Psalms 119:15
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Original Language Analysis
בְּפִקּוּדֶ֥יךָ
in thy precepts
H6490
בְּפִקּוּדֶ֥יךָ
in thy precepts
Strong's:
H6490
Word #:
1 of 4
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)
אָשִׂ֑יחָה
I will meditate
H7878
אָשִׂ֑יחָה
I will meditate
Strong's:
H7878
Word #:
2 of 4
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
Cross References
Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalms 119:148Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Psalms 119:97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.Psalms 119:78Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.Psalms 119:48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.Psalms 119:117Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.Psalms 119:131I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.Psalms 119:6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.Psalms 119:23Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Historical Context
Meditation (siach) was central to Israelite spirituality, mentioned repeatedly in Psalm 119 (vv. 15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 148). Unlike Eastern meditation that empties the mind, biblical meditation fills it with God's truth through prolonged, focused reflection. Joshua 1:8 commanded meditation day and night, and Psalm 1:2 described the blessed person as one who meditates on God's law continually.
Questions for Reflection
- How much time do you actually spend meditating on Scripture versus merely reading it?
- What practices help you move from information-gathering to genuine meditation and contemplation?
- How can you simultaneously focus on God's commands (precepts) and God's character (ways) without divorcing them?
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Analysis & Commentary
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. The psalmist commits to sustained contemplation. Meditate (asicha, אָשִׂיחָה) means to muse, ponder, or speak thoughtfully—the same word used in verse 23 when princes conspire against him, showing meditation can be on good or evil. Precepts (piqqudeykha, פִּקֻּדֶיךָ) are God's appointed instructions, His specific directives for life. Meditation on God's Word is not passive reading but active, engaged reflection.
Have respect unto (abbitah, אַבִּיטָה) means to gaze at, regard attentively, or fix one's eyes upon. Thy ways (orechotekha, אֹרְחֹתֶיךָ) are God's paths or tracks—the patterns of His actions and character. Together, these verbs describe comprehensive engagement: mentally pondering God's instructions while attentively observing His revealed ways. This dual focus—on what God commands and who God is—prevents legalism (focusing only on commands) and sentimentalism (focusing only on God's nature without obedience).