Psalms 119:38
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
Original Language Analysis
הָקֵ֣ם
Stablish
H6965
הָקֵ֣ם
Stablish
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 5
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Psalms 147:11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.2 Corinthians 1:20For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.Psalms 103:17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;Psalms 103:13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.Psalms 103:11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Psalms 119:49Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Historical Context
Ancient covenants required both parties to establish (fulfill) their commitments. The psalmist appeals to God's covenant faithfulness, asking Him to confirm His promises to those who maintain reverent fear. In Israel's history, God repeatedly established His word to servants who feared Him: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for God to 'establish' His word in your life beyond merely reading it—how have you experienced this?
- How does 'fear of the LORD' create the soil where God's word can be established and bear fruit in your life?
- Which promises of Scripture do you need God to establish (confirm, make real) in your experience right now?
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Analysis & Commentary
Stablish thy word unto thy servant (הָקֵם לְעַבְדְּךָ אִמְרָתֶךָ)—Qum (to arise, establish, confirm) requests God make His imrah (word, utterance) stand firm in the psalmist's life. The phrase 'thy servant' (avdekha) grounds the request in covenant relationship—God owes no obligation except His own promise to those who serve Him. Who is devoted to thy fear (אֲשֶׁר לְיִרְאָתֶךָ)—Yirah (fear, reverence) is the foundational Hebrew virtue: awe-filled worship that produces obedience. The relative clause 'who is devoted' describes the servant's character—the word is established to those who fear God.
This prayer recognizes that possessing Scripture isn't enough—God must establish (make stand, confirm, fulfill) His word experientially in the believer's life. This means both understanding it intellectually and seeing it proven true practically. The connection to fear shows proper worship creates receptivity for God's word to take root and bear fruit. Jesus's parable of the sower illustrates this: only certain soils (hearts) allow the word to be established and produce fruit.