Psalms 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִ֥ם
H518
אִ֥ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ
and in his law
H8451
וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ
and in his law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
3 of 9
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חֶ֫פְצ֥וֹ
But his delight
H2656
חֶ֫פְצ֥וֹ
But his delight
Strong's:
H2656
Word #:
5 of 9
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ
and in his law
H8451
וּֽבְתוֹרָת֥וֹ
and in his law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
6 of 9
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.Psalms 119:92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.Psalms 119:35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.Psalms 112:1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.Psalms 104:34My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Psalms 119:1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Historical Context
The emphasis on 'the law of the LORD' reflects Israel's covenant identity as a people defined by God's written revelation. This psalm would have been used in temple worship to instruct worshipers in the path of wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely delight in Scripture, or is it primarily a duty? What might shift your heart toward delight?
- How could you incorporate more consistent meditation on God's Word into your daily rhythm?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The positive counterpart to verse 1, this verse reveals that true blessedness flows from delighting in God's torah (law/instruction). The Hebrew 'hagah' (meditate) originally meant to murmur or mutter, suggesting audible repetition and deep internalization of Scripture. Day and night meditation indicates constant engagement with God's Word, not legalistic obligation but genuine pleasure, echoing Joshua 1:8 and anticipating Christ's teaching about abiding in His word (John 15:7).