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Psalms 119:15

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I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

I will meditate {H7878} in thy precepts {H6490}, and have respect {H5027} unto thy ways {H734}.

I will meditate on your precepts and keep my eyes on your ways.

I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways.

I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways.

Commentary

Psalms 119:15 is a declaration of the psalmist's personal commitment to God's divine instructions and character. It encapsulates a profound devotion where internal contemplation leads to external conduct.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem structured around the Hebrew alphabet, with each section (eight verses) beginning with a successive letter. The entire psalm is a magnificent ode to the beauty and power of God's Word, using various synonyms for divine revelation (precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, testimonies, law, ways, word). Verse 15 fits into this overarching theme, highlighting the psalmist's personal resolve to engage deeply with God's truth.

Key Themes

  • Intentional Meditation: The verse emphasizes a deliberate and active engagement with God's teachings. It's not passive reading but a thoughtful dwelling on divine truths, allowing them to sink into the heart and mind.
  • Reverent Obedience: "Have respect unto thy ways" signifies a deep reverence for God's character and methods, leading to a desire to align one's life with His will. This respect naturally translates into practical obedience and adherence to His moral and spiritual paths.
  • Integrated Spirituality: The verse beautifully connects internal reflection ("meditate in thy precepts") with external action ("have respect unto thy ways"). True spiritual growth involves both understanding God's Word and living it out.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "meditate" is hāgâh (הָגָה), which means to ponder, muse, murmur, or even growl. It suggests a deep, audible, and repetitive rumination, much like a lion growling over its prey or a cow chewing its cud. It's a far cry from superficial thought, pointing instead to a profound, prayerful consideration of God's Word, as seen in Psalm 1:2.
  • "Precepts" (piqqûdîm - פִּקֻּדִים) refers to specific instructions or appointed charges from God, emphasizing their authoritative and binding nature.
  • "Respect" comes from the Hebrew nābaṭ (נָבַט), meaning to look at, gaze upon, or consider. It implies a careful, attentive gaze, signifying deep regard and consideration that leads to action.
  • "Ways" (derek - דֶּרֶךְ) refers to God's paths, His conduct, His moral character, and the principles by which He operates. To have respect for His ways is to honor His character and follow His example and commands.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:15 challenges believers today to move beyond casual reading of the Bible to a deeper, more intentional engagement. To "meditate in thy precepts" means to set aside time to truly absorb, reflect upon, and pray through Scripture, allowing its truths to shape our thinking. This deep internal work naturally translates into practical obedience and a reverent lifestyle, where we "have respect unto thy ways." Living out God's Word is not merely about knowing what it says, but about letting it transform how we live, as encouraged in James 1:22.

Embracing this verse leads to a life of wisdom, stability, and joy, as our thoughts and actions are continually guided by the unchanging truth of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 1:2 (10 votes)

    But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

  • James 1:25 (9 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 119:148 (8 votes)

    Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

  • Psalms 119:97 (7 votes)

    ¶ MEM. O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day.

  • Psalms 119:78 (6 votes)

    ¶ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: [but] I will meditate in thy precepts.

  • Psalms 119:48 (6 votes)

    My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

  • Psalms 119:131 (5 votes)

    ¶ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.