Psalm 119:109

109 My ¹life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not ²forget Your law.

Psalm 119:109 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:109

My soul [is] continually in my hand
In the utmost jeopardy, always exposed to danger, ever delivered unto death; killed all the day long, or liable to be so: this is the sense of the phrase; see ( Judges 12:3 ) ( 1 Samuel 19:5 ) ; for what is in a man's hands may easily fall, or be taken out of them: so the Targum,

``my soul is in danger upon the back of my hands continually;''

the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read, "in thy hands"; but wrongly;

yet do I not forget thy law;
it was written on his heart, and fixed in his mind; he had a true affection for it, and a hearty desire to keep it; and no danger could divert him from his duty; as Daniel, though he carried his life in his hand, yet continued to pray to his God as usual; nor could anything move the Apostle Paul from the doctrine of the Gospel, and preaching it.

Psalm 119:109 In-Context

107 I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O LORD , according to Your word.

108 O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD , And teach me Your ordinances.

109 My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.

111 I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart.

Cross References

• 1. Judges 12:3; Job 13:14
• 2. Psalms 119:16

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "soul"
• [b] I.e. in danger