Psalms 89:34

KJV

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

KJV (with Strong's)

My covenant {H1285} will I not break {H2490}{H8762)}, nor alter {H8138}{H8762)} the thing that is gone out {H4161} of my lips {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will not profane my covenant or change what my lips have spoken.

Berean Standard Bible

I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips.

American Standard Version

My covenant will I not break, Nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:34 stands as a profound declaration of Yahweh's unwavering fidelity to His solemn promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. This verse encapsulates the divine attributes of immutability and faithfulness, asserting that God's word, once spoken, is eternally binding and not subject to revocation or alteration, regardless of human circumstances or failures. It serves as a bedrock of assurance for all who trust in the steadfast character of God and the unshakeable nature of His divine decrees.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89 is a "Maskil," a contemplative or instructive psalm attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite. It unfolds in two distinct, yet interconnected, movements. The first part (verses 1-37) is a magnificent hymn of praise to God's steadfast love (_hesed_) and faithfulness (_emunah_), culminating in a detailed recounting and reaffirmation of the Davidic covenant (especially verses 19-37). God's promise to David, outlined in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"), forms the theological core of this section, promising an eternal dynasty and a perpetual throne. Verse 34 is embedded within this divine oath, serving as a powerful assurance from God Himself that His covenant is inviolable. The psalm then dramatically shifts in verse 38 to a lament, where the psalmist cries out to God in light of the apparent collapse of the Davidic monarchy and the suffering of the people, seemingly contradicting the very promises just celebrated. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between God's unchanging word and the fluctuating realities of human history, making God's declaration in Psalms 89:34 all the more critical as an anchor of divine truth amidst human despair.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Davidic covenant was central to Israelite theology and national identity. It established David's lineage as the perpetual royal house, through whom God would mediate His rule and blessings. In the ancient Near East, covenants were solemn, legally binding agreements often ratified by oaths, sacrifices, and curses. Divine covenants, however, were considered unilaterally established by the deity, reflecting their sovereign will and power. The concept of a god breaking a covenant was unthinkable, as it would imply weakness or capriciousness. For Israel, the stability of their nation and the hope of a Messiah were intrinsically linked to the endurance of this covenant. The historical backdrop of Psalm 89 likely includes a period of national distress, possibly the Babylonian exile or a later crisis, where the Davidic monarchy had fallen, challenging the people's faith in God's promises. In such a context, God's emphatic declaration in Psalms 89:34 would have been an anchor of hope, reminding them that divine faithfulness transcends human failure and historical upheaval, echoing the truth that [God is not a man, that he should lie](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes. The most prominent is **God's Unbreakable Covenant**, emphasizing the absolute reliability and permanence of His divine agreements. Unlike human treaties, God's covenants are not subject to renegotiation or nullification due to external pressures or the unfaithfulness of the human party. Closely related is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness (_Emunah_)**, a core attribute of God that permeates the entire biblical narrative. It speaks to God's intrinsic nature as one who is utterly dependable, true to His word, and consistent in His character. The phrase "nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips" underscores the **Immutability of God's Word**, signifying that what God declares verbally is fixed, unchangeable, and eternally valid. This provides a solid foundation for faith, assuring believers that God's promises are not fleeting but are "settled in heaven" as declared in [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word is Settled in Heaven"). Implicitly, this verse also highlights the **Contrast with Human Unfaithfulness**, affirming that God's steadfast commitment stands regardless of human disobedience, doubt, or the apparent failure of circumstances, thereby securing the hope of God's ultimate redemptive plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **break (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** The Hebrew verb חלל (_châlal_) carries the primary meaning of "to profane," "to defile," "to violate," or "to make common." When applied to a covenant, it signifies the act of treating it as something ordinary or worthless, thereby rendering it null and void. God's emphatic declaration, "My covenant will I not break," asserts that He will never desecrate, dishonor, or invalidate His own sacred oath. This underscores the absolute sanctity and inviolability of His divine promises, emphasizing His perfect integrity.
* **alter (Hebrew, _shânâh'_):** The Hebrew verb שנה (_shânâh_) means "to fold," "to duplicate," and by implication, "to transmute" or "to change." In this context, it refers to modifying, reversing, or going back on a previously stated declaration. God's assertion that He will "nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips" emphasizes the permanence and finality of His decrees. What He has spoken is fixed; it is not subject to revision, retraction, or any form of modification, reinforcing His unchangeable nature and the eternal validity of His word.
* **lips (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_):** The Hebrew noun שָׂפָה (_sâphâh_) literally refers to the "lip" as a natural boundary, but by implication, it also signifies "language," "speech," or "utterance." In this verse, "the thing that is gone out of my lips" highlights the authoritative, personal, and verbal nature of God's pronouncements. It emphasizes that God's promises are not mere thoughts or intentions, but concrete, spoken words that carry divine weight and are irrevocably binding, originating directly from His very being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My covenant will I not break":** This clause directly addresses the Davidic covenant, which is the immediate context of Psalm 89. God, as the sovereign covenant-maker, declares that He will never violate or profane the sacred agreement He has established. This is a powerful affirmation of divine integrity and reliability. It assures that the promises made to David regarding his perpetual dynasty and the eternal nature of his throne will be upheld by God Himself, regardless of any external circumstances or human failures, demonstrating His unwavering commitment.
* **"nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first. "The thing that is gone out of my lips" refers to God's spoken word, His solemn declarations, and His divine decrees. The phrase emphasizes the oral, authoritative nature of God's pronouncements, underscoring that His promises are not merely written but are living, active words. By stating He will not "alter" them, God underscores the immutability of His word. What He has spoken is final, unchangeable, and eternally binding, providing ultimate certainty and stability for all who rely on God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:34 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "My covenant will I not break" is echoed and intensified by "nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." Both clauses convey the same core truth—God's unchanging faithfulness—but through slightly different facets: the first focuses on the covenant itself, while the second emphasizes the spoken word that constitutes it. This **Synonymous Parallelism** creates a sense of emphatic certainty and reinforces the divine resolve, ensuring the message of God's unchangeable nature is deeply impressed upon the listener. The verse also utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human actions (breaking, altering, speaking from lips) to God, making His commitment more relatable and understandable to a human audience, even while emphasizing His divine perfection in these actions. Furthermore, the entire declaration functions as a **Divine Oath**, a solemn pronouncement from God Himself, which in ancient Near Eastern thought carried ultimate authority and irrevocability. This oath is the bedrock of the psalmist's hope, even in the face of apparent contradiction and national crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:34 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the immutability and trustworthiness of God. It asserts that God's character is inextricably linked to His word; He cannot be unfaithful to Himself because His very being is truth and faithfulness. This divine attribute provides the ultimate ground for hope and faith, assuring believers that God's redemptive plan, His promises of salvation, and His ultimate victory are absolutely secure. This verse stands as a bulwark against doubt, particularly when human circumstances seem to contradict divine promises, reminding us that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon our performance or the world's stability, but on His unchanging nature. It undergirds the entire biblical narrative, from the Abrahamic covenant to the new covenant in Christ, affirming that God's intentions for His people are eternally fixed and will surely come to pass, providing an unshakeable foundation for all of God's dealings with humanity.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful Even When We Are Faithless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 89:34 offers immense comfort and stability for the believer navigating a world of constant change and often, profound disappointment. In an era where promises are easily broken and commitments frequently abandoned, this verse anchors our hope in the unwavering character of God. It reminds us that our salvation, our future, and the very foundation of our faith are not built on shifting sands of human reliability or fluctuating circumstances, but on the unshakeable rock of God's unchanging word. When life brings trials that seem to contradict God's goodness or when our prayers appear unanswered, this verse calls us to remember that God's integrity is absolute. We can confidently trust His promises for provision, protection, forgiveness, and eternal life, knowing that He will never break His covenant or alter what has gone out of His lips. This truth fosters perseverance in faith, encourages bold prayer, and cultivates a deep sense of peace, even in the midst of turmoil. It compels us to live in light of His faithfulness, knowing that His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration will surely unfold, culminating in the certain hope of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immutability of God's word impact your trust in His promises, particularly when circumstances seem to contradict them?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to lean more heavily on the unchanging nature of God's covenant and His spoken word?**
* **How does knowing that God will not "break" or "alter" His word encourage you to remain faithful and persevere in your own commitments?**
* **What practical steps can you take to regularly remind yourself of God's unwavering faithfulness as declared in this verse, especially during times of doubt or trial?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God saying He will "not break" His covenant?**

