Psalms 119:40
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
לְפִקֻּדֶ֑יךָ
after thy precepts
H6490
לְפִקֻּדֶ֑יךָ
after thy precepts
Strong's:
H6490
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)
Cross References
Psalms 119:20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.John 10:10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.Psalms 119:159Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Psalms 119:25My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.Psalms 119:37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.Psalms 119:88Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.Psalms 119:156Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.Psalms 119:149Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.Psalms 119:107I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Historical Context
Hebrew spirituality integrated physical and spiritual—longing for God's precepts was described with visceral intensity (hunger, thirst, panting). The psalmist writes from a worldview where righteous desire for God's word is itself evidence of covenant relationship, giving grounds to appeal to God's covenant faithfulness for continued preservation and revival.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely 'long' for God's precepts with desire comparable to hunger or thirst—if not, what does your heart crave instead?
- How is your desire for God's word itself evidence of His prior work of grace in your life?
- How does understanding that God's righteousness (not your merit) grounds His quickening give assurance during spiritual dryness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts (הִנֵּה תָּאַבְתִּי לְפִקֻּדֶיךָ)—Hineh (behold!) draws attention to what follows. Ta'av (to long for, desire intensely) describes passionate yearning, like physical hunger or thirst. The object of desire is piqqudim (precepts, orders)—specific divine directives. This isn't dutiful compliance but ardent longing, echoing "as the deer pants for water" (Psalm 42:1). Quicken me in thy righteousness (בְּצִדְקָתְךָ חַיֵּנִי)—Tsedaqah (righteousness, justice) is the ground for requesting chayah (revival, life). God's righteousness obligates Him to honor His covenant and preserve those who long for His precepts.
The psalmist appeals to God's righteousness, not personal merit. This is the gospel logic: God's character (righteousness) becomes the basis for His saving action toward those who hunger for His word. The longing for precepts demonstrates regenerate affections—unregenerate hearts don't ardently desire divine commands. This desire is itself evidence of grace, and the psalmist rightly asks that God complete what He began: grant life to those He's made alive to long for His precepts.