Psalms 19:11

KJV

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover by them is thy servant {H5650} warned {H2094}: and in keeping {H8104} of them there is great {H7227} reward {H6118}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Through them your servant is warned; in obeying them there is great reward.

Berean Standard Bible

By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.

American Standard Version

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 19:11 serves as a powerful declaration of the dual benefits derived from God's divine revelation, specifically His perfect law. Following a majestic portrayal of God's glory in creation and the inherent perfection of His statutes, this verse encapsulates the profound impact of engaging with His Word: it provides essential divine warning against sin and error, and it bestows a comprehensive, "great reward" upon those who diligently obey its precepts, leading to a life of flourishing and deep spiritual satisfaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 19 is a poetic masterpiece that transitions seamlessly from God's general revelation in the natural world (verses 1-6) to His special revelation through His divine law, the Torah (verses 7-10). The first section describes how the heavens, sun, and firmament testify to God's glory and handiwork, speaking without words yet universally understood. The second section, beginning with [Psalm 19:7](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7 - The Perfection of God's Law"), shifts focus to the attributes of God's law—it is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true—and its life-giving effects on the soul. Verse 11, the focus of this commentary, directly follows this celebration of the law's inherent goodness and its superiority to the most desirable earthly treasures like gold and honey, serving as a climactic statement on the personal benefits derived from engaging with this divine wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "Torah" (often translated as "law") was not merely a set of legalistic rules but encompassed divine instruction, teaching, and guidance for all of life. It was God's covenantal revelation to His people, intended to shape their identity, worship, and daily conduct. The psalmist's perspective reflects a deep reverence for this divine instruction, a hallmark of Israelite piety. Unlike the capricious deities of surrounding cultures, Yahweh's law was seen as righteous, trustworthy, and beneficial, providing a stable moral framework and a path to blessing. The concept of "reward" would have been understood not just as a transactional payment but as the natural fruit of living in harmony with the Creator's design, often encompassing spiritual well-being, wisdom, and a flourishing life within the covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 19 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation**, highlighting that God actively communicates His will to humanity, both through creation and, more specifically, through His written Word. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Obedience and its Blessings**, positing that living in accordance with God's commands leads to profound benefits, contrasting with the negative consequences of disobedience often described elsewhere (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Wisdom and Discernment**, portraying God's law as a source of invaluable insight that warns against pitfalls and guides one toward a righteous path, aligning with the wisdom tradition found in books like [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"). Finally, it touches on the theme of **Personal Relationship with God**, as the "servant" (a common biblical self-designation for a worshiper or prophet) receives direct instruction and experiences the tangible benefits of a life lived in communion with the divine Lawgiver.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Warned (Hebrew, _nizhar'_):** This word, derived from the root זָהַר (zahar), means "to be admonished," "to be instructed," "to take heed," or "to be enlightened." It carries a proactive sense, implying not just a passive reception of a warning but an active process of learning, understanding, and internalizing guidance that leads to caution and careful living. It suggests that God's Word illuminates dangers and provides necessary spiritual discernment, enabling the "servant" to avoid error and sin.
* **Reward (Hebrew, _'eqev'_):** The Hebrew term עֵקֶב ('eqev) can mean "heel," "consequence," or "reward." In this context, it signifies the positive outcome or beneficial result that naturally follows from a particular action. It is not merely a payment for services rendered, but the inherent blessing, fruit, or natural consequence of obedience. This "great reward" is thus intrinsically linked to the act of "keeping" God's statutes, indicating that a life aligned with divine wisdom yields profound and lasting benefits.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover by them is thy servant warned":** This clause emphasizes the protective and instructive function of God's law. The "them" refers directly to the perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true "law," "testimony," "statutes," "commandment," and "judgments" described in [Psalm 19:7-10](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-10 - The Attributes of God's Law"). God's Word serves as a divine compass, alerting the believer ("thy servant") to the dangers of sin, error, and spiritual pitfalls. This warning is not punitive but preventative, designed to guide and safeguard one's spiritual journey and ethical conduct.
* **"and in keeping of them there is great reward":** This second clause highlights the profound blessings and benefits that accrue from active obedience to God's commands. "Keeping" implies not just intellectual assent but active adherence, diligent practice, and living in accordance with God's revealed will. The "great reward" is comprehensive, encompassing spiritual peace, wisdom, joy, divine favor, a deeper relationship with God, and the inherent fulfillment found in aligning one's life with the Creator's design. It signifies the flourishing and blessedness that are the natural outcome of a life lived in faithful response to divine instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 19:11 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The entire second half of Psalm 19, including this verse, utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the ideas of "warning" and "reward" are presented as two complementary aspects of the law's benefit, reinforcing the overall positive impact of God's Word. There is also an implied **Metaphor** of the law as a guiding light or a protective shield, warning the servant from danger, much like a lighthouse warns ships from rocks. Furthermore, the psalmist's description of the law in preceding verses as "perfect," "sure," "right," and "pure" uses **Personification**, attributing human-like qualities and agency to an abstract concept, thereby elevating its status and emphasizing its active role in the life of the believer. The contrast between the dangers from which one is warned and the "great reward" that follows obedience also creates a subtle **Antithesis**, highlighting the clear choice and its distinct outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 19:11 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature and efficacy of God's revelation. It asserts that God's Word is not merely a collection of rules, but a living, active force that both protects and enriches the lives of those who embrace it. The concept of "warning" speaks to God's gracious desire to preserve His people from the destructive consequences of sin, while the "great reward" underscores the inherent blessedness and flourishing that accompany a life lived in harmony with divine wisdom. This verse connects the practical outworking of obedience to God's character as a loving and just Lawgiver who desires the ultimate good of His creation. It affirms that true human flourishing is found not in autonomy, but in alignment with the divine will, a theme echoed throughout biblical wisdom literature.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Keep God's Statutes for Life")
* [James 1:25](/james/1-25 "James 1:25 - The Blessing of Doing the Word")
* [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Long Life and Peace from Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 19:11 calls us to a deeper, more intentional engagement with God's Word. It challenges the modern tendency to view divine commands as restrictive or burdensome, instead presenting them as sources of invaluable guidance and profound blessing. To be "warned" by God's Word means allowing it to expose our blind spots, correct our errant paths, and protect us from the deceptive allure of sin and worldly philosophies. This warning is an act of divine grace, a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Simultaneously, the promise of "great reward" in "keeping" God's Word invites us into a life of rich spiritual dividends—peace, joy, wisdom, purpose, and a deeper intimacy with our Creator. This reward is not a transactional payment but the inherent fruit of living in alignment with the very design of the universe. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humble obedience, trusting that God's ways are always for our ultimate good and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God's "warning" or guidance today?**
* **What does "keeping" God's Word practically look like in your daily routines and decisions?**
* **Beyond material blessings, how have you experienced the "great reward" of obedience in your life?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater desire for God's Word, viewing it as more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey?**

