Psalms 119:49
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
Original Language Analysis
זְכֹר
ZAIN Remember
H2142
זְכֹר
ZAIN Remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
דָּבָ֥ר
the word
H1697
דָּבָ֥ר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
עַ֝֗ל
H5921
עַ֝֗ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
2 Samuel 7:25And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.Psalms 106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.Psalms 119:81My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.Psalms 105:42For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.Psalms 106:4Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;Psalms 71:14But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.Psalms 119:74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;Isaiah 62:6I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,Psalms 105:2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Historical Context
Psalm 119 is an elaborate acrostic poem with 22 eight-verse sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The Zayin section (vv. 49-56) emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises during affliction. Composed likely during or after exile, when Israel clung to covenant promises despite seeming abandonment, this psalm reflects deep trust in God's written revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- Which specific promise from God's Word has He caused you to hope in during your current circumstances?
- How does understanding that God Himself generates hope through His word change your approach to Bible reading?
- What would it look like to 'remember' God's promises not just mentally but through faith-filled action?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This verse (ז Zayin section) is a covenant appeal—the psalmist calls on God to fulfill His promise. Remember (זָכַר, zakar) doesn't imply God forgot, but rather 'act upon' His word. The phrase thy servant (עַבְדֶּךָ, avdekha) invokes covenant relationship, not servility but filial trust.
The phrase upon which thou hast caused me to hope reveals divine initiative—God's word itself generates hope (תִּקְוָה, tiqvah). This anticipates Paul's teaching that faith comes by hearing God's word (Romans 10:17). The believer doesn't conjure hope but receives it as gift, grounded in God's reliable promises.