Psalms 119:164
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Original Language Analysis
שֶׁ֣בַע
Seven times
H7651
שֶׁ֣בַע
Seven times
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
1 of 6
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
בַּ֭יּוֹם
a day
H3117
בַּ֭יּוֹם
a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הִלַּלְתִּ֑יךָ
do I praise
H1984
הִלַּלְתִּ֑יךָ
do I praise
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
3 of 6
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
עַ֝֗ל
H5921
עַ֝֗ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 119:62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.Psalms 55:17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.Psalms 97:8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition developed structured prayer times (Daniel prayed three times daily, Daniel 6:10), but Psalm 119:164 suggests even more frequent devotion. The number seven pervades Scripture's worship pattern—seven-day week, seventh-year sabbath, seven festivals. Continual praise reflects God's unceasing worthiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate a lifestyle of 'seven times a day' praise without it becoming empty ritual?
- What does it reveal about spiritual maturity that the psalmist praises God specifically for His 'righteous judgments'?
- How does understanding God's justice as praiseworthy (not merely tolerable) transform your view of His character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Seven times a day do I praise thee (שֶׁבַע בַּיּוֹם הִלַּלְתִּיךָ, sheva bayom hillalticha)—Sheva (seven) symbolizes completeness, perfection. Halal means 'praise, boast, celebrate, shine.' Not literal counting but comprehensive devotion. The reason? Because of thy righteous judgments (עַל מִשְׁפְּטֵי צִדְקֶךָ, al mishpetei tzidqekha). Mishpetei tzedek—'judgments of righteousness,' God's just decrees themselves warrant continual praise.
This anticipates 1 Thessalonians 5:17: 'Pray without ceasing.' Revelation 4:8 shows creatures praising God 'day and night' without rest. The psalmist's sevenfold praise prefigures eternal worship rooted in God's righteous character.