Psalms 119:142
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Original Language Analysis
צִדְקָתְךָ֣
Thy righteousness
H6666
צִדְקָתְךָ֣
Thy righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
1 of 5
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
צֶ֣דֶק
righteousness
H6664
צֶ֣דֶק
righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 5
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
is an everlasting
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
is an everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Cross References
Psalms 19:9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.John 17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.Psalms 119:151Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.Isaiah 51:8For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.Isaiah 51:6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.Psalms 119:144The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.Psalms 36:6Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.Ephesians 4:21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Historical Context
The concept of eternal, unchanging divine law stood in stark contrast to the mutable laws of human empires. While Babylonian, Persian, and Greek codes changed with rulers, YHWH's Torah was grounded in His eternal nature.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the eternality of God's righteousness challenge modern assumptions about evolving moral standards?
- What difference does it make to your daily decisions that God's law is 'the truth'—not merely true, but truth itself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness (צִדְקָתְךָ צֶדֶק לְעוֹלָם, tsidqatka tsedeq le-olam)—God's righteousness is not circumstantial or era-dependent but eternal, unchanging across all ages. And thy law is the truth (וְתוֹרָתְךָ אֱמֶת, ve-toratka emet)—Torah is not merely true but is truth itself, the absolute standard by which all else is measured.
Jesus identified Himself with this eternal truth: "I am... the truth" (John 14:6) and prayed, "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). In a relativistic age that denies absolute truth, this verse anchors moral reality in God's unchanging character. His righteousness doesn't evolve; His law doesn't need updating for modern sensibilities.