Psalms 119:96

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:96 offers a profound declaration from the psalmist, asserting that all human perceptions of perfection—whether in wisdom, achievement, or systems—eventually reach their finite limit and come to an end. This observation stands in stark contrast to the divine commandment, which is described as "exceeding broad," signifying its boundless, comprehensive, and eternal nature, transcending all human limitations and offering inexhaustible truth and wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each of its 22 sections (corresponding to a letter) comprising eight verses. Throughout this extensive psalm, the author expresses an unparalleled love, devotion, and meditation upon God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and testimonies. Verse 96 is found within the 'Tav' (ת) section, the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which often brings a sense of completion or ultimate declaration. In this context, the psalmist's realization about the finitude of all human "perfection" serves as a climactic statement, underscoring the ultimate superiority and boundless nature of God's Word, a theme that has been meticulously built throughout the preceding 95 verses. The preceding verses in the 'Tav' section (like [Psalms 119:89-95](/psalms/119-89-95 "Psalms 119:89-95 - God's Word Endures")) emphasize the eternal nature of God's Word and His faithfulness, setting the stage for the dramatic contrast presented in verse 96.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "commandment" (often encompassing the broader concept of Torah, God's divine instruction) was not merely a set of legalistic rules but the very blueprint for life, wisdom, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. It was understood as the revelation of God's character and will, guiding every aspect of individual and communal existence. The psalmist's declaration would have resonated deeply in a culture where human wisdom, philosophical systems, and even the most meticulously crafted human laws were recognized as imperfect and temporary. In contrast, God's Torah was seen as eternal, unchanging, and perfectly suited to guide humanity, setting it apart from the transient wisdom of surrounding nations or the limitations of human intellect. This perspective was crucial in a world where various empires and philosophies rose and fell, demonstrating the impermanence of human constructs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Psalms 119 and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **transience of human achievement and wisdom** versus the **eternality and comprehensiveness of divine truth**. While human endeavors, no matter how excellent, are inherently limited and temporal, God's Word stands as an enduring, boundless source of wisdom. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine revelation as the ultimate standard**. The psalmist finds true perfection and unending scope not in human constructs but in God's instruction, echoing sentiments found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord") which encourages reliance on God's understanding over one's own. Finally, the verse promotes **humility and a call to seek God's wisdom**, reminding believers that true fulfillment and comprehensive understanding are found only in diligent engagement with God's "exceeding broad" commandment, a concept also explored in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher") where God's thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than human ways. The entire [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms") frequently celebrates the Law as a source of delight and guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root means "to see," literally or figuratively. In this context, it implies a profound observation, a realization gained through experience, contemplation, or divine insight. The psalmist is not merely stating an opinion but declaring a truth he has personally apprehended and understood, suggesting a deep, experiential knowledge of the limitations of human endeavors.
* **end (Hebrew, _qêts'_):** This word signifies an "extremity," "limit," or "cessation." It denotes the boundary beyond which something cannot extend, or the point at which it terminates. When applied to "perfection," it emphasizes the inherent finitude and ultimate conclusion of all humanly conceived or achieved excellence, highlighting its temporary and circumscribed nature.
* **perfection (Hebrew, _tiklâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to complete" or "to finish," this noun refers to "completeness," "perfection," or "ultimate extent." In Psalms 119:96, it speaks to the highest possible standard or culmination of anything human. However, the psalmist's declaration is that even this ultimate human achievement or ideal eventually reaches its inherent boundary and ceases to be, underscoring the transient nature of all earthly excellence.
* **broad (Hebrew, _râchâb'_):** This adjective, from a root meaning "to be spacious" or "extensive," conveys the idea of something being "roomy," "vast," or "wide" in every direction. When applied to God's commandment, it powerfully describes its boundless, comprehensive, and all-encompassing nature. Unlike anything human, God's instruction has no limits to its relevance, depth, or capacity to govern all aspects of life and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have seen an end of all perfection":** This clause reveals the psalmist's profound observation and conclusion derived from his experience and contemplation of the world. He has come to realize that every human construct, every system of thought, every achievement, and even what humanity deems as the pinnacle of excellence or completion, ultimately reaches its boundary. There is a point beyond which human wisdom, power, or accomplishment cannot go; it is inherently finite, limited, and transient. This is a statement of humility regarding the created order and human capacity, acknowledging that nothing in the temporal realm offers ultimate, unending satisfaction or truth.
* **"but thy commandment is exceeding broad":** This clause introduces a radical and powerful contrast, marked by the adversative "but." In stark opposition to the finite nature of all human "perfection," God's commandment (referring to His revealed Word, the Torah) is declared to be "exceeding broad." This signifies its infinite scope, its comprehensive nature, its timeless relevance, and its inexhaustible wisdom. It knows no boundaries, applies to all situations, and contains depths of truth that human minds can never fully exhaust. It is the ultimate, boundless, and unchanging standard for life, truth, and righteousness, providing a stark contrast to the limitations of human wisdom and achievement.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 119:96 is **Antithesis**, or sharp contrast. The psalmist deliberately juxtaposes "all perfection" (which has an "end") with "thy commandment" (which is "exceeding broad"). This stark opposition highlights the fundamental difference between human limitations and divine boundlessness, emphasizing the superiority and eternal nature of God's Word over all earthly wisdom and achievement. The phrase "exceeding broad" also functions as **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used for emphasis. It is not merely broad, but "exceeding broad," underscoring the immeasurable and incomprehensible vastness of God's truth, a truth that transcends all human categories and limitations. Furthermore, "broad" can be seen as a **Metaphor** for the expansive and all-encompassing nature of God's law, suggesting a landscape without horizons, a truth without limits, or a deep well of wisdom that never runs dry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological truth that ultimate reality, wisdom, and perfection reside not in human constructs or the created order, but solely in God and His revealed Word. It underscores the Creator-creature distinction, where the finite nature of humanity and its achievements stands in stark contrast to the infinite, eternal, and comprehensive nature of God's wisdom as expressed in His commandments. This divine instruction serves as an unchanging anchor in a world characterized by transience and limitation, inviting humanity to find ultimate truth and guidance in a source that is truly boundless. The psalmist's observation is a theological statement on the inherent insufficiency of all things apart from God.

