Psalms 119:165
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁל֣וֹם
peace
H7965
שָׁל֣וֹם
peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
1 of 7
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
לְאֹהֲבֵ֣י
have they which love
H157
לְאֹהֲבֵ֣י
have they which love
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
3 of 7
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
תוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ
thy law
H8451
תוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ
thy law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
4 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
וְאֵֽין
H369
Cross References
Isaiah 32:17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.John 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Proverbs 3:17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.Proverbs 3:23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.1 John 2:10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.Isaiah 57:21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.Isaiah 28:13But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.Matthew 13:21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Historical Context
Psalm 119 is Scripture's longest chapter—176 verses, each referencing God's Word through eight synonyms (law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, saying). Its acrostic structure dedicates eight verses to each Hebrew letter, demonstrating that God's Word covers everything from Aleph to Tav (A to Z). Written possibly during exile when God's Word sustained Israel without temple, land, or king. The psalm demonstrates that love for God's law isn't legalism but grace—only the regenerate heart delights in God's commands.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you experience "great peace" through loving God's Word, or does Scripture feel more like obligation than delight?
- What "stumbling blocks" in life might be avoided through deeper love for and obedience to God's law?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse from the Torah psalm declares a counterintuitive promise: peace through loving God's law. "Great peace" (שָׁלוֹם רָב/shalom rav) isn't merely absence of conflict but comprehensive wellbeing—prosperity, wholeness, harmony. "They which love thy law" (אֹהֲבֵי תוֹרָתֶךָ/'ohavei toratekha) describes affectionate devotion to Torah, not mere duty but delight. The law isn't burden but treasure to those regenerated by grace. "Nothing shall offend them" (וְאֵין-לָמוֹ מִכְשׁוֹל/ve-'ein lamo mikhshol) means no stumbling block, no scandal, no obstacle that causes them to fall. Love for God's Word provides stability when circumstances might shake faith. This echoes Jesus: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matthew 5:6) and "If ye continue in my word...the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).