Psalms 119:158
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
Original Language Analysis
רָאִ֣יתִי
I beheld
H7200
רָאִ֣יתִי
I beheld
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בֹ֭גְדִים
the transgressors
H898
בֹ֭גְדִים
the transgressors
Strong's:
H898
Word #:
2 of 7
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
וָֽאֶתְקוֹטָ֑טָה
and was grieved
H6962
וָֽאֶתְקוֹטָ֑טָה
and was grieved
Strong's:
H6962
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to cut off, i.e., (figuratively) detest
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Historical Context
The term bogdim often denotes apostate Israelites rather than pagan outsiders (Jeremiah 3:8; Malachi 2:10-16). The psalmist grieves over covenant members who abandon God's Word—a recurring tragedy from the golden calf to Judas. His holy sorrow mirrors God's own grief over faithless Israel (Hosea 11:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate grief over sin (yours and others') rather than self-righteous judgment or indifferent tolerance?
- What's the difference between the world's offense at moral failure and the believer's grief over covenant-betrayal?
- How does Jesus's weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) model the psalmist's response to transgressors?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved (רָאִיתִי בֹגְדִים וָאֶתְקוֹטָטָה, ra'iti bogdim va'etqotatah)—Bogdim are 'traitors, treacherous ones,' from bagad (betray covenant). Qut means 'feel disgust, loathe, be grieved.' The psalmist's response isn't self-righteousness but holy grief at covenant-breaking: because they kept not thy word (אֲשֶׁר אִמְרָתְךָ לֹא שָׁמָרוּ, asher imratekha lo shamaru). Shamar (keep, guard, observe) is precisely what bogdim refuse.
Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:18: 'Many walk...enemies of the cross of Christ...I tell you even weeping.' Grief over others' sin marks spiritual maturity, not judgmentalism.