* [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities") - "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity." This verse echoes the psalmist's observation on the fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying nature of earthly pursuits and achievements, reinforcing the idea that human "perfection" is ultimately empty.
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God") - "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." This prophetic declaration directly affirms the eternal and unchanging nature of God's Word, mirroring the "exceeding broad" and enduring quality of His commandment, which transcends all temporal limitations.
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7-11 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection of God's Law") - This passage extols the perfection, trustworthiness, and life-giving power of the Lord's law, statutes, and precepts, further illustrating the comprehensive and beneficial nature of God's divine instruction, which is "more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:96 serves as a powerful corrective to our human tendency to seek ultimate fulfillment, wisdom, or security in finite things—whether in personal achievements, societal systems, scientific advancements, philosophical constructs, or even our own moral excellence. The psalmist's declaration that "all perfection" has an end challenges us to recognize the inherent limitations and ultimate transience of everything apart from God. For the believer, this verse is a profound call to reorient our priorities and passions, shifting our gaze from the fleeting "perfections" of this world to the boundless and enduring "commandment" of God. It encourages us to immerse ourselves in Scripture, not as a restrictive rulebook, but as an inexhaustible wellspring of truth, wisdom, and life that applies to every conceivable situation and offers guidance far beyond our limited human understanding. When we encounter the complexities of life, the disappointments of human systems, or the inevitable decay of earthly achievements, this verse directs us to the infinite, unchanging, and all-encompassing wisdom found only in God's divine revelation. It calls us to find our ultimate satisfaction and security in the eternal Word, which alone provides true and lasting perfection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "perfections" in your life or society do you tend to rely on or pursue, and how might this verse challenge their ultimate value?**
* **In what ways have you experienced the limitations or "end" of human wisdom or achievement in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How does understanding God's commandment as "exceeding broad" change your approach to studying, meditating on, and applying the Bible in your daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more deeply engage with the boundless wisdom of God's Word, allowing it to shape your priorities and perspectives?**

### FAQ

**What does the psalmist mean by "all perfection"?**

Answer: The phrase "all perfection" refers to the totality of human achievements, wisdom, systems, and anything that humans might consider complete, ultimate, or excellent. It encompasses human philosophies, scientific discoveries, artistic masterpieces, political systems, and even personal virtues or accomplishments. The psalmist's point is that, no matter how impressive or seemingly complete these human endeavors are, they are ultimately finite, limited in scope, temporary, and subject to decay or obsolescence. They have an "end," a boundary beyond which they cannot go, and they cannot provide ultimate, eternal truth or satisfaction. This reflects a biblical understanding of the created order's subservience to the Creator, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 1](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Vanity of Life").

**How is God's commandment "exceeding broad"?**

Answer: God's commandment is "exceeding broad" in several profound ways. Firstly, it is boundless in its **scope and application**, covering every aspect of life—moral, spiritual, social, and personal—without limitation. It is relevant in all times and cultures, transcending geographical and historical boundaries. Secondly, it is **infinite in its wisdom and depth**, meaning that its truths can never be fully exhausted or comprehended; there is always more to learn and apply, revealing new insights with each study. Thirdly, it is **eternal and unchanging**, unlike human laws or philosophies that are subject to revision or obsolescence, as highlighted in [Matthew 5:18](/matthew/5-18 "Matthew 5:18 - Jesus Upholds the Law") where Jesus affirms the enduring nature of the Law. Finally, its "breadth" implies its **sufficiency and comprehensiveness**, providing all necessary guidance for a life lived in accordance with God's will, far surpassing any human system or philosophy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:96 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in Jesus Christ, who is the living embodiment of God's "exceeding broad" commandment and the true "perfection" that knows no end. While the psalmist laments the finitude of all human perfection, Jesus stands as the perfect, eternal Son of God, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness")). He perfectly fulfilled the Law, not by abolishing it, but by embodying its spirit and intent, demonstrating its "exceeding breadth" in His life and teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount where He expounded on the Law's deeper spiritual meaning ([Matthew 5:17-48](/matthew/5-17-48 "Matthew 5:17-48 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross represents the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, a complete and final act of redemption that surpasses all human attempts at righteousness or perfection ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected by One Offering")). In Him, we find not a limited, temporal perfection, but an infinite, eternal, and all-encompassing truth that brings true life and boundless wisdom, for He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), and the one in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")). Thus, the "exceeding broad" commandment is fully revealed and made accessible to us through Christ, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who brings all things to their true and eternal perfection ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - Alpha and Omega")). He is the true and living Word, whose breadth of wisdom and love encompasses all reality.

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

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.