Bible Strands
Psalms 119:11
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses YHWH in the middle of a sustained meditation on Torah (Psalm 119). He has just begged God not to let him stray (Psalm 119:10) and is about to ask for instruction (Psalm 119:12); this verse is the hinge between plea and petition.
The words — צָפַנְתִּי (tsaphan, "I have hidden") is an active verb of deliberate concealment, not passive retention. The object is אִמְרָה ('imrah, "utterance/word"), a term for a spoken declaration rather than a general "law" or "commandment."
The thread — The same logic appears in Psalms 37:31 (law in the heart, steps do not falter) and Psalms 40:8 (law within the heart), and is echoed in Colossians 3:16's call for the word of Christ to "richly dwell" within believers.
Why it lands — The verse asserts a causal mechanism: internalized word prevents sin, which means the reader must ask whether they are actually storing what they read or merely passing through it. It is a claim about the relationship between memory and obedience, not a vague exhortation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Cross-references
- Psalms 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter.
- Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
- Psalms 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”
- Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.
- Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.
- Job 22:22 Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.
- Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul.
- Psalms 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.
- Isaiah 51:7 Listen to Me, you who know what is right, you people with My law in your hearts: Do not fear the scorn of men; do not be broken by their insults.
- Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you,