Psalms Chapter 119 · Verse 121
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Original Language Analysis
עָ֭שִׂיתִי
AIN I have done
H6213
עָ֭שִׂיתִי
AIN I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁפָּ֣ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֣ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וָצֶ֑דֶק
and justice
H6664
וָצֶ֑דֶק
and justice
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
3 of 6
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:15And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.Psalms 37:33The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Historical Context
Psalm 119 is an elaborate acrostic poem where each eight-verse stanza begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 121-128 form the Ayin (ע) section. Jewish tradition associates this psalm with David or exilic Jews meditating on Torah during Babylonian captivity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pursuing justice and righteousness give believers confidence to petition God for protection?
- In what ways does Christ's perfect obedience serve as both your example and your legal standing before God?
- When facing opposition, do you appeal to your own righteousness or Christ's imputed righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
I have done judgment and justice (עָשִׂיתִי מִשְׁפָּט וָצֶדֶק, asiti mishpat va-tsedeq)—The psalmist appeals to his own covenant faithfulness, not for merit-based justification but as ground to petition God for protection. Mishpat (judgment) and tsedeq (righteousness/justice) form a hendiadys expressing comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will.
Leave me not to mine oppressors—This plea assumes the covenant principle that God defends those who walk in His ways (Ps 37:28). The cry anticipates Christ's perfect fulfillment of all righteousness (Matt 3:15) and His advocacy for believers (1 John 2:1).