Psalms 119:164 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:164 mean?

Psalms 119:164 describes a speaker who gives God repeated praise throughout the day. The reason is God’s “righteous judgments”: the speaker regards what God decides and teaches as right and fair.

The speaker addresses God directly as “thee.” After describing awe at God’s word in verse 161 and joy in it in verse 162, the speaker gives praise a regular place in the day.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:164

• “righteous” — צֶדֶק (tsedeq): This word carries the sense of what is right or just. Here it describes the quality the speaker sees in God’s judgments.
• “judgments” — מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat): This word can refer to decisions or rules that express what is right. In this verse, the speaker praises God for such judgments, rather than mentioning a single decision.

Why Psalms 119:164 matters

• The verse does not require the reader to assume a precise prayer schedule. “Seven times a day” can also express frequent, complete praise.
• Praise here is linked to a reason, not merely to a feeling. The word “because” connects the speaker’s praise to the character of God’s judgments.
• The surrounding lines place praise alongside the speaker’s response to God’s teaching. Verse 163 speaks of loving God’s law, while verse 165 connects that love with “great peace.”