Psalms 119:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:20
20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, worship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-176: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 119:20
20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
Analysis
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. This verse expresses intense spiritual hunger. My soul breaketh (garsah nafshi, גָּרְסָה נַפְשִׁי) uses a verb meaning to crush, break, or shatter—depicting overwhelming, almost painful desire. The psalmist's innermost being (nephesh, נֶפֶשׁ) is consumed with longing (ta'avah, תַּאֲבָה), a word often describing craving or intense yearning. This is not casual interest but desperate hunger for God's judgments (mishpatekha, מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ), His authoritative decisions and moral verdicts.
The phrase at all times (bekhol-et, בְּכָל־עֵת) indicates constant, unrelenting desire—not intermittent interest but continuous craving. This echoes Jesus' beatitude: 'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness' (Matthew 5:6). Such intense spiritual appetite is evidence of new birth; the unregenerate neither desire nor delight in God's law (Romans 8:7). As newborn babies crave milk, so believers should crave spiritual food (1 Peter 2:2).
Historical Context
The psalmist's language of soul-crushing longing stands in stark contrast to Israel's repeated pattern of despising God's Word (Numbers 15:31, 2 Samuel 12:9). The remnant who truly treasured God's law experienced this consuming hunger, especially during periods when God's Word was rare (1 Samuel 3:1) or when persecution made accessing Scripture dangerous. This verse reflects the heart of those who valued God's revelation above life itself.
Reflection
- When was the last time you experienced soul-crushing hunger for God's Word?
- What factors in your life diminish spiritual appetite for Scripture?
- How can you cultivate the kind of intense, continuous longing for God's judgments described in this verse?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Judgment: Psalms 106:3
- Related: Song of Solomon 5:8
- Parallel theme: Psalms 63:1, 84:2, 119:40, 119:131, 119:174, Job 27:10