Psalms 119:94

KJV

¶ I [am] thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

KJV (with Strong's)

I am thine, save {H3467} me; for I have sought {H1875} thy precepts {H6490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am yours; save me because I seek your precepts.

Berean Standard Bible

I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts.

American Standard Version

I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:94 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's intimate belonging to God, immediately followed by an earnest plea for divine salvation, grounded in a lifelong commitment to diligently seeking and adhering to God's divine precepts. This verse beautifully intertwines themes of covenantal relationship, absolute dependence on God's preserving power, and the foundational role of obedient devotion in the life of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of its 22 sections contains eight verses, all beginning with the same Hebrew letter, and consistently employs various synonyms for God's Word (e.g., law, statutes, precepts, commandments, decrees, testimonies, judgments, word). Verse 94 falls within the 'Tsade' (צ) section (verses 119:169-176), which continues the psalmist's fervent meditation on the divine word, his unwavering devotion to it, and his desperate pleas for God's intervention based on that devotion. The entire psalm is a sustained expression of love for and commitment to God's instructions, viewing them not as burdens but as sources of life, wisdom, and joy, as seen in the declaration that God's law is [more precious than gold](/psalms/119-72 "Psalm 119:72 - God's Law More Precious Than Gold").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, generally attributed to various authors including King David, reflect the spiritual landscape of ancient Israel. The concept of "precepts" (פִּקּוּדִים, *piqqudim*) is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law and the covenant relationship established at Sinai. For an Israelite, God's commands were not merely abstract rules but the very fabric of their national identity, their guide for righteous living, and the basis for their relationship with Yahweh. The "seeking" of precepts implies a diligent study, meditation, and active application of these divine instructions, a practice central to the spiritual discipline of devout Israelites, who understood that [blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord"). The psalmist's plea for "salvation" would have encompassed deliverance from enemies, protection from spiritual dangers, and preservation of life, all within the framework of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Psalms 119 and indeed, the entire biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Ownership and Belonging** ("I am thine") underscores the covenantal relationship where the believer acknowledges God's sovereign claim and finds security and identity in that belonging. Secondly, **Absolute Dependence** ("save me") highlights the human need for divine intervention and protection, acknowledging that despite one's best efforts, ultimate deliverance comes only from God. This echoes the sentiment found in [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord"). Thirdly, **Obedience as a Foundation for Appeal** ("for I have sought thy precepts") presents a powerful theological principle: while salvation is by grace, a life committed to diligently pursuing God's Word forms a legitimate basis for confident prayer and appeal to God's faithfulness. This is not a works-based righteousness, but a demonstration of a heart aligned with God's will, understanding that [the Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - God is Near to Those Who Call on Him in Truth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thine (Hebrew, _lekha'_):** This simple prepositional phrase, literally "to You" or "belonging to You," carries immense theological weight. It signifies a profound, personal declaration of ownership and allegiance. It's not merely a statement of fact but an active affirmation of the psalmist's identity as God's possession, implying a covenantal bond, surrender, and trust. It forms the basis of the subsequent plea, as one appeals to the rightful owner for care and protection.
* **Save (Hebrew, _hoshieni'_):** This is an imperative verb, a direct command or urgent plea meaning "deliver me," "rescue me," "help me," or "preserve me." It comes from the root *yasha*, which frequently denotes physical deliverance from danger or enemies, but also spiritual salvation. In this context, it signifies the psalmist's recognition of his vulnerability and his absolute reliance on God's power to intervene and protect him from whatever threats he faces, whether external or internal.
* **Precepts (Hebrew, _piqqudim'_):** This term refers to divine instructions, mandates, or ordinances. Unlike some other synonyms for God's Word in Psalm 119, *piqqudim* often carries the nuance of specific, detailed commands or directives given by God for the proper ordering of life and conduct. It implies careful oversight from God and a commission or charge for humanity to follow. The psalmist's "seeking" of these precepts suggests not just intellectual study, but an active, diligent pursuit and adherence to their meaning and application in daily life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am thine,"**: This opening phrase is a profound theological declaration of belonging. It's an affirmation of covenant relationship, where the psalmist acknowledges God's sovereign ownership over his life. This declaration is both a statement of identity and a foundational premise for the plea that follows; because he belongs to God, he has a right to appeal to God for help and protection. It speaks to a complete surrender and trust in God's care.
* **"save me;"**: Following the declaration of belonging, this is an urgent, direct, and dependent plea. It acknowledges the psalmist's vulnerability and his need for divine intervention. The "saving" could refer to deliverance from enemies, from sin, from despair, or from any form of peril. It demonstrates that despite his devotion and efforts, the psalmist recognizes his ultimate reliance on God's preserving hand and power.
* **"for I have sought thy precepts."**: This clause provides the justification or grounding for the psalmist's plea. It's not a boast of perfect obedience, but a sincere declaration of earnest effort, diligent pursuit, and a heartfelt desire to live according to God's will. The "seeking" implies active engagement—studying, meditating, and striving to apply God's commands. This commitment to God's Word forms the basis of his confidence in approaching God, demonstrating a life aligned with God's desires and therefore worthy of His attentive response.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:94 effectively employs several literary devices. The verse begins with a powerful **Declaration** ("I am thine"), establishing the psalmist's identity and relationship with God as the foundation for his petition. This is immediately followed by a direct **Plea** ("save me"), an imperative cry for divine intervention, highlighting the psalmist's dependence. The conjunction "for" introduces the **Reason** or **Justification** for the plea ("for I have sought thy precepts"), creating a logical flow where the psalmist's devotion serves as the basis for his confident appeal. This structure also demonstrates a form of **Covenant Language**, where belonging to God (the covenant relationship) and obedience to His commands (covenant faithfulness) are intrinsically linked to receiving His blessings and protection. The entire verse functions as a concise **Argument** or **Supplication**, presenting a case to God based on the psalmist's demonstrated loyalty and need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the dynamic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The declaration "I am thine" speaks to the foundational truth of God's ownership over His creation and, more intimately, over His covenant people. This belonging is not passive but active, demanding a response of devotion and obedience. The plea for salvation, therefore, is not a demand but a confident request rooted in a demonstrated commitment to God's revealed will. It underscores that while salvation is ultimately God's work, human diligence in pursuing righteousness is an appropriate posture for those who seek His favor and protection. It highlights the biblical principle that genuine faith expresses itself through obedience, and that such obedience, while never meriting salvation, aligns the believer with God's purposes and invites His gracious intervention.