### FAQ
**What does "warned" mean in the context of God's law?**

Answer: In Psalms 19:11, "warned" (Hebrew: _nizhar_) signifies more than just a simple caution. It implies being admonished, instructed, and enlightened by God's law. It means the Word of God serves as a divine guide, illuminating the path of righteousness and alerting the "servant" to the dangers of sin, folly, and spiritual pitfalls. This warning is not punitive but preventative, designed to protect the believer from destructive choices and to provide discernment, enabling them to navigate life wisely and avoid the consequences of disobedience, as seen in [Proverbs 6:23](/proverbs/6-23 "Proverbs 6:23 - The Commandment as a Lamp and Light").

**What kind of "great reward" is promised for keeping God's law?**

Answer: The "great reward" mentioned in Psalms 19:11 (Hebrew: _'eqev_) is not primarily material wealth or earthly accolades, though God can bless in those ways. Instead, it refers to the profound, intrinsic benefits and flourishing that naturally flow from a life lived in obedience to God's divine instruction. This reward encompasses spiritual peace, deep joy, wisdom, clarity of purpose, a strong sense of God's favor, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Creator. It is the inherent blessedness and fulfillment found in aligning one's life with God's perfect will, leading to true human flourishing, as exemplified in [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man"). It is a reward that impacts one's character, relationships, and eternal destiny, far surpassing any temporary earthly gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 19:11 speaks of the Old Testament law, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God, the perfect embodiment of God's law and wisdom (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). The warnings of the Old Covenant law, which revealed sin and its consequences (cf. [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")), now find their ultimate resolution in Christ, who takes away the sin of the world and offers forgiveness and reconciliation (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the "great reward" for keeping God's law is fully realized in the New Covenant through faith in Christ. We are not saved by keeping the law, but through grace by faith (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")), and this faith leads to a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to truly "keep" God's commands out of love, not legalism (cf. [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")). The ultimate reward is eternal life and an intimate relationship with God, made possible only through Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice, granting us access to the very presence of God and the promise of future glory (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God Is Eternal Life")). He is the true wisdom that warns us from sin and leads us to the greatest reward: God Himself.

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

2 John 1:8

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Psalms 119:11

¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

James 1:25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Proverbs 29:18

¶ Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.