Psalms 119:17
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
Original Language Analysis
גְּמֹ֖ל
GIMEL Deal bountifully
H1580
גְּמֹ֖ל
GIMEL Deal bountifully
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
1 of 6
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶֽחְיֶ֗ה
that I may live
H2421
אֶֽחְיֶ֗ה
that I may live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
4 of 6
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Cross References
Psalms 13:6I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.Psalms 119:124Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.Psalms 119:65Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.Psalms 116:7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Historical Context
The servant language recalls Israel's self-designation as Yahweh's servant-nation (Isaiah 41:8-9). Individual Israelites participated in this corporate identity. The request for bountiful dealing reflects the covenant blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28—life, prosperity, and protection contingent on obedience. Yet the psalmist recognizes that even the capacity to obey requires God's enabling grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing yourself as God's servant shape your expectations and requests in prayer?
- In what ways do you need God to 'deal bountifully' with you to sustain your spiritual life and obedience?
- What is the relationship between God's gracious provision and your responsibility to keep His Word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Opening the Gimel (ג) stanza, this verse links divine blessing to obedient living. Deal bountifully (gemol, גְּמֹל) means to reward, repay, or show generous kindness—treating someone better than they deserve. The psalmist identifies as thy servant (avdekha, עַבְדֶּךָ), acknowledging covenant relationship and dependent status. He asks not for luxury but for life itself: that I may live (echyeh, אֶחְיֶה).
The purpose clause reveals that life's goal is obedience: keep thy word (eshmerah devarekha, אֶשְׁמְרָה דְבָרֶךָ). This is not salvation by works but recognition that God sustains our lives so we might serve Him faithfully. Physical life, spiritual vitality, and obedient living are interconnected. Jesus declared, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4), and promised, 'I am come that they might have life, and have it abundantly' (John 10:10)—life for the purpose of following Him.