Psalms 119:91

Authorized King James Version

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They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

Original Language Analysis

לְֽ֭מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ according to thine ordinances H4941
לְֽ֭מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ according to thine ordinances
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עָמְד֣וּ They continue H5975
עָמְד֣וּ They continue
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 2 of 6
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
הַיּ֑וֹם this day H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם this day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 3 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
כִּ֖י H3588
כִּ֖י
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
הַכֹּ֣ל H3605
הַכֹּ֣ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃ for all are thy servants H5650
עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃ for all are thy servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 6 of 6
a servant

Analysis & Commentary

They continue this day according to thine ordinances (כְּמִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ עָמְדוּ הַיּוֹם kemishpatekha amdu hayom)—The heavens and earth persist by divine decree, obeying God's mishpatim (judgments, ordinances). The verb amad (stand, continue) echoes v. 90's "it abideth," emphasizing constancy. For all are thy servants (כִּי־הַכֹּל עֲבָדֶיךָ ki-hakol avadekha)—creation itself serves God, a concept Job 38-41 explores at length.

This verse bridges natural and moral law: if the cosmos obeys God's statutes with perfect fidelity, how much more should humanity? Paul references this principle in Romans 8:19-22, where creation "groans" awaiting redemption—even fallen nature recognizes its Sovereign. The psalmist finds comfort that the same God who sustains galaxies sustains His Word.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern creation myths portrayed nature as chaotic forces needing constant divine re-conquest. By contrast, Genesis and the Psalms present creation as orderly, sustained by God's word (Genesis 1; Psalm 148). This verse affirms creation's ongoing obedience, countering pagan cosmologies.

Questions for Reflection

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