Psalms 119:103
Psalms 119:103 in Multiple Translations
How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth!
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
How sweet are your sayings to my taste! truly, they are sweeter than honey in my mouth!
Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
Howe sweete are thy promises vnto my mouth! yea, more then hony vnto my mouth.
How sweet to my palate hath been Thy saying, Above honey to my mouth.
How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!
How sweet are thy words to my taste! yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
When I read your words, they are like [MET] sweet things that I taste/eat, yes, they are even sweeter than honey.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:103
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 119:103 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
נִּמְלְצ֣וּ
לְ֭/חִכִּ/י
אִמְרָתֶ֗/ךָ
מִ/דְּבַ֥שׁ
לְ/פִֽ/י
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נִּמְלְצ֣וּ
mâlats
H4452
to smooth
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
לְ֭/חִכִּ/י
chêk
H2441
palate
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אִמְרָתֶ֗/ךָ
ʼimrâh
H565
word
N-fs | Suff
מִ/דְּבַ֥שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
Prep | N-ms
לְ/פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:103
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נִּמְלְצ֣וּ
mâlats
H4452
"to smooth"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something is smooth or pleasant, like a sweet experience. It is used to describe agreeable things. This word is found in various contexts, including Psalm 55:14.
Definition: 1) to be smooth, be slippery 1a) (Niphal) to be smooth (agreeable, pleasant)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be sweet. See also: Psalms 119:103.
לְ֭/חִכִּ/י
chêk
H2441
"palate"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
אִמְרָתֶ֗/ךָ
ʼimrâh
H565
"word"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a threat or warning, often from God. It appears in the context of judgement or punishment. The KJV translates it as commandment, speech, or word.
Definition: 1) utterance, speech, word 1a) word of God (command and promise)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: commandment, speech, word. See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 12:7.
מִ/דְּבַ֥שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
לְ/פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:103
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:103 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:103
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:103
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:103
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:103
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
- Sermons on Psalms 119:103
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
101I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.
102I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me.
103How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. 105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:11 | For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 2 | Psalms 19:10 | They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:13–14 | Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. |
| 4 | Job 23:12 | I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. |
| 5 | Psalms 63:5 | My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You. |
| 6 | Proverbs 3:17 | All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. |
| 7 | Song of Solomon 5:1 | I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. The Friends Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved. |
| 8 | Song of Solomon 1:2–4 | Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine. The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you. Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. The Friends We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. The Bride It is only right that they adore you. |
Psalms 119:103 Summary
[This verse means that the psalmist loves and enjoys reading God's words, and they bring him great joy and satisfaction, much like the pleasure of eating something sweet. He's saying that God's words are even more delightful to him than honey, which was a very sweet and valuable food in his time. As we read and meditate on God's Word, we can experience a similar delight and nourishment, as promised in Jeremiah 15:16. By feeding on God's Word, we can gain a deeper understanding of His love and plans for us, and live a life that honors Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's words to be 'sweeter than honey'?
This phrase is an expression of the psalmist's deep affection and delight in God's words, much like the sweetness of honey is a pleasant taste, as seen in Psalms 19:10, where God's judgments are also compared to gold and honey.
How can we develop a similar taste for God's words?
We can cultivate a love for God's words by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, as encouraged in Psalms 1:2, and by asking God to give us a desire for His Word, as seen in Psalms 119:36.
Is this verse only talking about the pleasantness of God's words, or is there more to it?
While the verse does describe the pleasantness of God's words, it also implies a deep satisfaction and nourishment that comes from feeding on God's Word, much like the physical nourishment we receive from food, as seen in Matthew 4:4.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is part of a larger section in Psalms 119 where the psalmist is expressing his love and commitment to God's Word, and it serves as a transition to the next section where he talks about the importance of understanding and obeying God's precepts, as seen in Psalms 119:104-105.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God's words have been 'sweet' to me in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for them?
- How does my desire for God's Word compare to my desire for other things in life, and what can I do to increase my longing for Scripture?
- What are some 'false ways' that I may be tempted to follow, and how can God's Word guide me away from them, as seen in Psalms 119:104?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of delighting in God's Word to my daily life, and what difference might it make in my relationships and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste!.... Who had a spiritual one; and could discern perverse things, and could taste how good and gracious the Lord is: and so his words were sweet unto him; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! How sweet are thy words unto my taste!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
Ver. 103. The study and obedience of thy words yields me more satisfaction and delight than any worldly men find in their sensual pleasures.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
Psalms 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!Ver. 103. How sweet are thy words unto my taste!] Heb. to my palate; Syr. coelis gutturis mei, the roof of the mouth resembleth heaven. Epicurus was worthily blamed by Ennius for that dum palate quid sit optimum iudicabat, coeli palatium non suspexerit, while he looked so much to his palate, he looked not at all to the heavenly palace. David was no hog of his herd; he had sweetmeats to feed on that the world was not aware of. Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth] Mercury’ s priests were wont to say, when they did eat their figs, γλυκειαηαληθεια, Truth is sweet. The comedian saith, after Solomon, ηδυτοφως, "Light is sweet." The pleasures of the mind are far beyond those of the body.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
Verse 103. Sweeter than honey to my mouth!] What deep communion must this man have had with his Maker! These expressions show a soul filled with God. O Christians, how vastly superior are our privileges! and alas! how vastly inferior in general, are our consolations, our communion with God, and our heavenly-mindedness!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:103
103. Cp. Psalms 19:10; Job 23:12; John 4:32; John 4:34. my taste] Lit. my palate.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste ... - Margin, as in Hebrew, “palate.” The reference is to the taste, perhaps because the sense of taste was supposed to reside in the palate.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:103
î, Mem.97-104. Thy law… is my meditation—A view is now given of the practical wisdom given by the word. A childlike mind, illuminated by the pure truth, sees of itself an error.
Sermons on Psalms 119:103
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Developing a Christian Mind by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the short attention span of viewers and how it affects their ability to engage with biblical sermons. He emphasizes the negative impact of tel |
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Delighting in the Law of God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of combining intellectual understanding with heartfelt emotion in our approach to the Word of God. He introduces the idea of " |
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Purified Through Trials by Angel Castillo | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy life that pleases God. He warns against being influenced by the world and its desires, as it is contrary to |
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From Footlights to Fame by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a part of the Hollywood Christian group and having access to Paramount Warner Brothers studio for three years. H |
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The Words of Jesus by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of valuing the words of Jesus in our lives. He encourages believers to develop a deep hunge |
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A Football to Be Kicked From Man to Man by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the futility of religious debates and controversies, comparing them to two doctors arguing over food while a farmer enjoys his meal. He encourages believer |
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Nothing but Sweetness by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dual nature of God's Word, which is both sweet and bitter. While it brings delight and nourishment to believers, sharing it with those who reject it can l |