Psalm 119:109

109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

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 have suffered much, O LORD ; restore my life again as you promised.

108 LORD, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.

109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

110 The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments.

111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.