Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

PSALMS 19:14KJV
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Psalms 19:14 (KJV)

What does Psalms 19:14 mean?

Psalms 19:14 is a prayer asking God to find both the speaker’s spoken words and inner thoughts pleasing and acceptable. The verse expresses a desire for one’s entire self—what is said out loud and what is pondered in the heart—to be in harmony with God’s standards.

King David is speaking here, addressing God directly as his strength and redeemer. This verse comes at the end of a psalm that reflects on God’s glory in creation and the perfection of God’s law. David’s prayer shows humility and a longing for integrity, wanting even his private meditations to be pure before God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 19:14

  • "Meditation" (הגיון, higgayon): This word means more than just casual thoughts; it refers to deep pondering or musing. David is concerned not just with what he says, but with the inner reflections that no one else sees.
  • "Acceptable" (רָצוֹן, ratzon): This word means something that is pleasing or favorable. David is not just hoping to avoid wrongdoing, but is aiming for his words and thoughts to bring delight to God.
  • "Redeemer" (גָּאַל, go’el): This term refers to someone who rescues or buys back, often used for a family protector. By calling God his redeemer, David acknowledges God’s role in saving and restoring him, not just judging him.

Why Psalms 19:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God cares about both outward actions and inward thoughts, not just visible behavior.
  • It connects the personal, everyday life of the believer to the grandeur of God’s creation and law discussed earlier in the psalm, showing that both are important to God.
  • The verse highlights a relationship with God that is both humble and trusting, as David calls God his strength and redeemer, not just a distant judge.

Where else these words appear

“meditation” Hebrew H1902 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 9:16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
  • Psalms 92:3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
  • Lamentations 3:62 The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.

“words” Hebrew H561 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
  • Job 33:3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
  • Proverbs 5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

“acceptable” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

“strength” Hebrew H6697 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
  • Psalms 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.