Psalms 119:34

Authorized King James Version

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲ֭בִינֵנִי

H995

Give me understanding

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וְאֶצְּרָ֥ה

H5341

and I shall keep

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

תֽוֹרָתֶ֗ךָ

H8451

thy law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

וְאֶשְׁמְרֶ֥נָּה

H8104

yea I shall observe

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

בְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לֵֽב׃

H3820

it with my whole heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?