Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

PSALMS 119:135KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 119:135 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:135 mean?

Psalms 119:135 is a prayer asking God to show favor and kindness ("make thy face to shine") to the speaker, who describes himself as God's servant, and to give him understanding of God's laws ("teach me thy statutes"). The verse expresses a desire for a close relationship with God and a deeper knowledge of what God requires.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be the psalmist, likely King David or another devoted follower, addressing God directly. The phrase about God's face shining is a way of asking for God's approval and presence, drawing on imagery of light and warmth. The request to be taught God's statutes shows a humble attitude, wanting to learn and live by God's instructions.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:135

  • "face" (פָּנֶה, pāneh): This word refers to God's presence or attention. When the psalmist asks for God's face to shine, it is a request for God to look kindly and favorably upon him.
  • "shine" (אוֹר, ’ôr): This word means to give light or to illuminate. In this context, it suggests blessing, clarity, and the warmth of God's favor, not just physical light.
  • "servant" (עֶבֶד, ‘eved): The psalmist calls himself God's servant, emphasizing humility and a willingness to obey.
  • "teach" (לָמַד, lāmad): This word means to instruct or cause to learn. The psalmist is not just asking for information, but for God to actively help him understand and follow the statutes.
  • "statutes" (חֹק, ḥoq): This term refers to God's established laws or decrees, especially those that are set and unchanging.

Why Psalms 119:135 matters

  • Psalms 119:135 highlights that understanding God's ways is not automatic, but something to be humbly requested from God Himself.
  • The verse connects the ideas of God's favor and learning His laws, showing that spiritual insight is seen as a gift, not just a personal achievement.
  • This verse fits into the larger theme of Psalm 119, which is a long meditation on the value of God's word and the psalmist's dependence on God for understanding and guidance.

Where else these words appear

“shine” Hebrew H215 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
  • Psalms 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.

“teach” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
  • Proverbs 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

“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.