Psalms 119:72
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Original Language Analysis
טֽוֹב
is better
H2896
טֽוֹב
is better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 7
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
תֽוֹרַת
The law
H8451
תֽוֹרַת
The law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
3 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
פִּ֑יךָ
of thy mouth
H6310
פִּ֑יךָ
of thy mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מֵ֝אַלְפֵ֗י
unto me than thousands
H505
מֵ֝אַלְפֵ֗י
unto me than thousands
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
5 of 7
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Cross References
Psalms 119:127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.Psalms 19:10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.Psalms 119:162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.Proverbs 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.Psalms 119:14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.Proverbs 8:19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
Historical Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in Scripture, an elaborate acrostic poem where each 8-verse stanza begins with successive Hebrew letters. The Yodh section (vv. 73-80) emphasizes divine craftsmanship and covenant faithfulness. Written likely during or after the exile, when Israel had lost material prosperity but retained Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- What practical decisions in your life reveal whether you truly value God's Word above financial gain?
- How does treating Scripture as more valuable than wealth change the way you budget your time and resources?
- In what ways has God's Word proven more sustaining than material provision in your experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver (טוֹב לִי תוֹרַת־פִּיךָ מֵאַלְפֵי זָהָב וָכָסֶף). This Yodh (י) stanza climaxes with radical economic theology: God's torah (instruction) exceeds infinite material wealth. The Hebrew me'alfei (thousands upon thousands) emphasizes not mere preference but infinite disproportion—no quantity of precious metals approaches Scripture's value.
Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:8, counting all things as dung compared to knowing Christ. The psalmist's li (to me) makes this intensely personal—not theoretical but experiential valuation. Jesus taught the same calculus in the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46): selling all to possess the one thing of surpassing worth.