Psalms 19:11

Authorized King James Version

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Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Original Language Analysis

גַּֽם H1571
גַּֽם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
עַ֭בְדְּךָ Moreover by them is thy servant H5650
עַ֭בְדְּךָ Moreover by them is thy servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 2 of 7
a servant
נִזְהָ֣ר warned H2094
נִזְהָ֣ר warned
Strong's: H2094
Word #: 3 of 7
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
בָּהֶ֑ם H0
בָּהֶ֑ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 7
בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם and in keeping H8104
בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם and in keeping
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
עֵ֣קֶב reward H6118
עֵ֣קֶב reward
Strong's: H6118
Word #: 6 of 7
a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re
רָֽב׃ of them there is great H7227
רָֽב׃ of them there is great
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 7 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Analysis & Commentary

God's servant is 'warned' by His rules, and keeping them brings 'great reward.' The Hebrew 'zahar' (warn) suggests both caution and enlightenment. The 'eqeb' (reward) is consequence, not wage—obedience brings inherent blessing. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that obeying His commands leads to abiding in His love (John 15:10). Reformed theology affirms that while salvation is by grace, obedience brings experiential blessing.

Historical Context

Written in context of covenant where obedience brought blessing and disobedience brought curse (Deuteronomy 28), not as earning salvation but as covenant response.

Questions for Reflection