Psalms 119:108
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
Original Language Analysis
נִדְב֣וֹת
I beseech thee the freewill offerings
H5071
נִדְב֣וֹת
I beseech thee the freewill offerings
Strong's:
H5071
Word #:
1 of 7
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
פִּ֭י
of my mouth
H6310
פִּ֭י
of my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
4 of 7
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Hosea 14:2Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.Psalms 119:12Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.Numbers 29:39These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
Historical Context
The freewill offering system allowed worshipers to express spontaneous gratitude beyond mandatory tithes and offerings. In post-exilic Judaism, when sacrifice was difficult or impossible, prayer and praise were understood as acceptable substitutes, a theology developed fully in the synagogue tradition and Christian worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'freewill offerings of your mouth' can you bring to God beyond routine prayers?
- How does linking praise with learning God's judgments challenge superficial worship?
- In what ways do your words function as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth (נִדְבוֹת פִּי רְצֵה־נָא יְהוָה, nidvot pi retzeh-na YHWH)—the nedavot were voluntary offerings beyond required sacrifices (Lev 7:16, 22:18-23). Here the psalmist offers not animals but words: praise, confession, vows. This anticipates Hebrews 13:15, the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips.
The parallel petition, teach me thy judgments (מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ לַמְּדֵנִי, mishpatekha lammedeni), reveals the connection between worship and instruction. True praise flows from understanding God's character revealed in His statutes. The verb lamad (teach) suggests ongoing discipleship—we never graduate from learning God's ways. This verse links Levitical worship with prophetic emphasis on 'the sacrifice of the lips' (Hos 14:2), pointing to NT spiritual worship.