Psalms 119:59
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
Original Language Analysis
חִשַּׁ֥בְתִּי
I thought
H2803
חִשַּׁ֥בְתִּי
I thought
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
דְרָכָ֑י
on my ways
H1870
דְרָכָ֑י
on my ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וָאָשִׁ֥יבָה
and turned
H7725
וָאָשִׁ֥יבָה
and turned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?Ezekiel 18:28Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.Lamentations 3:40Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.2 Corinthians 12:21And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.Haggai 1:7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.Ezekiel 18:30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.Haggai 1:5Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.Joel 2:13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Historical Context
The prophets constantly called Israel to shuv—return to covenant faithfulness. This wasn't self-improvement but covenant renewal, turning from idols back to Yahweh. The parable of the Prodigal Son perfectly illustrates this verse: 'When he came to himself... he arose and came to his father' (Luke 15:17-20)—thought led to action, repentance produced return.
Questions for Reflection
- When did you last engage in honest, unflinching evaluation of your life's actual direction versus stated intentions?
- What specific behavioral changes ('turning feet') has recent self-examination prompted in your walk with God?
- How can you cultivate the habit of regular self-examination without falling into morbid introspection or legalism?
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Analysis & Commentary
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. The verb thought (חִשַּׁבְתִּי, chishavti) implies careful calculation and honest self-examination, not casual reflection. My ways (דְּרָכָי, derakhai) represents the actual trajectory of life, not merely intentions. This is the first step of genuine repentance: honest assessment without self-justification.
Turned my feet (וָאָשִׁיבָה רַגְלַי, va'ashivah raglai)—the verb turned (שׁוּב, shuv) is the primary Hebrew word for repentance, meaning 'return' or 'turn back.' This isn't mere mental assent but concrete behavioral change. Repentance moves feet, not just feelings. The destination is thy testimonies (עֵדְוֹתֶיךָ, edvotekha)—God's reliable witness and instruction. True repentance turns from sin and to God's Word.