Psalms 37:31
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Original Language Analysis
תּוֹרַ֣ת
The law
H8451
תּוֹרַ֣ת
The law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
1 of 6
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
אֱלֹהָ֣יו
of his God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֣יו
of his God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּלִבּ֑וֹ
is in his heart
H3820
בְּלִבּ֑וֹ
is in his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 6
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Deuteronomy 6:6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Psalms 37:23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.Jeremiah 31:33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.Hebrews 8:10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:Psalms 119:98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.Psalms 121:3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.Psalms 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Historical Context
Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, written in acrostic form following the Hebrew alphabet for teaching purposes. This structure aided memorization. The psalm addresses theodicy—why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?
Questions for Reflection
- How does having God's law in your heart differ from merely knowing biblical commands intellectually?
- What specific areas of your life feel unsteady, and how might internalizing Scripture bring stability?
- How does this verse speak to the perseverance of the saints and assurance of salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The law of his God is in his heart (תּוֹרַת אֱלֹהָיו בְּלִבּוֹ, torat elohav be-libbo)—This describes internalized obedience, where God's torah (instruction, law) has moved from external command to internal compass. Jeremiah 31:33 prophesies this new covenant reality. None of his steps shall slide (לֹא תִמְעַד אֲשֻׁרָיו, lo tim'ad ashurav)—The verb ma'ad means to slip, totter, or waver.
The heart filled with God's law produces stability. David contrasts the wicked who watch (v. 32) with the righteous who walk securely. Paul echoes this in Romans 2:15, describing the law written on hearts. This is the essence of sanctification—not external conformity but internal transformation.