Psalms 119:73
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
יָדֶ֣יךָ
JOD Thy hands
H3027
יָדֶ֣יךָ
JOD Thy hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
1 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עָ֭שׂוּנִי
have made
H6213
עָ֭שׂוּנִי
have made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וַֽיְכוֹנְנ֑וּנִי
me and fashioned
H3559
וַֽיְכוֹנְנ֑וּנִי
me and fashioned
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
הֲ֝בִינֵ֗נִי
me give me understanding
H995
הֲ֝בִינֵ֗נִי
me give me understanding
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 6
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Psalms 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.Job 31:15Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.Psalms 119:125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.2 Timothy 2:7Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.Psalms 119:34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Psalms 119:169Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
Historical Context
The theology of God as craftsman permeates Hebrew Scripture (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18). In the post-exilic period, this doctrine answered existential questions: if God formed us with purpose, suffering must serve His sovereign design. The Yodh section emphasizes divine sovereignty over both creation and redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God as your Maker change your response to circumstances that seem to 'un-make' you?
- What connection exists between acknowledging God's creative work in you and receiving spiritual understanding?
- In what areas of life are you asking the Creator to grant understanding rather than relying on human wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me (יָדֶיךָ עָשׂוּנִי וַיְכוֹנְנוּנִי)—the doubling of verbs intensifies divine craftsmanship. Asuni (made) speaks of initial creation, while yechonununi (fashioned/established) suggests deliberate shaping with purpose. This echoes Job 10:8 and anticipates Paul's theology that we are God's poiema (workmanship/poetry) created in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10).
Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments (הֲבִינֵנִי וְאֶלְמְדָה מִצְוֺתֶיךָ) follows logically: the Creator alone grants the binah (discernment) needed to grasp His mitzvot. This is covenantal epistemology—the hands that formed us must also illumine us. Without divine enablement, even Scripture remains opaque.