Psalms 119:135
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Original Language Analysis
פָּ֭נֶיךָ
Make thy face
H6440
פָּ֭נֶיךָ
Make thy face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
1 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָאֵ֣ר
to shine
H215
הָאֵ֣ר
to shine
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
2 of 6
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי
and teach
H3925
וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי
and teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
Cross References
Psalms 4:6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.Luke 24:45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,Psalms 80:7Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.Psalms 80:19Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.Psalms 80:3Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.Job 36:22Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
Historical Context
The tabernacle/temple menorah symbolized God's illuminating presence among His people. High priestly blessings invoked God's shining face. The ultimate fulfillment: 'In thy light shall we see light' (Ps 36:9), fulfilled in Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12).
Questions for Reflection
- What's the connection between experiencing God's favor (shining face) and learning His statutes?
- How do you know when God's face is shining upon you versus when He seems distant?
- Does your prayer life prioritize experiencing God's presence or merely receiving His benefits?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant (פָּנֶיךָ הָאֵר בְּעַבְדֶּךָ, paneiḵa ha'er b'avdekha)—Or means to give light, illuminate, shine. This echoes the Aaronic blessing (Num 6:25) and recurs in Psalm 80:3, 7, 19. The shining face represents God's favor, pleasure, and manifest presence—the opposite of a hidden or angry face (Ps 27:9).
Teach me thy statutes (וְלַמְּדֵנִי אֶת־חֻקֶּיךָ, v'lamdeni et-chuqeiḵa)—Lamad (teach) + chuqqim (statutes, decrees). Divine illumination and instruction are linked—God's shining face includes teaching His ways. Light brings both warmth (favor) and clarity (understanding).