Psalms 119:33

¶ HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it [unto] the end.

HE. Teach {H3384} me, O LORD {H3068}, the way {H1870} of thy statutes {H2706}; and I shall keep {H5341} it unto the end {H6118}.

(Heh) Teach me, ADONAI, the way of your laws; keeping them will be its own reward for me.

Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.

Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end.

Commentary

Psalms 119:33 is a profound prayer from the longest chapter in the Bible, a psalm entirely devoted to the glory and efficacy of God's Word. In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep desire for divine instruction coupled with an unwavering commitment to lifelong obedience.

Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, meticulously structured with 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section contains eight verses beginning with that letter. Verse 33 falls under the section marked "HE." (or Heh), the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This entire psalm is a meditation on the various facets of God's law (Torah), celebrating its wisdom, truth, and life-giving power. The psalmist consistently petitions God for understanding, guidance, and the strength to live according to His precepts, demonstrating a profound love for the divine commandments.

Key Themes

  • Divine Instruction and Humility: The opening phrase, "Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes," reveals a humble and dependent heart. The psalmist acknowledges that true understanding of God's ways does not come from human intellect alone but requires divine revelation and guidance. It's a prayer for spiritual enlightenment, seeking clarity on how to live in alignment with God's established decrees and principles. This echoes the sentiment found in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom.
  • Wholehearted Obedience and Perseverance: The second part of the verse, "and I shall keep it [unto] the end," signifies a resolute commitment. It's not merely a desire for knowledge, but a pledge to act upon that knowledge faithfully and consistently throughout life. The phrase "unto the end" emphasizes endurance, perseverance, and a lifelong devotion to God's commands, regardless of circumstances. This unwavering resolve to obey God's Word highlights the theme of enduring faithfulness, a hallmark of true discipleship.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "statutes" here is chuqqim (חֻקִּים), which refers to decrees or prescribed laws, often implying something engraved or firmly established. It speaks to God's authoritative and unchanging commands.
  • "Keep" is translated from the Hebrew verb shamar (שָׁמַר), which means to guard, observe, watch over, or preserve. It implies not just passive adherence but active, careful observance and protection of God's laws in one's life.
  • "Unto the end" (לָעֵקֶב, *la'eqev*) conveys the idea of completion, consequence, or the ultimate outcome. It underscores the psalmist's desire for a full, complete, and enduring walk of obedience.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:33 serves as a timeless model for every believer. It teaches us that:

  1. Spiritual Growth Requires Divine Teaching: We must actively seek God's instruction through His Word and prayer, acknowledging our need for His guidance to understand His ways. It's a call to be teachable.
  2. Knowledge Must Lead to Obedience: Understanding God's commands is not an end in itself; it must lead to active and intentional obedience. Our prayer for teaching should be accompanied by a commitment to live out what we learn.
  3. Faithfulness is a Lifelong Journey: The Christian walk is not a sprint but a marathon. We are called to persevere in our obedience and devotion to God "unto the end," trusting in His strength to sustain us through every season of life. This verse encourages a steadfast commitment to the work God has begun in us.

This verse encourages us to pray with sincerity for understanding and to couple that prayer with a determined resolve to live according to God's perfect and eternal Word.

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 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 119:26 (14 votes)

    ¶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

  • Psalms 119:27 (14 votes)

    Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

  • Isaiah 54:13 (10 votes)

    And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

  • 1 John 2:27 (10 votes)

    But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

  • Philippians 1:6 (9 votes)

    Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

  • Psalms 119:12 (8 votes)

    ¶ Blessed [art] thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

  • John 6:45 (7 votes)

    It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.