Bible

All Your commandments are faithful; I am persecuted without cause—help me!

American Standard Version

All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:86 is a profound declaration of unwavering trust in the absolute reliability of God's commandments, even as the psalmist endures severe and unjust persecution. It encapsulates the tension between divine faithfulness and human suffering, culminating in a fervent plea for God's immediate and sovereign intervention. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the steadfastness of God's Word as a source of truth and solace in the face of groundless adversity, compelling the believer to seek divine help when human efforts fail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem with each of its 22 sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet) containing eight verses that begin with the same letter. This psalm is a sustained meditation on the beauty, perfection, and life-giving power of God's Law, using various synonyms like "commandments," "statutes," "precepts," "testimonies," "judgments," and "word." Verse 86 falls within the "Kaph" (כ) section (verses 81-88), where the psalmist expresses deep longing for God's salvation and comfort amidst intense affliction. Throughout this section, there is a recurring theme of the psalmist's devotion to God's word despite being "like a wineskin in the smoke" ([Psalms 119:83](/psalms/119-83 "Psalms 119:83 - Worn out but not forgetting God's statutes")) and facing relentless opposition from the proud.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalmist's experience of "wrongful" persecution resonates with the broader biblical narrative of the righteous suffering at the hands of the wicked. In ancient Israel, adherence to God's Law often brought one into conflict with those who disregarded divine statutes, whether they were foreign adversaries, corrupt officials, or ungodly members of their own community. Such persecution could manifest as false accusations, legal injustice, social ostracization, or even physical threats. The psalmist's plea for help underscores the vulnerability of individuals in a society where justice was often perverted, and the only true recourse for the oppressed was to appeal directly to God, the ultimate Judge and Deliverer. This context highlights the profound spiritual and existential struggle faced by those who chose fidelity to Yahweh in a world often hostile to His ways.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:86 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical canon. Firstly, it reiterates the **absolute trustworthiness and immutability of God's Word**, a foundational truth that provides stability amidst chaos, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect and Just Character"). Secondly, it confronts the reality of **unjust suffering endured by the righteous**, a common motif throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, reminding believers that living godly lives can invite opposition, as echoed in [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **absolute dependence on God for deliverance**, emphasizing that despite one's faithfulness, human strength is insufficient against overwhelming adversaries, compelling a cry for divine help, much like the confidence expressed in [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "God as Our Helper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faithful (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûnâ'_):** This word signifies firmness, steadfastness, reliability, truth, and trustworthiness. It is related to the root `ʼāman`, from which we get "amen," meaning "so be it" or "truly." When applied to God's commandments, it asserts their absolute dependability and unchanging nature. They are not arbitrary rules but reflections of God's own character—true, firm, and utterly reliable in every circumstance. This stands in stark contrast to the deceitful and unreliable actions of the psalmist's persecutors.
* **Wrongfully (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** This term denotes falsehood, deceit, treachery, or lying. When the psalmist states he is persecuted "wrongfully," it emphasizes the baselessness and injustice of the accusations or actions against him. His suffering is not a consequence of his own sin or error, but rather the product of malicious lies and groundless hostility from his adversaries. This highlights the profound injustice of his situation, making his plea for divine intervention all the more urgent and legitimate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All thy commandments [are] faithful":** This opening clause serves as a powerful confession of faith and a theological anchor for the psalmist. Despite his dire circumstances, he affirms the absolute reliability and truthfulness of God's entire body of divine instruction. This declaration is not merely intellectual assent but a deeply held conviction that provides stability and hope when the world around him is unstable and hostile. It establishes the unshakeable foundation upon which his subsequent plea is built.
* **"they persecute me wrongfully":** This clause starkly contrasts the faithfulness of God's word with the treachery of human adversaries. The psalmist identifies his suffering as a direct result of persecution, emphasizing that it is "wrongful"—unjust, baseless, and deceitful. This indicates that his affliction is not a divine judgment for his sin, but rather an undeserved assault from those who oppose his righteous walk. This reality intensifies his distress and highlights the perversion of justice in the world.
* **"help thou me":** This is the heart of the psalmist's desperate and direct petition to God. Recognizing his own inability to overcome his powerful and deceitful adversaries, he turns to the only true source of deliverance. This cry is an expression of absolute dependence on God's power, justice, and faithfulness. It is a prayer born out of deep distress but rooted in the conviction that the God whose commandments are faithful is also faithful to deliver His suffering servants.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:86 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is central, dramatically contrasting the absolute faithfulness of God's commandments with the utter treachery and injustice of human persecution. This creates a powerful tension, highlighting the psalmist's precarious position between divine truth and worldly falsehood. The verse also functions as a profound **Confession of Faith**, as the psalmist articulates his unwavering belief in the reliability of God's Word despite his suffering. This confession then transitions into an urgent **Petition**, a direct and desperate appeal for divine intervention. The brevity and directness of "help thou me" exemplify **Conciseness**, making the plea all the more impactful and immediate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:86 encapsulates a core theological truth: God's character, as revealed in His commandments, is utterly trustworthy and unchanging, even when human experience is marked by injustice and suffering. The psalmist's declaration of the faithfulness of God's Law provides a steadfast anchor in a world where truth is often distorted and righteousness is met with hostility. This verse affirms that the integrity of God's Word is a constant, providing a solid foundation for faith and a reliable guide for life, even when the path is fraught with undeserved hardship. It reminds believers that persecution for righteousness is a common experience, but it should always drive them to seek divine help, trusting in God's ultimate justice and power to deliver.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "God's Perfect and Just Character")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "Persecution for Godliness")
* [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "God as Our Helper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:86 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers navigating a complex and often hostile world. It calls us to root our lives in the unchanging truth of God's Word, recognizing that His commandments are not burdensome rules but faithful guides that reflect His perfect character. When we face opposition, especially when it is unjust or "wrongful," this verse reminds us that such experiences are not uncommon for those who seek to live righteously. Instead of despairing or retaliating, the psalmist models a response of absolute dependence on God. Our primary and most effective recourse in times of overwhelming adversity is to cry out for divine help, trusting that the God whose Word is faithful is also faithful to hear our prayers and intervene on our behalf. This verse empowers us to stand firm in our convictions, knowing that our ultimate vindication and deliverance come from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to trust in the "faithfulness" of God's commandments?**
* **How do you typically react when you experience "wrongful" persecution or injustice? Does your response align with the psalmist's plea for divine help?**
* **What specific aspects of God's character, as revealed in His Word, give you confidence to cry out "help thou me" in times of distress?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist, who is obedient to God's commandments, suffer "wrongful" persecution?**

