Psalms 119:125
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
Original Language Analysis
הֲבִינֵ֑נִי
give me understanding
H995
הֲבִינֵ֑נִי
give me understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
3 of 5
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Psalms 116:16O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.Psalms 119:34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.Proverbs 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.2 Timothy 2:7Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern servants typically performed tasks without explanation. Israel's covenant was radically different—God revealed His purposes, rationale, and character to His servants. Moses knew God's 'ways,' not merely His 'acts' (Ps 103:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity as God's servant create both obligation and privilege to understand His Word?
- What's the difference between intellectual understanding of Scripture and experiential knowledge of God's testimonies?
- Are you actively seeking divine illumination as you study the Bible, or relying solely on human reason?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I am thy servant; give me understanding (עַבְדְּךָ־אָנִי הֲבִינֵנִי, avdekha-ani havineni)—Servanthood establishes the relationship; understanding (binah) is the request. Biblical service requires illuminated minds, not blind obedience. The verb bin means to discern, perceive deeply—the same word used in Daniel's request for wisdom (Dan 9:2).
That I may know thy testimonies (עֵדֹתֶיךָ, edoteiḵa)—God's witnesses or testimonies, His covenant stipulations. Intellectual comprehension aims at relational knowledge (yada). Understanding leads to knowing, head knowledge to heart experience.