Psalms 119:51
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
Original Language Analysis
הֱלִיצֻ֣נִי
in derision
H3887
הֱלִיצֻ֣נִי
in derision
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מְאֹ֑ד
have had me greatly
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
have had me greatly
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
מִ֝תּֽוֹרָתְךָ֗
from thy law
H8451
מִ֝תּֽוֹרָתְךָ֗
from thy law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
5 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
Job 23:11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.Jeremiah 20:7O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.Psalms 44:18Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;Psalms 119:157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Historical Context
Mockery of the faithful was common in Israel's history—Elijah mocked by false prophets, Jeremiah thrown in a cistern, the exiles taunted by Babylonians (Psalm 137:3). Early Christians faced similar derision from both Jewish and Gentile societies for their allegiance to Christ and Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you currently experiencing mockery or social pressure for maintaining biblical convictions?
- How does Jesus's example of enduring shame strengthen your resolve to stand firm when ridiculed?
- What subtle compromises might you be making to avoid the derision of 'the proud'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. Here the proud (זֵדִים, zedim) are arrogant mockers who scorn God's servants—the same word used for those who defied God at Babel. Derision (לָעַג, la'ag) means contemptuous mockery, the kind Nehemiah faced rebuilding Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 2:19).
Yet have I not declined from thy law—the Hebrew declined (נָטָה, natah) means 'turned aside' or 'deviated.' Despite social pressure and ridicule, the psalmist maintained covenant fidelity. This foreshadows Christ, who 'endured the cross, despising the shame' (Hebrews 12:2), and calls believers to expect the world's derision (John 15:18-20).