Psalms 119:118
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
Original Language Analysis
סָ֭לִיתָ
Thou hast trodden down
H5541
סָ֭לִיתָ
Thou hast trodden down
Strong's:
H5541
Word #:
1 of 7
to hang up, i.e., weigh, or (figuratively) contemn
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שׁוֹגִ֣ים
all them that err
H7686
שׁוֹגִ֣ים
all them that err
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
3 of 7
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
מֵחֻקֶּ֑יךָ
from thy statutes
H2706
מֵחֻקֶּ֑יךָ
from thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
4 of 7
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated this principle repeatedly—apostasy brought defeat (Judges cycle), exile (722 BC, 586 BC), and destruction (70 AD). The psalmist observes God's historical pattern of treading down covenant-breakers, warning future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's pattern of treading down those who err from His statutes shape your view of apostasy?
- What forms of spiritual 'deceit' and 'falsehood' most threaten to lead you astray from Scripture?
- In what ways do you see God's judgment on those who abandon His word in contemporary culture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes (סָלִיתָ כָּל־שׁוֹגִים מֵחֻקֶּיךָ, salita khol-shogim mechuqqekha)—the verb salah means to trample, tread down, reject with contempt. This is divine judicial action against apostates. Those who wander (shagah, go astray, err) from God's statutes face certain judgment. History confirms this: Israel's apostasy led to exile; Judas's betrayal to destruction.
For their deceit is falsehood (כִּי־שֶׁקֶר תַּרְמִיתָם, ki-sheqer tarmitam)—sheqer (deception, lie) and tarmit (deceit, treachery) are synonymous, emphasizing that those who abandon God's truth embrace lies. Their entire system is built on falsehood. This anticipates 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12: God sends strong delusion to those who reject truth. The verse warns that deviation from Scripture leads to a deception so complete that God Himself confirms the delusion through judgment. Truth and consequences are inseparable.