Psalms 119:66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
ט֤וּב
me good
H2898
ט֤וּב
me good
Strong's:
H2898
Word #:
1 of 7
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
טַ֣עַם
judgment
H2940
טַ֣עַם
judgment
Strong's:
H2940
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate
לַמְּדֵ֑נִי
Teach
H3925
לַמְּדֵ֑נִי
Teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Psalms 119:128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.1 Kings 3:9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?Psalms 119:34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.Matthew 13:11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.Psalms 119:160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.Psalms 119:172My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.Proverbs 8:20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:1 Kings 3:28And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.Judges 3:15But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
Historical Context
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture (176 verses), is an elaborate acrostic poem where each 8-verse section begins with successive Hebrew letters. Written likely during the exile or post-exilic period, it reflects Israel's renewed appreciation for Torah after experiencing the consequences of disobedience. Every verse (except one) references God's word using synonyms: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word, saying.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "tasting" God's wisdom differ from merely knowing facts about Scripture?
- In what areas of life do you need better spiritual discernment to apply biblical truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Teach me good judgment and knowledge (טוּב טַעַם וָדַעַת לַמְּדֵנִי)—The psalmist requests taam (literally "taste," meaning discernment or good sense) and daat (intimate, experiential knowledge). This isn't mere intellectual information but the ability to rightly apply God's truth. The Hebrew taam suggests savoring wisdom like fine food, distinguishing good from evil through refined spiritual palate.
For I have believed thy commandments (כִּי בְמִצְוֺתֶיךָ הֶאֱמָנְתִּי)—The psalmist's request flows from prior faith (he'emanti, perfect tense indicating settled conviction). He doesn't seek knowledge as a skeptic demanding proof, but as a committed disciple wanting deeper understanding. Faith precedes understanding; trust in God's commands creates the foundation for mature discernment.