Psalms 119:1
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
אַשְׁרֵ֥י
ALEPH Blessed
H835
אַשְׁרֵ֥י
ALEPH Blessed
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
1 of 6
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
תְמִֽימֵי
are the undefiled
H8549
תְמִֽימֵי
are the undefiled
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
2 of 6
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
דָ֑רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
דָ֑רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הַֽ֝הֹלְכִ֗ים
who walk
H1980
הַֽ֝הֹלְכִ֗ים
who walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Ezekiel 11:20That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Psalms 128:1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.Psalms 112:1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.Proverbs 11:20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.Psalms 101:2I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Historical Context
Psalm 119 is an acrostic masterpiece, with 22 eight-verse stanzas corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet's 22 letters. Each verse in a stanza begins with that section's letter, creating a comprehensive meditation on God's Word. Written likely during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), when Israel had been disciplined for covenant unfaithfulness, the Psalm reflects renewed appreciation for Torah. The exiles in Babylon had no temple, no sacrifices, no land—only Scripture. This intensified their devotion to God's written Word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding "blameless" as wholehearted integrity (not perfection) change your approach to obedience?
- In what ways has God's Word become your primary source of direction and joy?
- What is the relationship between walking in God's law and experiencing genuine blessedness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The longest Psalm opens with Hebrew ashrei (blessed/happy), emphasizing the blessedness of those who are temimei-darekh (blameless of way). The term tamim means complete, whole, without blemish—the same word used for sacrificial animals. This is not sinless perfection but wholehearted integrity. The phrase "walk in the law of the LORD" uses holkhei b'torat YHWH, where torah means instruction, teaching, direction—not merely legal code but divine revelation for life. Walking (halakh) implies continuous, habitual lifestyle rather than occasional observance. This opening verse establishes the Psalm's central theme: true happiness comes through wholehearted devotion to God's revealed will. Reformed theology sees this not as legalism but as the believer's joyful response to grace—we obey because we are saved, not to earn salvation.