Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

PSALMS 119:117KJV
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Psalms 119:117 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:117 mean?

Psalms 119:117 is a prayer asking God to support and protect the speaker, so that the speaker can remain safe and continue to honor God's commands. The verse expresses trust that with God's help, the speaker will be able to consistently respect and follow God's statutes.

The verse is spoken by the psalmist, traditionally understood as someone deeply devoted to God's law, addressing God directly. The psalmist feels a need for God's steady support to avoid falling away and to stay secure. The request to "have respect unto thy statutes continually" shows a desire not just for safety, but for ongoing faithfulness to God's instructions.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:117

  • "up" (סָעַד, sa'ad): This word means to support, sustain, or hold up. The psalmist is not just asking for a one-time rescue, but for ongoing help to stay upright and steady in life and faith.
  • "safe" (יָשַׁע, yasha'): This word carries the sense of being delivered or saved, often with the idea of being kept from harm or danger. The psalmist connects safety directly to God's active involvement.
  • "respect" (שָׁעָה, sha'ah): This word means to look at, pay attention to, or regard. Here, it suggests a careful, ongoing attention to God's statutes, not just a passing glance.
  • "statutes" (חֹק, choq): This refers to specific decrees or rules set by God. The psalmist is focused on these as the guiding principles for life.
  • "continually" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means always or constantly. The psalmist's commitment is not occasional but ongoing, emphasizing a steady devotion.

Why Psalms 119:117 matters

  • Psalms 119:117 clarifies that the psalmist's ability to stay faithful depends on God's help, not just personal effort.
  • The verse highlights a connection between God's support and the believer's ongoing respect for God's commands, showing that spiritual safety and obedience go hand in hand.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 119, this verse fits the theme of dependence on God for strength to live according to His word, reinforcing the idea that devotion is a continuous, supported journey.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H5582 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • 1 Kings 13:7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
  • Psalms 94:18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

“respect” Hebrew H8159 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Job 7:19 How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
  • Isaiah 22:4 Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.

“continually” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
  • Psalms 74:23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.

“statutes” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:16 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
  • Psalms 119:8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.