Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

PSALMS 119:138KJV
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Psalms 119:138 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:138 mean?

Psalms 119:138 says that the instructions God has given—called His "testimonies"—are completely right and can be trusted without fail. The verse highlights that what God commands is both morally upright and absolutely dependable.

The writer of Psalms 119, traditionally understood as a devoted follower of God, is speaking directly to God about the nature of God's teachings. In this section of the psalm, the focus is on the reliability and justice of God's words, emphasizing that every command God gives is not only fair but also steadfast and trustworthy in every way.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:138

  • "Testimonies" (עֵדוּת, ʿēdût): This word refers to the specific instructions or laws God has given, often understood as reminders of God's covenant and character. Here, it highlights that God's teachings are not arbitrary but are rooted in His relationship with His people.
  • "Righteous" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word means morally right or just. The verse stresses that God's commands are not just rules but are inherently good and fair.
  • "Very" (מְאֹד, me’od): This word intensifies the description, showing that God's faithfulness is not just present but is abundant and complete.
  • "Faithful" (אֱמוּנָה, ’emunah): This word carries the sense of being trustworthy, reliable, and steady. It assures the reader that God's commands can be counted on without exception.

Why Psalms 119:138 matters

  • Psalms 119:138 clears up any idea that God's commands might be arbitrary or uncertain; instead, it insists they are both just and trustworthy.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's instructions are not only correct in a legal sense but are also deeply reliable, offering a foundation for faith.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 119, this verse reinforces the psalmist’s ongoing theme that God's word is a dependable guide for life, worthy of trust and obedience.

Where else these words appear

“testimonies” Hebrew H5713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 21:30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
  • Psalms 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.
  • Psalms 119:95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

“faithful” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

“righteous” Hebrew H6664 · used in 109 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Psalms 52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.