Answer: The psalmist's suffering, described as "wrongful," highlights a recurring biblical theme: the righteous often face opposition not because of their own sin, but precisely because of their faithfulness to God. In a fallen world, those who uphold God's truth and righteousness often stand in stark contrast to those who reject it, leading to conflict. This persecution can stem from jealousy, malice, or a fundamental rejection of God's ways by the ungodly. It serves as a reminder that living a godly life does not guarantee an absence of trouble, but rather, as [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "Persecution for Godliness") affirms, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." The psalmist's experience underscores the reality that true justice is often delayed in this life, necessitating a cry for divine intervention from the ultimate Judge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:86 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living embodiment of God's faithful commandments, perfectly upholding every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Yet, despite His sinless perfection, Jesus endured the most egregious and "wrongful" persecution imaginable. He was falsely accused, unjustly condemned, and brutally executed by those who hated His light and truth ([John 15:25](/john/15-25 "They Hated Me Without Cause")). In His suffering, Jesus did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). His cry from the cross, though not explicitly "help thou me" in the same form, was an ultimate act of dependence on the Father's will and power ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Jesus' Last Words")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ not only demonstrated the faithfulness of God's plan of salvation but also provided the ultimate "help" for all who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Believers, united with Christ, are called to follow His example, anchoring their lives in His faithful Word and trusting in His ultimate vindication, knowing that He has overcome the world and secured eternal help for His people ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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

Psalms 35:19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

Psalms 70:5

But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

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.

Psalms 109:26

Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy:

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 119:138

Thy testimonies [that] thou hast commanded [are] righteous and very faithful.

Psalms 119:151

Thou [art] near, O LORD; and all thy commandments [are] truth.