Psalms 119:136
Psalms 119:136 in Multiple Translations
My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. צ TSADHE.
Rivers of water are flowing from my eyes, because men do not keep your law. TZADE
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
Mine eyes gush out with riuers of water, because they keepe not thy Lawe.
Rivulets of waters have come down mine eyes, Because they have not kept Thy law!
Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don’t observe your law. TZADHE
Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because they keep not thy law.
I cry very much because many people do not obey your laws.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:136
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 119:136 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פַּלְגֵי
מַ֭יִם
יָרְד֣וּ
עֵינָ֑/י
עַ֝֗ל
לֹא
שָׁמְר֥וּ
תוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
פַּלְגֵי
peleg
H6388
stream
N-mp
מַ֭יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
יָרְד֣וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינָ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
עַ֝֗ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁמְר֥וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
תוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:136
פַּלְגֵי
peleg
H6388
"stream"
N-mp
A small channel of water, like a stream or irrigation ditch, is what this Hebrew word means. It appears in the Bible as a river or stream. In Genesis, it describes a small waterway.
Definition: channel, canal
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: river, stream. See also: Job 29:6; Proverbs 5:16; Psalms 1:3.
מַ֭יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
יָרְד֣וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
עֵינָ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
עַ֝֗ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁמְר֥וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
תוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 119:136
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:136 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:136
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:136
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:136
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:136
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
- Sermons on Psalms 119:136
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
134Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.
135Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
136My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
137Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. 138The testimonies You have laid down are righteous and altogether faithful.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:1 | Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 9:4 | “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 9:18 | Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:17 | You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 15:11 | “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:158 | I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:53 | Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law. |
| 8 | Luke 19:41 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it |
| 9 | Romans 9:2–3 | I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 13:17 | But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. |
Psalms 119:136 Summary
[The psalmist is weeping because people are not obeying God's law, which shows how much he loves and values God's commands. This is similar to how we feel when someone we love is hurt or disobeying what is best for them. We can learn from the psalmist's example by recognizing that our emotions can be a reflection of our love for God and our desire to see His will done, as seen in Psalms 119:137. By loving and obeying God's law, we can show our love for Him and experience the joy and peace that comes from following His will, as expressed in John 14:21 and Psalms 119:165.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist weep in Psalms 119:136?
The psalmist weeps because people are not obeying God's law, which is a reflection of God's character and will for humanity, as seen in Psalms 119:137 and Deuteronomy 4:8.
Is it normal for a Christian to feel sad when others disobey God?
Yes, it is normal for a Christian to feel sad when others disobey God, as it reflects a desire to see God's will done on earth, as expressed in Matthew 6:10 and reinforced in Psalms 119:136.
How can we balance our emotional response to sin with God's command to love others?
We can balance our emotional response to sin with God's command to love others by recognizing that God's law is a reflection of His love, and that our desire for others to obey God's law should be motivated by a desire to see them experience God's love, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6.
What can we learn from the psalmist's emotional response to disobedience?
We can learn from the psalmist's emotional response that our emotions can be a reflection of our love for God and our desire to see His will done, and that it is okay to feel deeply about the things that grieve God's heart, as expressed in Ezekiel 9:4 and Revelation 2:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show my love for God's law in my daily life, and how can I reflect that love to others?
- How can I balance my desire to see others obey God's law with my command to love them, even when they are disobedient?
- What are some things that grieve my heart, and how can I use those feelings to pray for and minister to others?
- How can I cultivate a deeper love for God's law, and what role does obedience play in that process?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:136
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes,.... That is, "out of" them; as the Syriac version: or, "mine eyes let down rivers of waters" (t); see Lamentations 3:48; that is, an abundance of tears, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:136
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
Ver. 136. Rivers of waters; plentiful and perpetual tears, witnesses of my deep sorrow for God’ s dishonour and displeasure, and for the miseries which sinners bring upon themselves and others. They, to wit, the wicked, as before, , who were not worthy to be mentioned; for this pronoun is oft used in way of contempt, as 19:27 8:10 .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
Psalms 119:136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.Ver. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes] My countenance is clouded, and even furrowed, with continual tears shed for thy dishonour; therefore lift up upon me the light of thy loving countenance. It grieveth me greatly to see thy law violated, and the transgressors thereof so careless of their own eternal good. This was Lot’ s case at Sodom, 2 Peter 2:7-8, and is many a good man’ s still; every profane wretch being a Hazael to his eyes, a Hadadrimmon to his heart. The Septuagint and Vulgate read, Mine eyes have drawn down issues of waters (i.e. they have wept abundantly), because they (that is, those eyes of mine) have not kept thy law. So Aben Ezra; Quia ipsi oculi non observassent legem tuam. David had walked after the sight of his eyes, and the lust of his heart; this is now his grief. Thus they; but not so well.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
Verse 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes] How much had this blessed man the honour of God and the salvation of souls at heart! O for more of that spirit which mourns for the transgressions of the land! But we are not properly convinced of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. ANALYSIS OF LETTER PE. - Seventeenth Division In this division the psalmist - I. Praises God's word. II. Shows his affection to it. III. Prays for grace to keep it.
