Psalms 119:39
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
Original Language Analysis
הַעֲבֵ֣ר
Turn away
H5674
הַעֲבֵ֣ר
Turn away
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.Titus 2:8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.Psalms 119:22Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.Revelation 19:2For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.Romans 2:2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Historical Context
Honor-shame cultures made reproach devastating—mockery could destroy social standing and economic prospects. The psalmist likely faced scorn from wicked Israelites or pagan nations who viewed Torah-obedience as foolishness. The cry for God to 'turn away' reproach appears throughout psalms of lament, anticipating the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 who bore our reproach.
Questions for Reflection
- What reproach (mockery, scorn, marginalization) do you face for following God's judgments in your cultural context?
- How does confessing 'thy judgments are good' help you endure reproach when circumstances suggest God's ways lead to shame?
- How does Christ's willingness to bear ultimate reproach on the cross free you to endure lesser reproach for righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Turn away my reproach which I fear (הַעֲבֵר חֶרְפָּתִי אֲשֶׁר יָגֹרְתִּי)—Avar (to pass over, remove) asks God to cause cherpah (reproach, disgrace, scorn) to pass away. Yagor (to fear, dread) reveals anxiety about mockery from enemies who scorn covenant faithfulness. The psalmist fears not the reproach itself but its implications: does God defend those who follow His judgments? For thy judgments are good (כִּי מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ טוֹבִים)—Mishpatim (judgments, ordinances) are declared tovim (good) despite appearances. This is faith's confession when circumstances suggest otherwise.
This verse captures the believer's tension: following God's good judgments in a fallen world invites reproach. Will God vindicate His servants or allow them to be shamed? The psalmist's confidence rests not on personal merit but on God's character—His judgments are good, therefore He must eventually vindicate those who follow them. This finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who endured history's greatest reproach (the cross) trusting the Father's vindication (resurrection). All who unite to Christ share both His reproach and His vindication.