Psalms 119:46
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה
I will speak
H1696
וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה
I will speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
נֶ֥גֶד
H5048
נֶ֥גֶד
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
3 of 6
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
Cross References
Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.Psalms 138:1I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.Mark 8:38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;Philippians 1:20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern monarchs claimed absolute authority, often demanding worship or executing those who challenged royal decrees. Daniel's friends faced furnace for refusing worship (Daniel 3), Daniel faced lions for prayer (Daniel 6). Speaking God's testimonies before such power required supernatural boldness, given only to those convinced God's authority supersedes human threats.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'kings' (authorities, powers, influential people) intimidate you into silence about God's testimonies—employers, government, family, cultural elites?
- How does the gospel truth that Christ is King of kings free you to speak boldly before lesser authorities without shame?
- Where do you need to pray for the courage not to be ashamed of God's testimonies in intimidating contexts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings (וַאֲדַבְּרָה בְעֵדֹתֶיךָ נֶגֶד מְלָכִים)—Dabar (to speak, declare) describes bold public testimony. Edut (testimonies) are God's witnessed truths about Himself. Neged melachim (before kings) pictures testimony in the most intimidating setting—sovereign rulers with power to execute. This recalls Moses before Pharaoh, Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar, Paul before Agrippa. And will not be ashamed (וְלֹא אֵבוֹשׁ)—Bosh (to be ashamed, humiliated) in negative form promises bold confidence. Royal intimidation won't produce cowardly silence or shameful compromise.
This verse demonstrates the principle: whoever receives God's mercies (v.41) and maintains the word of truth (v.43) will have boldness even before earthly powers. The psalmist's confidence isn't in personal courage but God's sustaining presence. This is the repeated biblical pattern: God's servants speak truth to power because divine authority supersedes human authority. Jesus promised disciples would testify before governors and kings (Matthew 10:18), and Acts records exactly this—apostolic boldness before Sanhedrin and Caesar because eternal King trumps earthly kings.