Psalms 119:21
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Psalms 119:10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Psalms 119:118Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Psalms 119:110The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.Deuteronomy 30:19I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:Deuteronomy 28:15But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, proud nations and individuals faced God's rebuke—from Pharaoh to Nebuchadnezzar to Herod. The curse on the proud echoes Deuteronomy's covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) and foreshadows the eschatological judgment when God will humble all human pride (Isaiah 2:12-17). The psalmist, likely facing opposition from arrogant enemies, finds comfort in God's justice.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you most vulnerable to pride and self-sufficiency?
- How does God's pattern of rebuking the proud and blessing the humble shape your attitude toward authority?
- What is the relationship between pride and straying from God's commandments in your own experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. The focus shifts to God's judgment on the arrogant. Rebuked (ga'arta, גָּעַרְתָּ) is a strong term for sharp correction or stern reproof, used of God silencing the sea (Psalm 106:9) and rebuking demons (Zechariah 3:2). The object is the proud (zedim, זֵדִים), those marked by insolent presumption and arrogant self-sufficiency. These are cursed (arurim, אֲרוּרִים), under divine condemnation—the opposite of the blessed person in verse 1.
The proud are characterized by their wandering: they err from thy commandments (hashoggim mimitzovtekha, הַשֹּׁגִים מִמִּצְוֹתֶיךָ). Shagah (שָׁגָה) suggests going astray, missing the path. Pride leads inevitably to disobedience; those who exalt themselves refuse submission to God's authority. Proverbs 16:18 warns, 'Pride goeth before destruction,' and James 4:6 declares, 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.' Jesus embodied humility (Matthew 11:29), and His kingdom inverts worldly values where the proud are brought low (Luke 1:51-52).