Psalms 119:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:22 mean?

Psalms 119:22 is a prayer asking God to take away shame and disrespect from the speaker, because the speaker has been faithful to God’s instructions. The verse expresses a desire to be free from the negative opinions or scorn of others, based on a life lived according to God’s teachings.

The speaker in Psalms 119:22 is traditionally understood to be an individual seeking God’s help while facing criticism or dishonor from others. The verse is part of a larger psalm where the writer repeatedly affirms loyalty to God’s laws and asks for relief from those who look down on or mock that commitment. This line highlights the tension between living by faith and the negative reactions that can come from others.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:22

• "Remove" (גָּלַל, galal): This word often means to roll away or take off a burden. The image is of God lifting away something heavy or oppressive, emphasizing how deeply the speaker feels the weight of reproach and contempt.
• "Reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): This word refers to disgrace or shame, especially the kind that comes from public criticism or insult. The speaker is not just asking for private relief but for the removal of public shame.
• "Contempt" (בוּז, buz): This word means scorn or being looked down on. It adds a layer to the request, showing the speaker feels both shamed and despised.
• "Kept" (נָצַר, natsar): This word means to guard or watch over carefully. The speaker claims not just to know God’s testimonies but to have actively protected and followed them.
• "Testimonies" (עֵדוּת, edut): This refers to God’s laws or declarations, especially those that serve as a witness to God’s will. The speaker’s faithfulness to these is the reason for the request.

Why Psalms 119:22 matters

• This verse clarifies that faithfulness to God’s ways does not always lead to social approval; sometimes it brings reproach and contempt from others.
• The verse highlights a personal, honest prayer for relief from the emotional and social burdens that can come with living by one’s convictions.
• Within the larger psalm, this request shows that the writer’s commitment to God’s word is not just intellectual but deeply personal, affecting daily life and relationships.