Psalms 119:80
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
יְהִֽי
H1961
יְהִֽי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִבִּ֣י
Let my heart
H3820
לִבִּ֣י
Let my heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
תָמִ֣ים
be sound
H8549
תָמִ֣ים
be sound
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
3 of 7
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
בְּחֻקֶּ֑יךָ
in thy statutes
H2706
בְּחֻקֶּ֑יךָ
in thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
4 of 7
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
H4616
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Deuteronomy 26:16This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.John 1:47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.2 Chronicles 12:14And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.Psalms 119:6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.Psalms 32:2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Psalms 25:21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.Ezekiel 11:9And I will bring you out of the midst thereof, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you.
Historical Context
The exile demonstrated that external religious conformity without heart integrity led to covenant judgment. The prophets repeatedly called for circumcised hearts (Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4). Ezekiel prophesied God would give a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)—fulfilled in the New Covenant through the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of obedience might you be divided rather than wholehearted?
- How does pursuing integrity in God's statutes protect against shame in the day of testing?
- What would change if you asked God daily to make your heart 'sound' in His Word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes (יְהִי־לִבִּי תָמִים בְּחֻקֶּיךָ)—tamim (sound/blameless/whole) describes integrity, undividedness. The lev (heart) must be wholly devoted to God's chukim (statutes/decrees). This echoes the Shema: 'Love the LORD thy God with all thine heart' (Deuteronomy 6:5). James warns against double-mindedness (James 1:8); Jesus condemns serving two masters (Matthew 6:24).
That I be not ashamed (לְמַעַן לֹא אֵבוֹשׁ) states the purpose: wholehearted obedience prevents shame. The Hebrew links integrity with confidence—half-hearted commitment produces insecurity. Paul captures this: 'I am not ashamed of the gospel' (Romans 1:16) because he was fully persuaded. Psalm 119's Yodh-Kaph stanzas close with this appeal for undivided loyalty.