Psalms 119:131

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Psalms 119:131 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments.

King James Version KJV

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

American Standard Version ASV

I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments.

Bible in Basic English BBE

My mouth was open wide, waiting with great desire for your teachings.

Free Bible Version FBV

With keen desire I long for what you have to say.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I opened my mouth and panted, because I loued thy commandements.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

My mouth I have opened, yea, I pant, For, for Thy commands I have longed.

World English Bible WEB

I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

Translation for Translators T4T

I eagerly desire to know ◄your commands/what you have commanded►, like [SIM] a dog that pants with its mouth open wanting to be fed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:131

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 119:131 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB פִּֽ/י פָ֭עַרְתִּי וָ/אֶשְׁאָ֑פָ/ה כִּ֖י לְ/מִצְוֺתֶ֣י/ךָ יָאָֽבְתִּי

פִּֽ/י peh H6310 lip N-ms | Suff

פָ֭עַרְתִּי pâʻar H6473 to open V-Qal-Perf-1cs

וָ/אֶשְׁאָ֑פָ/ה shâʼaph H7602 to long for Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

כִּ֖י kîy H3588 for Conj

לְ/מִצְוֺתֶ֣י/ךָ mitsvâh H4687 commandment Prep | N-fp | Suff

יָאָֽבְתִּי yâʼab H2968 to long V-Qal-Perf-1cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:131

פִּֽ/י peh H6310 "lip" 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.

פָ֭עַרְתִּי pâʻar H6473 "to open" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to open wide, like a big yawn, and is used in the Bible to describe something opening up, like a mouth or a gap. It appears in the King James Version as 'gape' or 'open wide'.

Definition: 1) to open wide, gape 1a) (Qal) to gape

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gape, open (wide). See also: Job 16:10; Psalms 119:131; Isaiah 5:14.

וָ/אֶשְׁאָ֑פָ/ה shâʼaph H7602 "to long for" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

To crush or trample something, also to desire or hasten eagerly, as seen in Psalm 7:2. It implies a strong emotional response, like anger or intense longing. This word is used to describe God's judgment in Isaiah 13:3.

Definition: 1) to gasp, pant, pant after, long for, breathe heavily 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gasp, pant after, snuff up 1a2) to gasp or pant (with desire), pant after, be eager for 1a3) to thirst for one's blood (from actions of animals) (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: desire (earnestly), devour, haste, pant, snuff up, swallow up. See also: Job 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Psalms 56:2.

כִּ֖י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לְ/מִצְוֺתֶ֣י/ךָ mitsvâh H4687 "commandment" Prep | N-fp | Suff

This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.

Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)

Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.

יָאָֽבְתִּי yâʼab H2968 "to long" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To long or desire something deeply, as seen in the Bible where people yearn for God's presence. This word is used to express a strong emotional connection. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: (Qal) to long, long for, desire

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: long. See also: Psalms 119:131.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:131

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 119:131 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:131
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:131
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:131
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:131
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:131
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:131
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:131
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:131
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:131
Sermons on Psalms 119:131

Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

129Wonderful are Your testimonies; therefore I obey them. 130The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.

131I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments.

132Turn to me and show me mercy, as You do to those who love Your name. 133Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 42:1	As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.
2	Psalms 119:20	My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times.
3	1 Peter 2:2	Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
4	Hebrews 12:14	Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
5	Psalms 81:10	I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it.
6	Isaiah 26:8–9	Yes, we wait for You, O LORD; we walk in the path of Your judgments. Your name and renown are the desire of our souls. My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.
7	Psalms 119:174	I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.
8	Job 29:23	They waited for me as for rain and drank in my words like spring showers.
9	Psalms 119:162	I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.
10	Psalms 119:40	How I long for Your precepts! Revive me in Your righteousness.

Psalms 119:131 Summary

[The psalmist is expressing a deep desire to follow God's commandments, and is asking God to help them understand and obey His word, as seen in Psalms 119:129-130. This longing is compared to panting, like someone who is thirsty and needs water, highlighting the intensity of their desire. By recognizing the value of God's commandments, we can cultivate a similar longing in our own lives, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40. As we seek to follow God's word, we can trust that He will guide us and give us the wisdom we need, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'open my mouth and pant' in Psalms 119:131?

