Psalms 119:34

34 1Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

Psalms 119:34 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:34

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law
A spiritual understanding; an understanding of the law, the perfection, purity, holiness, and spirituality of it; an understanding of the Gospel, and of Christ and the things of Christ; from whom grace and strength are to be had for the due observance of the law, as in his hands; which understanding must be given, and is a gift of pure, free, rich grace, to such who have it; though they cannot keep the law perfectly, as no mere man can, yet will keep it spiritually, from a principle of love and gratitude, and with a view to the glory of God and Christ, ( 1 John 5:20 ) ;

yea, I shall observe it with [my] whole heart;
not only externally, and to be seen of men, and get applause from them; but doing the will of God from the heart, and with a good will and heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; with a sincere affection for him, and with a single eye to his glory, ( Ephesians 6:6 Ephesians 6:7 ) ( 1 Timothy 1:5 ) .

Psalms 119:34 In-Context

32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

Cross References 1

  • 1. ver. 27; Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.