Bible Strands
Psalms 119:157
Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly, declaring personal resolve amid ongoing opposition. This declaration occurs within the acrostic sequence of Psalm 119, positioned between a plea for revival and a statement of loathing toward the faithless.
The words — The Hebrew רֹדְפַ֣/י (ro.de.Fa/i) literally renders "those who harass me," while נָטִֽיתִי (na.Ti.ti) means "I have turned aside." These terms frame the psalmist's physical pressure and spiritual resistance.
The thread — The theme of steadfastness under opposition appears in Psalm 119:51, where the psalmist refuses to turn from God's law despite derision, and is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Job 17:9.
Why it lands — The text reports that overwhelming opposition did not cause the speaker to deviate from divine commands. It requires the reader to maintain doctrinal and behavioral consistency regardless of external hostility.
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
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
- Psalms 119:51 The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law.
- Job 17:9 Yet a righteous one holds to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger.
- Job 23:11 My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside.
- Isaiah 42:4 He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”
- Acts 20:23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.
- Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!
- Psalms 7:1 A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers,
- Psalms 22:12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
- Psalms 22:16 For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.