Psalms 119:109

Authorized King James Version

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My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

Original Language Analysis

נַפְשִׁ֣י My soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֣י My soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְכַפִּ֣י in my hand H3709
בְכַפִּ֣י in my hand
Strong's: H3709
Word #: 2 of 6
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
תָמִ֑יד is continually H8548
תָמִ֑יד is continually
Strong's: H8548
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וְ֝תֽוֹרָתְךָ֗ thy law H8451
וְ֝תֽוֹרָתְךָ֗ thy law
Strong's: H8451
Word #: 4 of 6
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃ yet do I not forget H7911
שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃ yet do I not forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 6 of 6
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Analysis & Commentary

My soul is continually in my hand (נַפְשִׁי בְכַפִּי תָמִיד, nafshi vekhapi tamid)—an idiom meaning constant danger of death. Job uses identical language: I have put my life in my hand (Job 13:14). The phrase evokes a soldier carrying his life in his palm, ready to be snatched away. The psalmist's danger is unceasing (tamid, continual, perpetual).

Yet the response is stunning: yet do I not forget thy law (וְתוֹרָתְךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי, vetoraткha lo shakhachti). Mortal peril does not produce amnesia about God's Torah. This mirrors Jesus in Gethsemane—facing death yet submitting to the Father's will. Daniel's friends in the furnace (Dan 3:16-18) show the same resolve: even if God doesn't deliver us, we will not forget His commands. Faithfulness in extremity is the acid test of genuine faith.

Historical Context

David frequently faced mortal danger from Saul's pursuit and later Absalom's rebellion. The imagery would resonate with any Israelite facing persecution for Torah observance, particularly during the Maccabean crisis when keeping the law meant death (1 Macc 1:60-63).

Questions for Reflection

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