I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

PSALMS 119:31KJV
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Psalms 119:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:31 mean?

Psalms 119:31 expresses the psalmist’s deep commitment to God’s teachings, asking the LORD not to let him be disgraced or let down as a result of holding firmly to God’s instructions. The verse is a personal plea for honor and steadfastness, rooted in loyalty to God’s word.

The speaker is the psalmist, addressing God directly in a moment of vulnerability and dependence. The verse comes from a long psalm where the writer repeatedly affirms his attachment to God’s laws and seeks God’s help to remain faithful. Here, the psalmist is not only declaring his loyalty but also asking God to protect his reputation and dignity as he clings to God’s testimonies.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:31

  • "stuck" (דָּבַק, dāvaq): This word often means to cling, stick closely, or be joined to something. The psalmist is describing a strong, almost physical attachment to God’s testimonies, not just a casual agreement.
  • "testimonies" (עֵדוּת, ʿēdût): This term refers to God’s laws or declarations, especially those that serve as witness to His character and will. The psalmist is holding tightly to what God has revealed about Himself.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal name of God, used here to address God directly and personally.
  • "shame" (בּוּשׁ, bôsh): This word means to be put to shame, disgraced, or disappointed. The psalmist is asking God not to let his trust and commitment result in embarrassment or loss of honor.

Why Psalms 119:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that following God’s ways is not just about obedience, but about a deep, personal attachment that shapes the psalmist’s whole identity.
  • The plea not to be put to shame shows that the psalmist’s faithfulness is public and carries risk; he is trusting God to uphold his honor as he lives out God’s teachings.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 119, this verse highlights the ongoing tension between loyalty to God and the pressures or dangers that can come from others who do not share that commitment.

Where else these words appear

“stuck” Hebrew H1692 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
  • Judges 20:42 Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.
  • Job 29:10 The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

“testimonies” Hebrew H5715 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 16:34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
  • Exodus 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
  • 2 Kings 23:3 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

“shame” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.