Psalms 111:8
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
Original Language Analysis
סְמוּכִ֣ים
They stand fast
H5564
סְמוּכִ֣ים
They stand fast
Strong's:
H5564
Word #:
1 of 6
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
לָעַ֣ד
for ever
H5703
לָעַ֣ד
for ever
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
and ever
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
and ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם
and are done
H6213
עֲ֝שׂוּיִ֗ם
and are done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Matthew 5:18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.Psalms 19:9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.Isaiah 40:8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Historical Context
This verse falls within Psalm 111's acrostic structure (lines beginning with samekh and ayin). The emphasis on Torah's permanence reflects Israel's post-exilic renewal, when Ezra reestablished the law as central to national identity (Nehemiah 8). After exile threatened to dissolve Israel's distinctiveness, this psalm reaffirmed that God's commandments—not political power or territorial possession—constitute Israel's eternal foundation. Early Christianity inherited this conviction, seeing Christ as Torah's fulfillment, not its abolition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture's eternal, unchanging nature provide stability in a culture of moral relativism?
- What practical difference does it make to view God's commands as reflecting His character rather than arbitrary rules?
- In what areas might you be tempted to treat God's word as culturally conditioned rather than eternally authoritative?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They stand fast for ever and ever (סְמוּכִים לָעַד לְעוֹלָם)—Semukbim (firmly established, supported) describes God's precepts as unshakeable and permanent. La'ad le'olam (forever and ever) uses synonymous Hebrew terms for eternity, emphasizing absolute perpetuity. This echoes Psalm 119's meditation on Torah's eternal nature and Jesus's declaration that Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). While human institutions crumble, God's commandments remain immovable truth anchoring every generation.
And are done in truth and uprightness (עֲשׂוּיִם בֶּאֱמֶת וְיָשָׁר)—Emet (truth, faithfulness, reliability) and yashar (upright, straight, just) describe how God's laws are enacted: with complete integrity and moral perfection. God's precepts reflect His character—He commands nothing arbitrary or capricious. The verb asuyim (done, made) suggests God's laws are not mere ideas but actively established realities governing moral order. Heaven and earth may pass, but God's righteous standards endure (Matthew 5:18).