Psalms 119:43
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽאַל
H408
וְֽאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
מִפִּ֣י
out of my mouth
H6310
מִפִּ֣י
out of my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
דְבַר
not the word
H1697
דְבַר
not the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 10
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֱמֶ֣ת
of truth
H571
אֱמֶ֣ת
of truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
5 of 10
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מְאֹ֑ד
utterly
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
utterly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 119:175Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:Psalms 119:52I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.Psalms 119:13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern rulers used torture, threats, and execution to silence dissenting religious voices. The psalmist fears having truthful testimony forcibly removed or being so intimidated that confession fails. This fear was realized in exilic Israel and first-century Christianity, where confessing faith could mean death—making the plea for divine preservation of testimony desperately relevant.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances, fears, or pressures threaten to remove 'the word of truth' from your mouth—where are you tempted to silence biblical testimony?
- How does hoping in God's judgments (His just governance of all things) give boldness to maintain faithful witness despite opposition?
- Where do you need to pray this prayer specifically: 'Don't let me lose my testimony in this relationship, workplace, or cultural moment'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth (וְאַל־תַּצֵּל מִפִּי דְבַר־אֱמֶת עַד־מְאֹד)—Natsal (to snatch away, deliver, remove) in negative form pleads that God not remove davar-emet (the word of truth). Ad-meod (utterly, exceedingly) intensifies the plea. The psalmist fears losing ability to testify, either through persecution, death, or spiritual failure. For I have hoped in thy judgments (כִּי לְמִשְׁפָּטֶךָ יִחָלְתִּי)—Yachal (to wait, hope, expect) describes confident expectation in God's mishpatim (judgments). Hope in God's just governance grounds the request to maintain bold testimony.
The progression is powerful: mercies come (v.41), providing answers for mockers (v.42), but this testimony must be preserved—don't let circumstances, fear, or apostasy silence truthful witness. The 'word of truth' in the mouth is active testimony, not merely internal belief. The psalmist recognizes that maintaining bold confession in hostile contexts requires divine preservation. This anticipates Jesus's promise that the Spirit will give disciples words when brought before authorities (Luke 12:11-12) and Paul's request for prayer 'that I may open my mouth boldly' (Ephesians 6:19).