Psalms 119:128

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

Original Language Analysis

עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֤ן׀ H3651
כֵּ֤ן׀
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פִּקּ֣וּדֵי Therefore I esteem all thy precepts H6490
פִּקּ֣וּדֵי Therefore I esteem all thy precepts
Strong's: H6490
Word #: 4 of 10
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)
כֹ֣ל H3605
כֹ֣ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשָּׁ֑רְתִּי concerning all things to be right H3474
יִשָּׁ֑רְתִּי concerning all things to be right
Strong's: H3474
Word #: 6 of 10
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹ֖רַח way H734
אֹ֖רַח way
Strong's: H734
Word #: 8 of 10
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
שֶׁ֣קֶר every false H8267
שֶׁ֣קֶר every false
Strong's: H8267
Word #: 9 of 10
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
שָׂנֵֽאתִי׃ and I hate H8130
שָׂנֵֽאתִי׃ and I hate
Strong's: H8130
Word #: 10 of 10
to hate (personally)

Analysis & Commentary

Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right (עַל־כֵּן כָּל־פִּקּוּדֵי כֹל יִשָּׁרְתִּי, al-ken kol-piqudei khol yishartי)—The double 'all' (כֹל כָּל, kol kol) is emphatic: every single precept (piquddim, ordinances) about every single matter is right (yashar, straight, upright). No picking and choosing; comprehensive submission to God's comprehensive Word.

I hate every false way (כָּל־אֹרַח שֶׁקֶר שָׂנֵאתִי, kol-orach sheqer saneti)—Love for truth demands hatred of falsehood. Sheqer (lie, deception, false way) is not merely error but active deception. Biblical faith requires both positive affirmation and negative rejection (Amos 5:15, Rom 12:9).

Historical Context

This concludes the Ayin (ע) stanza. The eightfold repetition in each stanza hammers home total devotion to God's Word. Ancient wisdom literature emphasized the two ways: righteousness versus wickedness, truth versus falsehood (Ps 1, Prov 4:14-19).

Questions for Reflection

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