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Psalms 119:139

Psalms 119:139 in Multiple Translations

My zeal has consumed me because my foes forget Your words.

My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words.

My passion has overcome me; because my haters are turned away from your words.

My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.

My zeale hath euen consumed mee, because mine enemies haue forgotten thy wordes.

Cut me off hath my zeal, For mine adversaries forgot Thy words.

My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.

My zeal hath consumed me; because my enemies have forgotten thy words.

I am ◄furious/very angry► because my enemies disregard ◄your words/what you have told us to do►.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:139

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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 119:139 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB צִמְּתַ֥תְ/נִי קִנְאָתִ֑/י כִּֽי שָׁכְח֖וּ דְבָרֶ֣י/ךָ צָרָֽ/י
צִמְּתַ֥תְ/נִי tsâmath H6789 to destroy V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
קִנְאָתִ֑/י qinʼâh H7068 jealousy N-fs | Suff
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
שָׁכְח֖וּ shâkach H7911 to forget V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דְבָרֶ֣י/ךָ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp | Suff
צָרָֽ/י tsar H6862 narrow N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:139

צִמְּתַ֥תְ/נִי tsâmath H6789 "to destroy" V-Piel-Perf-3fs | Suff
To destroy something means to completely get rid of it, like God destroying evil in Psalm 37:38. This word appears in the Bible to describe total annihilation. It is often used in a literal sense, such as in war, but also figuratively, like in Ezekiel 28:16.
Definition: 1) to put an end to, cut off, destroy, exterminate, extirpate 1a) (Qal) to put an end to, terminate 1b) (Niphal) to be ended, be annihilated, be exterminated 1c) (Piel) to put an end to 1d) (Pilel) to be exterminated, be annihilated 1e) (Hiphil) to exterminate, annihilate
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: consume, cut off, destroy, vanish. See also: 2 Samuel 22:41; Psalms 88:17; Psalms 18:41.
קִנְאָתִ֑/י qinʼâh H7068 "jealousy" N-fs | Suff
This word refers to strong feelings of jealousy or envy, often related to romantic or spiritual passion. It can describe human emotions or God's zeal for His people, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ardour, zeal, jealousy 1a) ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband) 1a1) sexual passion 1b) ardour of zeal (of religious zeal) 1b1) of men for God 1b2) of men for the house of God 1b3) of God for his people 1c) ardour of anger 1c1) of men against adversaries 1c2) of God against men 1d) envy (of man) 1e) jealousy (resulting in the wrath of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal. See also: Numbers 5:14; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 69:10.
כִּֽי 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.
שָׁכְח֖וּ shâkach H7911 "to forget" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
דְבָרֶ֣י/ךָ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
צָרָֽ/י tsar H6862 "narrow" N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:139

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 69:9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
2 John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”
3 Acts 13:27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.
4 1 Kings 19:10 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
5 Matthew 12:3–5 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?
6 1 Kings 19:14 “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
7 Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
8 Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?
9 Matthew 15:4–6 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
10 Matthew 21:16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’ ?”

Psalms 119:139 Summary

[Psalms 119:139 tells us that the psalmist is completely consumed by their passion for God's Word, and it's because they see so many people around them ignoring or rejecting God's teachings. This reminds us that, as followers of God, we should be deeply concerned about the way people are living and responding to God's Word. We can learn from the psalmist's example by studying and obeying Scripture, just like it says in Joshua 1:8, and by sharing God's love and truth with others, as Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-40. By doing so, we can show our love and zeal for God's Word, just like the psalmist.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by 'my zeal has consumed me' in Psalms 119:139?

The psalmist's passion and enthusiasm for God's Word have taken over their life, driving them to stand up for what is right, as seen in Psalms 69:9, where it says 'zeal for Your house has consumed me'

Why are the psalmist's foes forgetting God's words?

The foes are likely those who reject God's teachings and commandments, similar to what is described in Romans 1:28, where people suppress the truth and turn away from God's wisdom

How can we, like the psalmist, show zeal for God's Word in our own lives?

We can demonstrate our zeal by studying, obeying, and sharing Scripture with others, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Matthew 28:19-20

Is it okay to feel angry or upset when others disregard God's teachings?

Yes, it is natural to feel a sense of righteous indignation, as seen in the psalmist's reaction, but we must also remember to respond in a way that is loving and gracious, as taught in Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:32

Reflection Questions

  1. What stirs up your passion and zeal for God's Word, and how can you cultivate that in your daily life?
  2. In what ways do you see people around you forgetting or disregarding God's teachings, and how can you lovingly point them back to Scripture?
  3. How can you balance your desire to stand up for God's truth with the need to respond in a gentle and respectful manner?
  4. What promises or teachings from God's Word are you most passionate about sharing with others, and why are they important to you?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:139

My zeal hath consumed me,.... Zeal for God and his glory, for his word and ordinances and worship; which is a fervour of the mind, burning love, and flaming affections for God, shown in a holy indignation against sin and sinners.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:139

My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:139

Ver. 139. Hath consumed me; I am tormented and cut to the heart with grief and anger at it. Have forgotten thy words, i.e. despise and disobey them; which in Scripture use is oft called a forgetting of them, as the remembering of them is oft put for loving and practising them.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:139

Psalms 119:139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.Ver. 139. My zeal hath consumed me] Hath meagred and impaired me much. In the Hebrew the last letter is doubled, to increase the signification. Zeal is the extreme heat of all the affections.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:139

Verse 139. My zeal hath consumed me] My earnest desire to promote thy glory, and the pain I feel at seeing transgressions multiplied, have worn down both my flesh and spirits.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:139

139. Cp. Psalms 69:9.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:139

My zeal hath consumed me - Margin, “cut me off.” The word which is here translated “consumed” is rendered “cut off” in Lamentations 3:53; Job 23:17; Psalms 54:5; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 94:23; Psalms

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:139

ö, Tsade.137-144. Thy law is the truth—This division, more than any other, tells us of a heart to which the eternal God was a living power.

Sermons on Psalms 119:139

SermonDescription
J. Oswald Sanders Improving Leadership Effectiveness by J. Oswald Sanders In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of leadership and delegation in various areas of life. He emphasizes the need to delegate work properly in order to avoid a one
Jim Cymbala House of Prayer - Part 1 by Jim Cymbala This sermon reflects on the powerful and unusual depiction of Jesus cleansing the temple, showcasing a side of him that is rarely seen - filled with righteous anger and authority.
John Calvin Separation From False Worship, Idolatry & Popish Principles by John Calvin In this sermon on Psalm 16:4, John Calvin emphasizes the importance of dedicating ourselves to God once we have come to know Him as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. He
Bakht Singh Hebron Dedication - Part 2 by Bakht Singh In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine love for God's house. He repeatedly expresses his love for the place and habitation of God's house. The sp
Erlo Stegen More About Jesus by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern that many young people come to church but leave unchanged. He desires that people who encounter him would be inspired to seek God
Damian Kyle John 2 by Damian Kyle In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cultural context of weddings in biblical times, highlighting the significance of such celebrations in a community. He emphasizes the sca
Glenn Meldrum (Radical Jesus) 15 Radical Surrender by Glenn Meldrum The video titled "God Commands Christians to Forgive" produced by IHP Video Productions emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. It highlights the radical n

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