Psalms 119:112
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
Original Language Analysis
נָטִ֣יתִי
I have inclined
H5186
נָטִ֣יתִי
I have inclined
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 6
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
לִ֭בִּי
mine heart
H3820
לִ֭בִּי
mine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 6
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
to perform
H6213
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
to perform
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֻקֶּ֗יךָ
thy statutes
H2706
חֻקֶּ֗יךָ
thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
4 of 6
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
Psalms 119:33Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.Psalms 119:36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.Psalms 141:4Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.Joshua 24:23Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.1 Kings 8:58That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.Psalms 119:44So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Historical Context
Written in a culture where covenant loyalty was measured by perseverance, not initial enthusiasm. Israel's history showed repeated cycles of devotion followed by apostasy. The psalmist's vow of endurance 'unto the end' addresses this pattern, committing to finish what he started.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically to 'incline your heart' toward obedience rather than waiting to feel like obeying?
- How do you maintain spiritual momentum from initial commitment to final perseverance 'unto the end'?
- In what areas has your heart drifted from God's statutes that need to be re-inclined through deliberate choice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Samekh (ס) section begins: I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes (נָטִיתִי לִבִּי לַעֲשׂוֹת חֻקֶּיךָ, natiti libbi la'asot chuqqekha). The verb natah means to bend, stretch out, incline—a deliberate act of will. The heart (lev) in Hebrew encompasses mind, will, and emotions—the control center of the person. This is not passive emotion but active volition bent toward obedience.
To perform (la'asot, to do, make, accomplish) emphasizes action, not mere hearing. Alway, even unto the end (לְעוֹלָם עֵקֶב, le'olam eqev)—olam means perpetuity, forever; eqev means heel, end, reward. The psalmist commits to lifelong obedience until his final breath. This mirrors Jesus's commitment: I do always those things that please him (John 8:29). Caleb exemplified this—he 'wholly followed the LORD' from age 40 to 85 (Josh 14:8-14).