I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

PSALMS 119:58KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 119:58 (KJV)

What does Psalms 119:58 mean?

Psalms 119:58 presents a speaker asking God to show kindness in keeping with what God has said. The speaker approaches God with full attention and sincerity, trusting that God’s own word gives a basis for the request.

The phrase “thy favour” pictures a welcome from God rather than rejection. After calling the Lord his “portion” in verse 57, the speaker asks for that welcome personally, addressing God directly.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:58

  • “favour” — פָּנִים (panim): This word means “face” and can refer to a person’s presence. Here, the request for favour uses the picture of seeking God’s face.
  • “word” — אִמְרָה (imrah): This word means something said. In the prayer, it points to what God has spoken as the measure for the mercy requested.

Why Psalms 119:58 matters

  • The request is personal and wholehearted. “With my whole heart” describes the speaker’s undivided approach, not merely the words spoken aloud.
  • The speaker asks for mercy, not payment for a service. “Be merciful unto me” is an appeal for kindness, while “according to thy word” grounds the appeal in what God has said.
  • The prayer belongs to a sequence of reflection and response. In verse 59, the speaker considers his ways and turns his feet toward God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“word” Hebrew H565 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
  • Psalms 119:158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

“merciful” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 102:14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

“intreated” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.