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Psalms 19:10

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More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

More to be desired {H2530} are they than gold {H2091}, yea, than much {H7227} fine gold {H6337}: sweeter {H4966} also than honey {H1706} and the honeycomb {H5317}{H6688}.

more desirable than gold, than much fine gold, also sweeter than honey or drippings from the honeycomb.

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

Commentary

Psalm 19:10 from the King James Version extols the supreme value and pleasantness of God's divine law and testimonies, comparing them favorably to the most prized earthly possessions and delights.

Context

This verse is part of the second section of Psalm 19 (verses 7-11), which shifts focus from God's revelation in creation (verses 1-6) to His revelation through His perfect law. The verses immediately preceding Psalm 19:10 describe the characteristics of the Lord's law, statutes, testimonies, and commandments—how they are perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. Verse 10 then provides a powerful statement about the *desirability* and *sweetness* of these divine instructions in the life of the believer, contrasting them with worldly values.

Key Themes

  • Supreme Value: The verse unequivocally states that God's word is more valuable than the most precious earthly wealth, specifically "much fine gold." This highlights that true riches are found not in material possessions but in knowing and living according to God's truth.
  • Profound Delight: God's commands are not burdensome but are described as "sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." This emphasizes the deep joy, satisfaction, and spiritual nourishment that come from engaging with and obeying God's word. It is a source of profound pleasure for the soul.
  • Contrast with Worldly Desires: By comparing God's word to gold and honey, the psalmist creates a vivid contrast between the temporary, often unsatisfying pursuits of the world and the eternal, deeply fulfilling nature of divine truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used amplify the comparison:

  • "Desired" comes from the root חֶמֶד (chemed), meaning desirable, precious, or valuable. It emphasizes the inherent worth of God's word.
  • "Fine gold" is פָּז (paz), referring to refined, pure gold, the highest standard of earthly value.
  • "Sweeter" is מָתוֹק (matoq), meaning sweet.
  • "Honeycomb" is נֹפֶת (nophet), often referring to honey dripping directly from the comb, considered the purest and sweetest form.

These terms are carefully chosen to use the strongest possible earthly comparisons to elevate the supreme value and delight found in God's word.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 19:10 challenges believers to examine their own desires. What do we truly value most? Is it wealth, comfort, pleasure, or is it the word of God? The psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declares that nothing earthly compares to the richness and delight found in God's truth. Applying this verse means actively prioritizing the reading, studying, and living out of Scripture, believing that it offers words of eternal life and brings incomparable joy and wisdom. It encourages a heart attitude that finds more satisfaction in obeying God than in acquiring possessions or indulging in temporary pleasures.

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

  • Proverbs 3:13 (7 votes)

    ¶ Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

  • Proverbs 3:15 (7 votes)

    She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

  • Psalms 119:103 (7 votes)

    ¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

  • Psalms 119:72 (7 votes)

    ¶ The law of thy mouth [is] better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

  • Psalms 119:127 (6 votes)

    ¶ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

  • Proverbs 16:16 (5 votes)

    ¶ How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

  • Job 23:12 (5 votes)

    Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].