Psalms Chapter 119 · Verse 133
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Original Language Analysis
פְּ֭עָמַי
my steps
H6471
פְּ֭עָמַי
my steps
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
1 of 8
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
הָכֵ֣ן
Order
H3559
הָכֵ֣ן
Order
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
וְֽאַל
H408
וְֽאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּשְׁלֶט
have dominion
H7980
תַּשְׁלֶט
have dominion
Strong's:
H7980
Word #:
5 of 8
to dominate, i.e., govern; by implication, to permit
Cross References
Psalms 17:5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.Psalms 19:13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.Psalms 119:116Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.Psalms 121:3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.1 Samuel 2:9He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Historical Context
The metaphor of walking reflects Hebrew thought where life is a journey, a 'way' (Derek). God's Word functions as lamp (v. 105) and guide. Without divine direction, humans wander into sin's dominion—a central concern in wisdom literature (Proverbs).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you actively submit each 'step' of your daily decisions to God's Word, or only major life choices?
- What specific iniquity threatens to 'have dominion' over you right now?
- How does God's Word establish and secure your steps—what's the mechanism?
Analysis & Commentary
Order my steps in thy word (הָכֵן פְּעָמַי בְּאִמְרָתֶךָ, hakhen pe'amai b'imratekha)—Kun means to establish, make firm, direct. Pe'am refers to feet/steps, the walk of life. Imrah (word/saying) is God's specific utterance. The prayer requests that God's Word govern every step, establishing a secure path (Prov 3:5-6, 16:9).
Let not any iniquity have dominion over me (וְאַל־תַּשְׁלֶט־בִּי כָל־אָוֶן, v'al-tashlet-bi khol-aven)—Shalat means to rule, dominate, exercise mastery. Aven (iniquity, wickedness) must not become the ruling power. The Christian parallel: 'Let not sin reign in your mortal body' (Rom 6:12).