Psalms 19:9

KJV

The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} is clean {H2889}, enduring {H5975} for ever {H5703}: the judgments {H4941} of the LORD {H3068} are true {H571} and righteous {H6663} altogether {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fear of ADONAI is clean, enduring forever. The rulings of ADONAI are true, they are righteous altogether,

Berean Standard Bible

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.

American Standard Version

The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 19:9 stands as a profound declaration within a psalm that celebrates both God's general revelation in creation and His special revelation through His divine law. This verse specifically extols the inherent purity, eternal stability, absolute truth, and perfect righteousness of God's character as manifested in His revealed will. It asserts that true reverence for the Lord is purifying and everlasting, while His divine decrees and moral standards are utterly reliable, just, and morally perfect in every respect, serving as an unchanging foundation for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 19 is masterfully structured in two distinct yet complementary sections. The first section (verses 1-6) praises God's glory revealed through the natural world—the heavens, the firmament, the sun—speaking without words but declaring His handiwork universally. The transition to the second section (verses 7-11) is marked by a profound shift to God's special revelation through His Torah, or divine instruction. Verses 7 and 8 introduce various synonyms for God's law ("law," "testimony," "statutes," "commandment"), each described with perfect attributes (perfect, sure, right, pure). Verse 9 continues this pattern, focusing on "the fear of the LORD" and "the judgments of the LORD," further elaborating on their purifying, enduring, truthful, and righteous qualities. This systematic praise culminates in verse 10, which values God's words more than gold and sweeter than honey, and verse 11, which speaks of their warning and reward. Thus, [Psalms 19:9](/psalms/19-9 "Psalms 19:9 - The Purity and Truth of God's Law") is an integral part of the psalm's commendation of divine wisdom and moral guidance, serving as a bridge between the attributes of God's law and its profound value to humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel lived in a world where laws and decrees were often arbitrary, subject to the whims of rulers, and frequently unjust. In contrast, the Mosaic Law, given by Yahweh, stood as a unique covenantal framework, emphasizing justice, righteousness, and holiness. The concept of "fear of the LORD" was central to Israelite wisdom literature, signifying not terror but profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's authority and moral standards. This reverence was understood as the foundation for true wisdom and a well-ordered life, as seen in texts like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). The "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, _mishpatim_) of the Lord referred to His divine ordinances, decrees, and the principles by which He governed His people and the world. These were distinct from human laws because they originated from a perfectly just and true God, making them inherently reliable and morally absolute in a way no human legal system could be.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Psalm 19](/psalms/19 "Psalm 19 - God's Revelation in Creation and Law") and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Purity and Holiness**, asserting that God's very presence and His revealed will are inherently clean and purifying, contrasting sharply with the defilement of sin and human corruption. The phrase "enduring for ever" highlights the **Eternality and Unchanging Nature of God's Word**, providing a stable and unchanging foundation for life in a world of flux. This theme resonates with other scriptures affirming the permanence of God's decrees, such as [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of God Endures Forever") and [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not"). Finally, the declaration that God's judgments are "true and righteous altogether" emphasizes **Absolute Truth and Justice**. This portrays God as the ultimate standard of morality and rectitude, whose every word and action are perfectly aligned with truth and equity, a concept foundational to understanding God's character throughout the Old Testament, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect and Just Ways") and [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - The Sum of Your Word is Truth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** feminine of יָרֵא; fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence; [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). In this context, "fear of the LORD" signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's authority and holiness, rather than cowering terror. It is the proper human response to the recognition of God's supreme sovereignty and leads to a life aligned with His will.
* **Clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** or טָהֹר; from טָהֵר; pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense); clean, fair, pure(-ness). Applied to "the fear of the LORD," this word indicates that genuine reverence for God is inherently pure and has a sanctifying effect. It purifies one's motives, thoughts, and actions, leading to moral integrity and spiritual health, unblemished by corruption or defilement.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** from שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. Here, it refers to God's divine decrees, ordinances, and the principles by which He governs. These are His revealed law, moral standards, and the just decisions He renders, serving as the ultimate, perfect standard for justice and morality.
* **Altogether (Hebrew, _yachad'_):** from יָחַד; properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly; alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. This adverb emphasizes the complete and comprehensive perfection of God's judgments, indicating that they are entirely, without exception, true and righteous. It leaves no room for flaw, deficiency, or partiality in His divine standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of the LORD [is] clean,"**: This opening clause declares that a proper, reverent awe of God is intrinsically pure and possesses a purifying quality. It is untainted by corruption, selfish motives, or defilement. Far from being a source of anxiety or oppression, this fear cleanses the heart and mind, leading to moral integrity and spiritual health, aligning the individual with God's own holiness.
* **"enduring for ever:"**: This phrase emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God's revealed will and the proper reverence due to Him. Unlike human philosophies, laws, or institutions, which are transient and subject to decay, God's principles and the "fear" they inspire are stable, constant, and perpetually relevant across all generations and circumstances. They provide an unshakeable and timeless foundation for life.
