Psalms 119:109

109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget thy law.

Psalms 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.

Psalms 119:109 In-Context

107 I am sorely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to thy word!
108 Accept my offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me thy ordinances.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever; yea, they are the joy of my heart.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.