Psalms Chapter 119 · Verse 166
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
שִׂבַּ֣רְתִּי
I have hoped
H7663
שִׂבַּ֣רְתִּי
I have hoped
Strong's:
H7663
Word #:
1 of 5
to scrutinize; by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience)
לִֽישׁוּעָתְךָ֣
for thy salvation
H3444
לִֽישׁוּעָתְךָ֣
for thy salvation
Strong's:
H3444
Word #:
2 of 5
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
יְהוָ֑ה
LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.Psalms 119:174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.Psalms 4:5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.Psalms 119:81My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.John 7:17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Historical Context
The verse reflects the already/not-yet tension of redemptive history. Israel hoped for ultimate deliverance while obeying present commandments. Christians await Christ's return (Titus 2:13) while keeping His commands (John 14:15). Hope isn't passive wishing but active, obedient expectation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does true hope for God's salvation express itself in present obedience to His commandments?
- What would change in your life if you truly 'hoped' (<em>sivarti</em>—waited with confident expectation) for God's <em>yeshu'ah</em> (salvation/Jesus)?
- How does the connection between waiting for salvation and doing commandments challenge both legalism and antinomianism?
Analysis & Commentary
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation (לִישׁוּעָתְךָ שִׂבַּרְתִּי יְהוָה, lishu'atekha sivarti YHWH)—Savar means 'hope, wait, expect with confidence.' Yeshu'ah ('salvation, deliverance') appears—the root of Yeshua/Jesus. The conjunction: and done thy commandments (וּמִצְוֹתֶיךָ עָשִׂיתִי, umitzvotekha asiti). Hope and obedience form one seamless response. Asah ('do, make, accomplish') indicates active, tangible obedience to mitzvot (commandments).
This anticipates James 2:14-26: faith without works is dead. Jacob echoes this verse precisely in Genesis 49:18: 'I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.' Biblical hope always works while it waits.