Psalms 119:131
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
פִּֽי
my mouth
H6310
פִּֽי
my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
1 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
פָ֭עַרְתִּי
I opened
H6473
פָ֭עַרְתִּי
I opened
Strong's:
H6473
Word #:
2 of 6
to yawn, i.e., open wide (literally or figuratively)
וָאֶשְׁאָ֑פָה
and panted
H7602
וָאֶשְׁאָ֑פָה
and panted
Strong's:
H7602
Word #:
3 of 6
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 42:1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.Psalms 119:20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:Psalms 81:10I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.Psalms 119:162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.Psalms 119:174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.Job 29:23And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
Historical Context
The image of panting for God echoes Psalm 42:1 ('As the deer pants for water brooks'). In the ancient Near East's arid climate, desperate thirst was a powerful metaphor for spiritual longing. This intensity contrasts with casual religiosity.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your desire for God's Word resemble desperate panting, or casual browsing?
- What spiritual disciplines intensify your hunger for Scripture rather than merely satisfying duty?
- How can you cultivate the kind of yearning for God's commandments described here?
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Analysis & Commentary
I opened my mouth, and panted (פִּי־פָעַרְתִּי וָאֶשְׁאָפָה, pi-fa'arti va'esh'afah)—Vivid imagery of desperate gasping. Pa'ar means to open wide (like a bird's gaping mouth waiting for food, Isa 5:14), and sha'af means to pant, gasp for air. The physical desperation illustrates spiritual hunger.
For I longed for thy commandments (כִּי לְמִצְוֹתֶיךָ יָאָבְתִּי, ki l'mitzvoteiḵa ya'avti)—Ya'av means to long, yearn intensely. This isn't casual interest but consuming desire. Jesus pronounces blessed those who 'hunger and thirst for righteousness' (Matt 5:6). Spiritual appetite indicates spiritual health.