Psalms 119:102
I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
Original Language Analysis
מִמִּשְׁפָּטֶ֥יךָ
from thy judgments
H4941
מִמִּשְׁפָּטֶ֥יךָ
from thy judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
סָ֑רְתִּי
I have not departed
H5493
סָ֑רְתִּי
I have not departed
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
3 of 6
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 18:21For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.Proverbs 5:7Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.Jeremiah 32:40And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Historical Context
Israel's history was a cycle of apostasy: they departed (sur) from God's judgments, worshiped idols, suffered exile. The psalmist's claim represents remnant faithfulness—those who, by grace, did not bow to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Post-exilic Judaism emphasized Torah fidelity to avoid repeating ancestors' errors.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as your teacher (not just the Bible as your textbook) affect your approach to Scripture study?
- Can you trace areas of spiritual perseverance in your life back to specific seasons when God 'taught' you through His Word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I have not departed from thy judgments (מִמִּשְׁפָּטֶיךָ לֹא־סָרְתִּי mimishpatekha lo-sarti)—Sur (turn aside, depart) with the negative lo emphasizes steadfastness. Mishpatim (judgments, ordinances, decisions) are God's legal pronouncements. For thou hast taught me (כִּי־אַתָּה הוֹרֵתָנִי ki-attah horetani)—Yarah (teach, instruct, direct) is the root of torah (instruction, law). Divine pedagogy produces perseverance.
Cause and effect: God's teaching prevents departure. This isn't willpower but Spirit-wrought loyalty. Jeremiah 31:33's new covenant promise—"I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts"—creates what it commands. Jesus promised the Spirit would "teach you all things" (John 14:26). The psalmist's fidelity isn't human resolve but divine tutelage internalized. John 6:45 quotes Isaiah: "They shall be all taught of God."