Psalms 119:138
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
Original Language Analysis
צִ֭וִּיתָ
that thou hast commanded
H6680
צִ֭וִּיתָ
that thou hast commanded
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
1 of 5
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
צֶ֣דֶק
are righteous
H6664
צֶ֣דֶק
are righteous
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 5
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern covenants, the 'testimonies' were the treaty stipulations inscribed on tablets. Israel's Torah functioned similarly—God's covenant faithfulness was encoded in His laws, which testified to His unchanging character and purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways have you experienced God's Word as both 'righteous' (perfectly right) and 'faithful' (utterly reliable)?
- How does the absolute trustworthiness of Scripture shape your response to cultural challenges to biblical authority?
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Analysis & Commentary
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded (edot, עֵדוֹת)—God's testimonies are His covenant stipulations, the authoritative witness to His will. Are righteous and very faithful (צֶדֶק וֶאֱמוּנָה מְאֹד, tsedeq ve-emunah meod)—The pairing of righteousness (tsedeq) and faithfulness (emunah) describes God's Word as both morally perfect and utterly reliable.
Scripture's dual character—righteous in content, faithful in execution—means it can be trusted completely. Jesus declared, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). The very (exceedingly) emphasizes the superlative nature of God's self-revelation through His commandments.