RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

PSALMS 119:153KJV
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Psalms 119:153 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:153 mean?

Psalms 119:153 is a plea from the psalmist asking God to notice his suffering and rescue him, because he has remained faithful to God’s law. The verse highlights the psalmist’s trust that his commitment to God’s teachings is a reason for God to help him in his trouble.

The speaker here is traditionally understood to be David or another faithful Israelite, addressing God directly in prayer. The situation is one of distress or hardship, and the psalmist appeals to God’s attention and deliverance, grounding his request in the fact that he has not forgotten God’s law. This verse fits into the larger Psalm 119, which is a long meditation on the value of God’s instructions and the believer’s relationship to them.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:153

  • "Consider" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means to see or look upon. The psalmist is asking God not just to notice, but to pay careful attention to his situation, suggesting a desire for personal care and involvement.
  • "Affliction" (עָנִי, oni): This term refers to suffering, trouble, or misery. The psalmist’s use of this word shows that his need is serious and deeply felt.
  • "Deliver" (חָלַץ, chalats): This word means to rescue or save, often with the sense of being pulled out of danger. The psalmist is not just asking for relief, but for active intervention.
  • "Forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach): To forget in this context means to neglect or ignore. The psalmist insists that he has not neglected God’s law, emphasizing his ongoing faithfulness.
  • "Law" (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word refers to God’s instruction or teaching, not just legal rules. The psalmist’s relationship to the torah is personal and central to his life.

Why Psalms 119:153 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the psalmist’s appeal for help is not based on personal merit, but on his ongoing relationship with God’s teachings, showing a humble dependence rather than entitlement.
  • The verse emphasizes that remembering and valuing God’s law is not just about knowledge, but about loyalty and trust during hard times.
  • In the context of Psalm 119, this verse reinforces the theme that God’s word is a source of hope and rescue, especially when life is difficult.

Where else these words appear

“affliction” Hebrew H6040 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
  • Psalms 88:9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

“deliver” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

“forget” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.