Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭לִבִּי
in mine heart
H3820
בְּ֭לִבִּי
in mine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
צָפַ֣נְתִּי
have I hid
H6845
צָפַ֣נְתִּי
have I hid
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
2 of 7
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
H4616
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 37:31The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Job 22:22Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.Psalms 119:97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.Proverbs 2:1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;Luke 2:19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Historical Context
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is an elaborate acrostic celebrating God's torah. Each eight-verse section corresponds to a Hebrew letter. Written during Israel's Second Temple period, it reflects the centrality of written Scripture in Jewish piety and the post-exilic emphasis on covenant faithfulness through law observance.
Questions for Reflection
- How much Scripture have you memorized, and how has it protected you from sin in specific situations?
- What system or practice could you implement to hide God's Word more deeply in your heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew 'tsaphan' (hid) suggests treasuring or storing up, not concealment from others. Hiding God's Word 'in the heart' (leb—the inner person, including mind and will) means deep internalization through memorization and meditation. The purpose clause 'that I might not sin against thee' reveals Scripture's sanctifying function (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26). This verse embodies the psalmist's strategy for holiness: preventive rather than merely corrective. Christ exemplified this principle by wielding Scripture against Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). The verse assumes God's Word as the objective standard for righteousness.