Psalms 119:106
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
Original Language Analysis
נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי
I have sworn
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי
I have sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 5
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
וָאֲקַיֵּ֑מָה
and I will perform
H6965
וָאֲקַיֵּ֑מָה
and I will perform
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 5
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
it that I will keep
H8104
לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר
it that I will keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Nehemiah 10:29They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;Psalms 56:12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.2 Corinthians 8:5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.2 Kings 23:3And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
Historical Context
Written during David's persecution or the Babylonian exile, when keeping God's law required costly commitment. Oath-taking in ancient Israel was sacred and legally binding, invoking God as witness. The righteous judgments refer to the Torah given at Sinai, the foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Questions for Reflection
- What vows have you made to God that require renewed commitment and faithful performance?
- How does the psalmist's sworn obedience challenge a Christianity that emphasizes grace without discipleship?
- In what ways does covenant loyalty to God's word require sacrifice in your current circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Nun (נ) section begins with I have sworn, and I will perform it (נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי וָאֲקַיֵּמָה, nishba'ti va'aqayemah)—a solemn vow using the verb shaba (to swear an oath). This echoes Nehemiah's covenant renewal (Neh 10:29) and prefigures the New Covenant sealed in Christ's blood. The psalmist's resolve to keep thy righteous judgments (מִשְׁפָּטֵי צִדְקֶךָ, mishpetei tzidkekha) reflects covenantal commitment—God's mishpatim are not arbitrary rules but righteous ordinances flowing from His character.
Performance of vows was legally binding in Israel (Deut 23:21-23), making this a serious commitment. The structure parallels wedding vows or military oaths—public declaration followed by faithful execution. This verse challenges cheap grace and easy-believism, demanding resolved obedience rooted in covenant loyalty.