My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

PSALMS 119:171KJV
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Psalms 119:171 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:171 mean?

Psalms 119:171 expresses the psalmist’s intention to speak words of praise because God has taught him His statutes. The verse links the act of praising God directly to the understanding and learning of God’s instructions.

The speaker is the writer of Psalm 119, traditionally thought to be David, addressing God in prayer. The situation is one of gratitude: as the psalmist learns God’s laws and teachings, he responds by letting his lips overflow with praise. The verse highlights a close connection between receiving God’s guidance and a heartfelt response of worship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:171

  • "Utter" (נָבַע, nava‘) is often used for something bubbling up or springing forth, suggesting that the psalmist’s praise is not forced but flows out naturally as a result of being taught.
  • "Statutes" (חֹק, choq) refers to specific, set instructions or decrees from God, emphasizing that the praise comes from learning concrete teachings, not just general ideas about God.

Why Psalms 119:171 matters

  • This verse clarifies that true praise is closely tied to understanding God’s teachings, not just emotional expression.
  • It shows that learning and internalizing God’s statutes leads to a natural, joyful response, rather than obligation.
  • The verse fits into the larger theme of Psalm 119, where love for God’s word is shown to transform both the heart and speech of the believer.

Where else these words appear

“utter” Hebrew H5042 · used in 11 verses

  • Psalms 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
  • Psalms 94:4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
  • Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

“taught” 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.