This phrase is a metaphor that describes the psalmist's deep longing for God's commandments, similar to how a parched traveler would pant for water, as seen in Psalms 42:1-2 where the psalmist thirsts for God.

Why is the psalmist longing for God's commandments?

The psalmist recognizes the value and wisdom of God's commandments, as stated in Psalms 119:129, and desires to obey them, demonstrating a heart that loves and seeks to follow God's will, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40.

How can I develop a similar longing for God's commandments in my own life?

By regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalms 119, and asking God to give you a desire for His word, as expressed in Psalms 119:36, you can cultivate a deeper appreciation and longing for God's commandments.

What role does humility play in longing for God's commandments?

The psalmist's willingness to acknowledge their need for God's commandments and to pant after them demonstrates humility, recognizing their dependence on God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where trust in God is emphasized.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can express my longing for God's commandments in my daily life, such as through prayer or Bible study?
How can I balance my desire for God's commandments with the challenges and pressures of everyday life, as mentioned in Psalms 119:132-133?
In what ways can I use my words to express my love for God's commandments, as the psalmist does in Psalms 119:131?
What are some specific commandments or teachings from Scripture that I have been neglecting or struggling to follow, and how can I seek God's help to obey them?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:131

I opened my mouth, and panted,.... As a person out of breath does, through walking or running; he stops and pants, and opens his mouth, to draw in air to his relief: or as hungry and thirsty persons

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:131

I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments - (Psalms 119:20.) Compare Job 29:23; Psalms 42:1.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:131

Ver. 131. I thirst after thy precepts, and pursue them eagerly, as it were with open mouth, ready and greedy to receive them. It is a metaphor from one that makes great haste after another, whereby he is forced to pant and to open his mouth for air to refresh himself.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:131

Psalms 119:131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.Ver. 131. I opened my mouth and panted] Heb. and sooped in the air, as one that laboureth for life. Oh the sighs and the groans that I incessantly breathed forth out of zeal to thy law! Oh the strong affections kindled on the hearth of my heart! for, I longed for thy commandments] The Septuagint renders it by επιποθεω, which signifieth a most vehement desire, impatient of delays. As one that runneth himself out of breath. Sitio propter legem sicut dracones propter pluviam, Job 29:1-25

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:131

(131) Comp. Job 29:23.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:131

Verse 131. I opened my mouth, and panted] A metaphor taken from an animal exhausted in the chase. He runs, open-mouthed, to take in the cooling air; the heart beating high, and the muscular force nearly expended through fatigue. The psalmist sought for salvation, as he would run from a ferocious beast for his life. Nothing can show his earnestness in a stronger point of view.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:131

131. I opened wide my mouth for the food of this illuminating informing instruction (Job 29:23; Psalms 81:10), and panted in my eagerness to receive it.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:131

I opened my mouth and panted - All this is the language of deep emotion.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:131

ô, Pe.129-136. Let not any iniquity have dominion over me—A sense of his own peril leads the writer to a still deeper, intenser longing for perfected holiness within himself.

Sermons on Psalms 119:131

	Sermon	Description
	A Craving for the Presence - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving the presence of the Lord amidst challenging times, highlighting the need to prioritize seeking God's presence over solely relying o
	Your Passion for God by Gbile Akanni	In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of longing for something more in his preaching and his relationship with God. He expresses a dissatisfaction with just g
	A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need
	Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to
	So Panteth My Soul by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Psalm 42 and the longing of the soul for God. The speaker emphasizes the deep thirst and desire for God that the psalmist expresses in the t
	My Soul Thirst by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's word rather than human wisdom. He shares a story about a rich man who leaves a vast inheritance to his so
	Be Filled With the Spirit by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of constantly aiming and longing to be bold witnesses for God. He encourages listeners to seek God and rely on His promises to