* [Deuteronomy 26:17-18](/deuteronomy/26-17 "Deuteronomy 26:17-18 - Israel's Covenant with God")
* [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abiding in Christ and His Words")
* [1 John 3:22](/1_john/3-22 "1 John 3:22 - Receiving from God through Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:94 offers a timeless model for believers today, emphasizing crucial aspects of faith and righteous living. First, it calls us to a deep and conscious affirmation of our identity in Christ: "I am Yours." This declaration is a profound source of security, purpose, and peace, reminding us that we are not our own but have been bought with a price, belonging wholly to God. This understanding should permeate our daily lives, shaping our choices and priorities. Second, the verse encourages us to pray with boldness and sincerity, knowing that our earnest efforts to live according to God's Word provide a legitimate basis for confidence in His willingness to hear and answer our prayers. While salvation is by grace through faith, our pursuit of holiness is a genuine expression of our love for God, aligning our hearts with His and opening channels for His divine intervention. Finally, the psalmist's diligent "seeking" of precepts challenges us to prioritize God's Word in our own lives. It's not enough to simply possess a Bible; we must actively engage with it—reading, studying, meditating, and, most importantly, applying its truths to our daily walk. It is through His Word that we receive guidance, wisdom, and the knowledge to live in a way that truly honors Him and enables us to experience His saving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that you "are God's" impact your sense of identity and security in challenging times?**
* **In what specific ways do you "seek God's precepts" in your daily life, and how does this practice influence your confidence in prayer?**
* **What areas of your life might need greater alignment with God's Word, and how might this alignment strengthen your relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "I have sought thy precepts" imply that God's salvation is earned by our obedience?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's statement "for I have sought thy precepts" does not imply that God's salvation is earned by human obedience. Instead, it highlights the *character* of the one making the plea and the *nature* of their relationship with God. In the biblical worldview, particularly within the covenant framework, obedience is the appropriate response of a heart devoted to God. It demonstrates a genuine desire to live in alignment with His will, which is a mark of true faith. The psalmist is not boasting of perfect law-keeping, but of a sincere and diligent pursuit of God's commands. This pursuit provides a *basis for confidence* in approaching God, not a *merit for salvation*. God saves because of His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, and those who genuinely seek Him and His ways can confidently appeal to Him for help, knowing their hearts are turned towards Him. This aligns with New Testament teachings that while salvation is a gift of grace ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), genuine faith is always accompanied by obedience ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:94 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration, "I am thine," perfectly foreshadows the believer's new identity in Christ. Through His atoning work, we are no longer merely God's creation, but adopted children, truly "His own" by grace through faith ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). The urgent plea, "save me," resonates with humanity's desperate need for deliverance from sin and death, a salvation fully accomplished by Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the ultimate Savior, who not only delivers us from eternal peril but continually preserves us in our daily walk. Furthermore, the psalmist's diligent "seeking of precepts" finds its perfect embodiment and fulfillment in Christ. Jesus perfectly sought, embodied, and fulfilled every precept of God's law, declaring that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the living Word, the ultimate Precept of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and in Him, we find the perfect example and the divine empowerment to truly seek and live by God's commands, not for salvation, but as a joyful response to the One who has already saved us and made us eternally His.

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

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Acts 27:23

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Acts 27:24

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O LORD, thou [art] our father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.

Isaiah 64:10

Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

Isaiah 44:2

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

Psalms 119:27

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.