Psalms 119:77
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶֽחְיֶ֑ה
unto me that I may live
H2421
וְאֶֽחְיֶ֑ה
unto me that I may live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
3 of 6
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 119:174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.Psalms 119:41Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.Psalms 119:24Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalms 119:47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Historical Context
The Hebrew concept of life (chayah) encompasses far more than biological existence—it means vitality, flourishing, covenant relationship. To 'live' means to dwell in God's favor. The delight in Torah despite affliction demonstrates that spiritual sustenance transcends circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God's mercy felt like the difference between spiritual death and life for you?
- How can suffering deepen rather than diminish your delight in Scripture?
- What does it reveal about God's character that His mercies are described with womb-like tenderness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live (יְבֹאוּנִי רַחֲמֶיךָ וְאֶחְיֶה)—rachamekha (thy tender mercies) from rechem (womb) conveys motherly compassion. The plural intensifies: mercies upon mercies. Ve'echyeh (that I may live) reveals desperation—without God's compassion, death looms. This echoes Lamentations 3:22-23: 'It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed.'
For thy law is my delight (כִּי־תוֹרָתְךָ שַׁעֲשֻׁעָי) gives motivation: his sha'ashu'ai (delight/joy) centers on God's torah. Even in extremity, Scripture brings pleasure—not grim duty but genuine joy. This paradox appears throughout Psalm 119: suffering intensifies rather than diminishes love for God's Word.