Psalms 119:47
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶשְׁתַּֽעֲשַׁ֥ע
And I will delight
H8173
וְאֶשְׁתַּֽעֲשַׁ֥ע
And I will delight
Strong's:
H8173
Word #:
1 of 4
(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare
בְּמִצְוֹתֶ֗יךָ
myself in thy commandments
H4687
בְּמִצְוֹתֶ֗יךָ
myself in thy commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
2 of 4
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
Cross References
Psalms 119:48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.Psalms 119:97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.Psalms 119:127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.Psalms 119:16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.Psalms 119:174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.Psalms 119:140Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.Psalms 119:167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.Psalms 112:1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Historical Context
Hebrew wisdom literature connects delight in God's law with prosperity and stability (Psalm 1). The psalmist writes from a theology where obeying Torah isn't burden but privilege and pleasure—a radical contrast to Greek philosophy's dichotomy between duty and pleasure. For the regenerate, God's commandments become the source of greatest joy.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely delight in God's commandments, or do you view obedience as duty you must perform rather than joy you get to experience?
- How does loving God's commandments naturally produce bold testimony even in hostile contexts—what's the connection?
- What would change in your witness if your primary motivation shifted from obligation to delight in God's beautiful truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I will delight myself in thy commandments (וְאֶשְׁתַּֽעֲשַׁע בְּמִצְוֺתֶיךָ)—Sha'a (to delight oneself, take exquisite pleasure) describes luxuriating enjoyment. The Hitpael form emphasizes intensive, reflexive action—the psalmist will thoroughly delight himself in God's mitzvot (commandments). This isn't grim duty but joyful pleasure, echoing Psalm 1:2's meditation that delights. Which I have loved (אֲשֶׁר אָהָבְתִּי)—Ahav (to love) grounds future delight in present affection. The relative clause 'which I have loved' shows this isn't manufactured emotion but authentic, established love for God's commands.
The progression climaxes beautifully: bold testimony before kings (v.46) flows from delighting in commandments. Fearless witness isn't produced by grinding obligation but overflowing joy. Those who genuinely delight in God's words can't help but speak them, even to hostile audiences. This is the psychology of evangelism: love for Christ and His truth naturally produces testimony. Jesus promised 'out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks' (Matthew 12:34)—hearts delighting in God's commandments produce mouths testifying fearlessly.