Psalms 119:65
Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Original Language Analysis
ט֭וֹב
well
H2896
ט֭וֹב
well
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 6
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
TETH Thou hast dealt
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתָ
TETH Thou hast dealt
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִֽם
H5973
עִֽם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Psalms 13:6I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.Psalms 119:17Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.Psalms 30:11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;Psalms 116:7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.Psalms 18:35Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.1 Chronicles 29:14But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
Historical Context
Israel's confession 'The LORD is good' pervaded worship (Psalms 100:5, 106:1, 107:1, 118:1). Yet this goodness was often questioned during suffering—Job's friends assumed suffering proved sin; the exile seemed to contradict God's covenant promises. This verse affirms that even in affliction, God deals well with His servants according to His word. His goodness isn't measured by immediate comfort but by covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you genuinely testify that God has 'dealt well' with you, even when circumstances have been difficult?
- How does recognizing that God's goodness operates 'according to His word' protect against both presumption and despair?
- What specific ways has God demonstrated His goodness in your life that align with His biblical promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. The phrase dealt well (טוֹב עָשִׂיתָ, tov asita)—literally 'you have done good'—acknowledges God's faithful goodness demonstrated in the psalmist's experience. The address thy servant (עַבְדְּךָ, avdekha) expresses covenant relationship and humble submission, recognizing that any good received flows from grace, not merit.
According unto thy word (כִּדְבָרֶךָ, kidvarekha) is crucial—God's goodness aligns perfectly with His promises. He is neither arbitrary nor stingy but faithfully executes what He has spoken. This grounds assurance: God's character guarantees His word's fulfillment. Romans 8:28 echoes this confidence—God works all things together for good according to His purpose, not our preferences. The believer can testify to God's goodness even before all promises are fulfilled because His word is trustworthy.