IV. Mourns for those who do not. 1. The eulogy he gives to God's word here is from a new quality not mentioned before. "Thy testimonies are wonderful;" wondrous mysteries are contained in the Divine oracles. 1. The ceremonial law is wonderful, because the mystery of our redemption by the blood of Christ is pointed out in it. 2. The prophecies are wonderful, as predicting things, humanly speaking, so uncertain, and at such great distance of time, with so much accuracy. 3. The decalogue is wonderful, as containing in a very few words all the principles of justice and charity. 4. Were we to go to the New Testament, here wonders rise on wonders! All is astonishing; but the psalmist could not have had this in view. The second eulogy is, that God's law is the dispenser of light. 1.
The entrance of it, the first chapter of Genesis; what light does that pour on the mind of man! What knowledge of the most important things, which we should never have known without it! 2. It gives light to the simple - to those who are not double; who have but one end in view, and one aim to that end. 3. Of those simple ones or babes our Lord speaks, Matthew 11:25, and St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 1:25-26, c. II. The psalmist shows that he was one of those simple ones. 1. "He opened his mouth" by prayer, and sought the spirit of light and piety. 2. He panted after it as men do that want breath, and are longing to get fresh air. 3. And this he did because "he longed for God's commandments" had a vehement desire to know and keep them.
III. He now betakes himself to prayer, and acquaints us with the petitions he had offered. 1. He said, "Look upon me." Consider thy poor, dependent, helpless creature. 2. "Have mercy upon me." Look, not with the indignation which I deserve, but with the mercy which thou knowest I need. 3. "As thou usest to do." Act by me as thou dost by them that love thee. 4. "Order my steps." Give me grace to be obedient. Many look for mercy to pardon their sin, but do not look for grace to enable them to be obedient. 5. "Let not any iniquity have dominion over me." Let me be saved from all my spiritual captivity. 6. "Deliver me from the oppression of men." Let neither wicked men nor wicked spirits rule over me. 7.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:136
136. Mine eyes run down with streams of water] For the phrase cp. Lamentations 3:48; Lamentations 1:16. The righteous indignation which he feels at one moment for the lawlessness of men (Psalms 119:53) is tempered at another by profound sorrow and pity.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:136
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes - My heart is sad, and my eyes pour forth floods of tears. It is not a gentle weeping, but my eyes are like a fountain which pours out full-flowing streams. See Jeremiah 9:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:136
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 119:136
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jeremiah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of a nation being put into bondage for seventy years and then returning. He emphasizes that despite the despairing pictures, the |
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The Mental Agonies of Hell (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | The video is a sermon by Robert Murray McChain on the topic of soul winning. McChain emphasizes the importance of instructing individuals in the truth of God as a key process in le |
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The Sanctity of Life by Brent Yim | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being proactive in the fight to preserve life. He uses the acronym LIFE to outline four ways to do this. The fi |
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Christian Armament 04 Armed W-Care for Church by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from Luke's Gospel chapter 10, where a lawyer asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by quoting the law, which stat |
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Exposing Your Inner Self by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of self-examination for Christians to understand their true moral character in the eyes of God. He argues that uncertainty about one's spiri |
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Aggressive Christianity by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth passionately preaches about the urgency and responsibility of Christians to actively spread the Gospel to all creation, emphasizing the need for a revival of the ag |
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Other Men's Sins by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that witnessing the sins of others serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent sinfulness within ourselves. He illustrates this through the story of an o |