Bible Strands
Psalms 119:47
I delight in Your commandments because I love them.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly, declaring personal devotion immediately after promising to speak divine testimonies before kings without shame. This declaration occurs within a structured psalm focused on meditating on and obeying God’s instruction.
The words — The Hebrew verb אֶשְׁתַּעֲשַׁע (esh.ta.a.sha) means "I may delight myself," paired with מִצְוֹתֶיךָ (mitzvo.tei.kha), "your commandments." The clause אֲשֶׁר אָהַבְתִּי (a.Sher a.Ha.ve.ti) translates literally as "which I love," establishing the cause for the delight.
The thread — This theme of loving and meditating on divine commands appears in the surrounding verses, where the psalmist lifts hands to commandments and declares them more precious than gold (Psalms 119:48; Psalms 119:97; Psalms 119:127). The same author repeatedly ties obedience to affection for God’s instruction throughout the psalm.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to examine whether their obedience flows from genuine affection for God’s commands rather than mere duty. It demands that devotion be rooted in love, which then produces delight and steadfast practice.
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
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Cross-references
- Psalms 119:48 I lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on Your statutes.
- Psalms 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.
- Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.
- Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- Psalms 119:16 I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
- John 4:34 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
- Psalms 119:174 I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.
- Job 23:11 My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside.
- Psalms 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.
- Psalms 119:140 Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it.