Psalms 119:16

Authorized King James Version

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּחֻקֹּתֶ֥יךָ

H2708

myself in thy statutes

a statute

אֶֽשְׁתַּעֲשָׁ֑ע

H8173

I will delight

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare

לֹ֭א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶשְׁכַּ֣ח

H7911

I will not forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

דְּבָרֶֽךָ׃

H1697

thy word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 119 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?