Psalms Chapter 119 · Verse 172
My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
תַּ֣עַן
shall speak
H6030
תַּ֣עַן
shall speak
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
לְ֭שׁוֹנִי
My tongue
H3956
לְ֭שׁוֹנִי
My tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
2 of 7
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Romans 7:14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.Psalms 37:30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.Romans 7:12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.Psalms 119:142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.Psalms 119:86All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.Psalms 119:138Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.Psalms 119:13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
Historical Context
The verse connects proclamation with theological conviction. The tongue speaks because the mind is persuaded: God's commandments ARE righteousness itself, not arbitrary rules. This anticipates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)—teaching others to observe Christ's commands flows from confidence in their inherent rightness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your tongue 'answer' (<em>ta'an</em>) God's Word in daily conversation, or does it answer cultural narratives instead?
- What would change in your speech if you were fully persuaded that ALL God's commandments are righteousness?
- How does Jesus as the Word made flesh (John 1:14) perfectly embody the tongue that speaks God's <em>imrah</em> (utterance)?
Analysis & Commentary
My tongue shall speak of thy word (תַּעַן לְשׁוֹנִי אִמְרָתֶךָ, ta'an leshoni imratekha)—Anah means 'answer, respond, testify, sing, proclaim.' The tongue answers God's imrah (word, utterance, promise). The motivation: for all thy commandments are righteousness (כִּי כָל־מִצְוֹתֶיךָ צֶדֶק, ki kol-mitzvotekha tzedeq). Tzedeq ('righteousness, justice, rightness') characterizes every single mitzvah (commandment). The plural 'commandments' receives the singular abstract noun 'righteousness'—they form one unified standard.
Romans 7:12 echoes: 'The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.' Christ speaks the Father's words (John 14:10) because they are perfect tzedeq (righteousness).