* **"the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether."**: This final, comprehensive clause highlights the absolute reliability and moral perfection of God's divine decrees and ordinances. They are "true" (אֱמֶת, _'emeth'_), meaning they are factual, reliable, consistent, and faithful—utterly devoid of error or deception. They are "righteous" (צֶדֶק, _tsâdaq'_), meaning they are perfectly just, equitable, and morally upright in every aspect. The addition of "altogether" (יַחְדָּו, _yachad'_) underscores their complete and comprehensive perfection, leaving no room for flaw, deficiency, or partiality.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 19:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether") echoes, reinforces, and expands upon the attributes introduced in the first half ("The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever"). While not perfectly identical, the two clauses present complementary aspects of God's revelation, both sharing attributes of purity, permanence, truth, and righteousness. There is also an implied **personification** or attribution of human-like qualities to abstract concepts. "The fear of the LORD" is described as "clean" and "enduring," and "judgments" are "true" and "righteous," giving these divine attributes a tangible, active quality that impacts human experience. The verse's concise and declarative nature also lends it an **epigrammatic** quality, making it a memorable and profound statement of theological truth that encapsulates deep wisdom in a succinct form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 19:9 profoundly articulates the nature of God's character as revealed through His divine law. It links the concept of "fear of the LORD" directly to purity and eternality, suggesting that true reverence for God is inherently sanctifying and provides an everlasting moral compass. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God's holiness is the source of all moral good and that His word, as an extension of His character, is therefore perfectly pure and unchanging. The declaration that God's judgments are "true and righteous altogether" establishes God as the ultimate standard of truth and justice, against which all human laws and moral systems are to be measured. This verse underscores the reliability and moral perfection of God's revelation, positioning it as the sole trustworthy guide for human conduct and the foundation for a just society, reflecting the very nature of the God who is light and in whom there is no darkness at all.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect and Just Ways")
* [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - The Sum of Your Word is Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly characterized by moral relativism, shifting truths, and fleeting trends, Psalms 19:9 offers a profound anchor for the soul. It calls us to cultivate a healthy "fear of the LORD"—not a cowering terror, but a deep, reverent awe that acknowledges His supreme authority and holiness. This reverence, the psalmist assures us, is not burdensome but inherently purifying, cleansing our hearts from the defilements of sin and the corrupting influences of the world. It leads to a life of integrity and moral clarity, aligning our inner being with God's own pure nature. Furthermore, the verse invites us to find absolute stability and certainty in God's "judgments," His divine decrees and moral standards, which are declared to be "true and righteous altogether" and "enduring for ever." This means we can trust His word implicitly as the ultimate, unchanging standard for truth, justice, and ethics, knowing that it will never lead us astray. Our application, then, is to actively immerse ourselves in God's word, allowing its eternal truth to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and purify our desires, knowing that in doing so, we are building our lives on an unshakeable foundation that will stand the test of time and eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "the fear of the LORD" as "clean" and "enduring" transform your perception of reverence for God, moving it beyond mere obligation to a source of purification and stability?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully trust that God's "judgments" are "true and righteous altogether," especially when they challenge your own inclinations, cultural norms, or prevailing philosophies?**
* **Considering the enduring nature of God's word, how can you more intentionally allow its purifying and unchanging truth to shape your daily thoughts, words, and actions, fostering a deeper alignment with His character?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "fear of the LORD" and "judgments of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: While both phrases refer to aspects of God's divine revelation and character, they emphasize different facets. "The fear of the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yir'at Yahweh_) primarily speaks to the proper human response to God's holiness and sovereignty—a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission. It describes an internal disposition and a way of life that stems from recognizing who God is. It is often presented as the "beginning of wisdom," as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). "The judgments of the LORD" (מִשְׁפְּטֵי יְהוָה, _mishpetei Yahweh_), on the other hand, refers more to God's external, revealed decrees, ordinances, and moral standards—His divine law and the principles by which He governs. These are the objective truths and ethical guidelines that God has set forth for humanity. So, "fear of the LORD" is the right posture toward God, and "judgments of the LORD" are the righteous principles that emanate from Him, both being essential for a life pleasing to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 19:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the living embodiment of God's pure and enduring truth. As the Word made flesh, Jesus perfectly embodies the "fear of the LORD," demonstrating complete and unwavering obedience, reverence, and submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His life was utterly "clean," without sin or defilement ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted Yet Without Sin")), offering the perfect example of a life lived in perfect reverence for God. Furthermore, Jesus is the very personification of God's "judgments," not merely as a dispenser of decrees, but as the one in whom all God's righteous standards are perfectly met and upheld. He declared 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")), perfectly embodying its "true and righteous altogether" nature. Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the ultimate cleansing for humanity, making us "clean" through His blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")), and His teachings, like His very being, are eternally "true" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and "righteous" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, in Christ, the purifying, enduring, true, and righteous nature of God's revelation is fully manifested and made accessible to all who believe, providing the only way to be truly clean and righteous before God.

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

1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.

Psalms 119:142

¶ Thy righteousness [is] an everlasting righteousness, and thy law [is] the truth.

Psalms 119:137

¶ TZADDI. Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, and upright [are] thy judgments.

Psalms 119:138

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

Psalms 119:1

¶ ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Psalms 34:11

¶ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Psalms 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.