Answer: The phrase "not break" (Hebrew: _châlal_) signifies that God will never profane, violate, or treat His covenant as something common or worthless. This underscores the absolute sanctity and inviolability of His divine promises. Unlike human covenants that can be broken due to unfaithfulness, weakness, or changing circumstances, God's covenant is eternally secure because it is rooted in His perfect, unchanging character. It means His commitment is absolute and His integrity is unimpeachable, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith and hope, as seen in [Hebrews 6:17-18](/hebrews/6-17-18 "God's Unchangeable Purpose and Oath").

**What does it mean that God will not "alter the thing that is gone out of my lips"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the immutability and finality of God's spoken word. "The thing that is gone out of my lips" refers to His solemn declarations, decrees, and promises. To "alter" (Hebrew: _shânâh_) would mean to change, revise, or retract them. God's declaration here means that His word is fixed, eternally binding, and not subject to revision or reversal. What He has declared, He will perform. This provides ultimate certainty for believers, knowing that God's plans and promises, such as those found in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Empty"), will inevitably come to pass exactly as He has spoken them, demonstrating His perfect reliability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:34 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Davidic covenant, which God here promises never to break or alter, is the very covenant through which the Messiah would come. Jesus, as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), is the promised heir to David's eternal throne, whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, declared in Psalms 89:34, is perfectly demonstrated in His sending of Christ. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one who upholds and perfects God's covenant promises, not by altering them, but by fulfilling them in their deepest spiritual sense. His atoning death and resurrection establish the New Covenant, which is "a better covenant, founded on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant Established by Christ")), securing eternal salvation for all who believe. Through Christ, God's ancient promises of an eternal kingdom, forgiveness of sins, and intimate relationship with His people are irrevocably secured. Jesus is the "Amen," the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Amen")), embodying the very trustworthiness of God's word. Therefore, when God declares, "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips," He is ultimately affirming the certainty of Christ's reign and the eternal security of all who are in Him, for "all the promises of God find their 'Yes' in him, and therefore through him we utter our Amen to God for his glory" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")).

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

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Matthew 24:35

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

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Romans 11:29

For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

Malachi 3:6

For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Jeremiah 14:21

Do not abhor [us], for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

Leviticus 26:44

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I [am] the LORD their God.