I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

PSALMS 119:32KJV
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Psalms 119:32 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:32 mean?

Psalms 119:32 expresses a deep eagerness to follow God's commandments, with the psalmist saying he will run in the way God has set out, especially when God gives him a greater capacity or willingness in his heart. The verse highlights a strong desire to obey, made possible when God broadens or frees the psalmist’s inner life.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be the psalmist, addressing God directly in a prayerful way. The verse comes from a long psalm focused on love for God’s law. Here, the psalmist uses the image of running to show enthusiasm and energy for following God’s instructions, and asks for God to “enlarge” his heart—meaning to give him more understanding, freedom, or willingness to obey.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:32

  • "run" (רָץ, rats): This word means to move quickly, suggesting eagerness or urgency. The psalmist is not just walking but running, showing wholehearted commitment to God’s commandments.
  • "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word often means a path or course of life. Here, it refers to the path marked out by God’s commandments, picturing obedience as a journey or road.
  • "commandments" (מִצְוָה, mitsvah): This is a common word for God’s instructions or orders. The psalmist’s focus is not on general goodness, but specifically on the directions God has given.
  • "enlarge" (רָחַב, rachav): This word means to make wide or spacious. In this context, it often suggests giving greater capacity, freedom, or willingness. The psalmist asks God to expand his heart so he can obey more fully.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of will, understanding, and emotion. The psalmist wants God to work in his innermost being, not just his outward actions.

Why Psalms 119:32 matters

  • This verse clarifies that true obedience is not just about effort, but also about God enabling the heart to respond—obedience flows from an inner change.
  • The image of running, not just walking, highlights the psalmist’s enthusiasm and readiness, not a grudging or slow response to God’s commands.
  • The verse fits into the larger theme of Psalm 119, where the psalmist repeatedly asks God for help to understand and keep the law, showing that spiritual growth is both a human desire and a divine gift.

Where else these words appear

“enlarge” Hebrew H7337 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
  • Isaiah 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

“run” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
  • Esther 8:14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.