Psalms 119:96

¶ I have seen an end of all perfection: [but] thy commandment [is] exceeding broad.

I have seen {H7200} an end {H7093} of all perfection {H8502}: but thy commandment {H4687} is exceeding {H3966} broad {H7342}.

(Mem) I see the limits of all perfection, but your mitzvah has no bounds.

I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.

I have seen an end of all perfection; But thy commandment is exceeding broad. מ MEM.

Commentary on Psalms 119:96

Psalms 119:96, a profound verse within the longest chapter of the Bible dedicated to the excellence of God's law, presents a striking contrast between human limitations and divine boundlessness. The psalmist declares, "I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad."

Context

The book of Psalms, a collection of poetic prayers and praises, often reflects on the nature of God, humanity, and divine wisdom. Psalms 119 is uniquely structured as an acrostic poem, with each eight-verse section beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Throughout this lengthy psalm, the author expresses a deep love and unwavering devotion to God's law, statutes, precepts, and commandments. This particular verse, found in the section corresponding to the Hebrew letter 'Tav' (ת), encapsulates a key realization: all human achievements, wisdom, and even what we perceive as "perfection" in the world, eventually reach their limits and come to an end. It highlights the fleeting nature of earthly things compared to the eternal and expansive nature of God's word.

Key Themes

  • Human Limitation vs. Divine Boundlessness: The verse starkly contrasts the finite nature of human understanding and accomplishment with the infinite, all-encompassing wisdom of God's law. What humans consider complete or perfect ultimately has a boundary.
  • The Enduring Nature of God's Word: In opposition to the fleeting "perfection" of the world, God's commandment (often referring to the Torah, or divine instruction) is described as "exceeding broad." This signifies its vastness, comprehensiveness, and eternal relevance. It has no end, no limit to its application, wisdom, or truth.
  • Humility and Reliance on God: The psalmist's observation fosters humility, recognizing that true and lasting wisdom does not reside in human constructs but in divine revelation. It encourages a reliance on God's unchanging truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "perfection" in the first clause is tiklāh (תכלה), which can mean "completion," "limit," or "end." It refers to something that has reached its boundary or ultimate extent. The psalmist is observing that anything finite, no matter how excellent, eventually reaches its culmination.

In contrast, "broad" is from the Hebrew rᵉḥābâ (רחבה), meaning "spacious," "vast," or "extensive." This word powerfully conveys the boundless, comprehensive, and all-encompassing nature of God's law. It suggests that divine instruction is not confined to specific circumstances but applies universally, covering every aspect of life and truth, far beyond human capacity to fully grasp or exhaust.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates with the sentiment found in Ecclesiastes 1:2, which speaks of the "vanity of vanities" concerning earthly pursuits. The psalmist's declaration that "all perfection" has an end underscores the temporary nature of human achievements and wisdom. In contrast, the boundless nature of God's commandment mirrors the eternal and unchanging character of God Himself, as highlighted in Isaiah 40:8, which states that "the word of our God shall stand for ever." This divine law provides ultimate guidance and wisdom, far surpassing any human system or philosophy.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Psalms 119:96 serves as a vital reminder to place our trust and seek guidance not in the shifting sands of human trends, philosophies, or achievements, but in the enduring, comprehensive, and unchanging Word of God. It encourages us to approach the Bible not as a limited rulebook, but as a vast ocean of wisdom that continually reveals new depths and applications for every facet of life. When we feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the world or the limitations of our own understanding, this verse directs us to the infinite wisdom and perfect guidance found only in God's divine revelation.

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.

  • Matthew 24:35

    Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:11

    Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.

  • Matthew 5:18

    For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

  • 1 Samuel 9:2

    And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people.

  • Psalms 39:5

    Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

  • Psalms 39:6

    Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them.

  • 1 Samuel 17:49

    And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

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