Psalms 119:97
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Original Language Analysis
מָֽה
H4100
מָֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אָהַ֥בְתִּי
MEM O how love I
H157
אָהַ֥בְתִּי
MEM O how love I
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
2 of 7
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
תוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ
thy law
H8451
תוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ
thy law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
3 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֝יּ֗וֹם
all the day
H3117
הַ֝יּ֗וֹם
all the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 7
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
Cross References
Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Proverbs 2:10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;Psalms 119:159Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.Psalms 119:48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.Psalms 119:167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.Psalms 119:165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.Deuteronomy 17:19And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:Psalms 119:127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.Psalms 119:113I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites memorized and recited Torah extensively. Without printed books, Scripture preservation required memorization and oral repetition. Jewish education centered on memorizing Torah from childhood. Psalm 1:2 blesses those who meditate on God's law day and night. Joshua 1:8 commands the same for success and prosperity. Yet external observance didn't guarantee heart devotion—Pharisees knew Scripture intellectually while missing its heart (Matthew 23:23-28). This verse emphasizes love-motivated meditation, not mere rote memorization.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between dutiful Bible reading and love-motivated meditation on Scripture?
- How can believers cultivate constant meditation on God's Word throughout daily activities?
- What would change in your life if you loved God's law with the passionate affection this verse describes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." The exclamatory mah ahavti toratekha (Oh how I love your law!) expresses intense affection for God's instruction. Ahav (love) indicates deep attachment, delight, desire—not mere dutiful respect. This love prompts constant meditation: kol hayom hi sichati (all the day it is my meditation). Siach (meditation/musing) means to ponder, rehearse, speak to oneself—continuous mental engagement with Scripture. "All the day" indicates not just morning/evening devotions but constant mental return to God's Word throughout daily activities. This fulfills Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (bind God's words on heart, teach them continuously, talk of them sitting, walking, lying down, rising up). Loving God's law produces constant meditation; constant meditation deepens love.