Psalms 119:18
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Original Language Analysis
גַּל
Open
H1540
גַּל
Open
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
1 of 5
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
עֵינַ֥י
thou mine eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֥י
thou mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 5
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְאַבִּ֑יטָה
that I may behold
H5027
וְאַבִּ֑יטָה
that I may behold
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
3 of 5
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
Cross References
Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Isaiah 29:18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.Isaiah 35:5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.Isaiah 32:3And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.Matthew 13:13Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.John 9:39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.Revelation 3:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.Psalms 119:96I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Historical Context
In post-exilic Judaism, Torah study became central to Jewish identity. Yet mere academic study without spiritual illumination produces only intellectual knowledge, not transforming wisdom. The Pharisees exemplified this danger—extensive scriptural knowledge without perceiving Christ whom Scripture testified of (John 5:39-40). Jesus rebuked them for being blind guides (Matthew 23:16). This prayer guards against studying Scripture as merely ancient literature rather than living divine revelation requiring God's help to truly see.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between reading Scripture academically and beholding it with Spirit-opened eyes?
- How does recognizing our need for divine illumination keep us humble in Bible study?
- What "wondrous things" has God recently revealed to you from His Word that you hadn't seen before?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prayer "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law" reveals spiritual epistemology. Gal einai (open my eyes) acknowledges natural spiritual blindness—unregenerate humanity cannot perceive divine truth (1 Corinthians 2:14). Niflaot (wondrous things) means marvels, extraordinary things beyond human discovery. God's law contains depths that require divine illumination to perceive. This anticipates Jesus opening disciples' understanding to comprehend Scripture (Luke 24:45) and Paul's prayer for enlightenment (Ephesians 1:18). Reformed theology affirms both Scripture's objective clarity (perspicuity) and the Spirit's subjective illumination—the Bible is clear enough for salvation, yet requires the Spirit to open blind eyes to receive its truth.