Psalms Chapter 119 · Verse 94
I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
Original Language Analysis
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
I am thine save
H3467
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
I am thine save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
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
Cross References
Isaiah 44:2Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.Psalms 86:2Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.Psalms 119:27Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.Psalms 119:40Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.Zephaniah 3:17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.Isaiah 44:5One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.Psalms 119:173Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
Historical Context
"I am thine" recalls Ruth's pledge to Naomi (Ruth 1:16), the marriage covenant, and Israel's Sinai vow (Exodus 19:8). In ancient Near Eastern treaties, the vassal's declaration "I am yours" acknowledged the suzerain's protective obligation. The psalmist invokes covenant fidelity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding salvation as belonging to God (rather than acquiring something from Him) change your approach to prayer?
- In what areas of life do you need to more fully embrace "I am thine"—God's ownership of your time, resources, relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
I am thine, save me (לְךָ־אָנִי הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי lekha-ani hoshi'eni)—Covenant language: lekha (to you, yours) establishes ownership. The psalmist's plea for salvation (yasha, save, deliver) rests not on personal merit but on belonging to God. For I have sought thy precepts (כִּי פִקּוּדֶיךָ דָרָשְׁתִּי ki pikkudekha darashti)—Not a claim of perfection, but evidence of regeneration. Darash (seek, inquire, study) implies diligent pursuit, not casual interest.
This mirrors covenant formulae: "I will be your God, and you shall be my people" (Jeremiah 7:23). Salvation flows from relationship, not transaction. The psalmist's seeking precepts demonstrates genuine faith—James 2:18's "show me your faith by your works." Jesus echoed this in John 10:27-28: "My sheep hear my voice... and I give unto them eternal life."