Psalms 119:6
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֥ז
H227
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵב֑וֹשׁ
Then shall I not be ashamed
H954
אֵב֑וֹשׁ
Then shall I not be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
בְּ֝הַבִּיטִ֗י
when I have respect
H5027
בְּ֝הַבִּיטִ֗י
when I have respect
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
4 of 7
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
Cross References
1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Job 22:26For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.Psalms 119:80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.Psalms 119:31I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.Psalms 119:128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.James 2:10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Historical Context
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture, is an elaborate acrostic celebrating God's Torah. Each 8-verse section corresponds to a Hebrew letter. Verse 6 falls in the aleph section (verses 1-8), establishing the psalm's foundational theme: blessedness comes through comprehensive obedience to God's word, not partial compliance.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of God's commandments do you practice selective obedience rather than having "respect unto all"?
- How does the promise of not being ashamed relate to standing before Christ at the judgment seat (1 John 2:28)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then shall I not be ashamed (אָז לֹא־אֵבוֹשׁ, az lo-evosh)—The psalmist connects confidence before God directly to comprehensiveness of obedience. The Hebrew bosh means to be put to shame, disappointed, or confounded—particularly in the sense of unfulfilled expectation or exposed failure.
When I have respect unto all thy commandments (בְּהַבִּיטִי אֶל־כָּל־מִצְוֹתֶיךָ, behabbiti el-kol-mitzvotekha)—The verb nabat (to look, regard, pay attention to) suggests intentional focus, not casual acquaintance. The emphasis on all (כָּל, kol) is crucial: selective obedience produces shame, but wholehearted regard for God's entire revealed will produces confidence. This echoes James 2:10—stumbling in one point makes one guilty of all, because covenant loyalty is indivisible.