Psalms 119:101
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Original Language Analysis
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹ֣רַח
way
H734
אֹ֣רַח
way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
2 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
כָּלִ֣אתִי
I have refrained
H3607
כָּלִ֣אתִי
I have refrained
Strong's:
H3607
Word #:
4 of 8
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
רַגְלָ֑י
my feet
H7272
רַגְלָ֑י
my feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
5 of 8
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
H4616
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Proverbs 1:15My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.Psalms 119:104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Historical Context
Ancient roads were dangerous—bandits, wild animals, false trails. Choosing the right path was survival. Deuteronomy 30:19's "choose life" wasn't abstract theology but concrete ethics: walk God's way or perish. Pilgrimage psalms (120-134) developed this metaphor of the righteous journey.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific "evil ways" do you need to actively refrain from—not just avoid passively but shut the door forcefully?
- How does obeying God's Word require not just doing right things but refusing wrong paths?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have refrained my feet from every evil way (מִכָּל־אֹרַח רָע כָּלִאתִי רַגְלָי mikkal-orach ra kaliti raglai)—Kala (refrain, restrain, shut up) implies forceful self-control. Orach (path, way) represents behavioral patterns; ra (evil, bad) encompasses all sinful trajectories. That I might keep thy word (לְמַעַן אֶשְׁמֹר דְּבָרֶךָ lema'an eshmor devarekha)—Purpose clause: restraint serves observance of God's davar (word, thing, matter).
This is practical sanctification: avoiding evil isn't merely negative prohibition but positive preservation—clearing the path to obey. Proverbs 4:14-15 commands, "Enter not into the path of the wicked... avoid it, pass not by it." Joseph fled Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12); Paul urged Timothy to "flee youthful lusts" (2 Timothy 2:22). The psalmist's raglai (feet) recall Psalm 119:105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet"—Scripture illuminates, then believers navigate accordingly.