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Psalms 119:158

Psalms 119:158 in Multiple Translations

I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word.

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word.

I saw with hate those who were untrue to you; for they did not keep your saying.

Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.

I saw the transgressours and was grieued, because they kept not thy worde.

I have seen treacherous ones, And grieve myself, Because Thy saying they have not kept.

I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don’t observe your word.

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

When I look at those who are not faithful to you, I am disgusted because they do not obey ◄your requirements/what you have instructed us to do►.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:158

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Word Study

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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 119:158 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB רָאִ֣יתִי בֹ֭גְדִים וָֽ/אֶתְקוֹטָ֑טָ/ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִ֝מְרָתְ/ךָ֗ לֹ֣א שָׁמָֽרוּ
רָאִ֣יתִי râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בֹ֭גְדִים bâgad H898 to act treacherously V-Qal
וָֽ/אֶתְקוֹטָ֑טָ/ה qûwṭ H6962 to loath Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אִ֝מְרָתְ/ךָ֗ ʼimrâh H565 word N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
שָׁמָֽרוּ shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:158

רָאִ֣יתִי râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בֹ֭גְדִים bâgad H898 "to act treacherously" V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
וָֽ/אֶתְקוֹטָ֑טָ/ה qûwṭ H6962 "to loath" Conj | V-r-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To feel a strong dislike or hatred for something, it can also mean to be grieved or loathe oneself. It is used in Ezekiel 6:9 to describe the Israelites' feelings towards their idols.
Definition: 1) to loathe, be grieved, feel a loathing 1a) (Qal) to feel a loathing 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to feel loathing against self 1b2) to detest 1c) (Hithpolel) to loathe oneself Also means: na.qat (נָקַט "to tire" H5354)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: begrieved, loathe self. See also: Psalms 95:10; Ezekiel 6:9; Psalms 119:158.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִ֝מְרָתְ/ךָ֗ 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.
לֹ֣א 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.
שָׁמָֽרוּ 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.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:158

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 139:21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?
2 Psalms 119:53 Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.
3 Psalms 119:136 My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
4 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.”
5 Mark 3:5 Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored.

Psalms 119:158 Summary

[This verse means that the psalmist has a strong sense of dislike for people who do not follow God's word, because they are living in a way that is contrary to God's will. This feeling is motivated by a desire to see people live in a way that is pleasing to God, as taught in Psalms 119:165 and Proverbs 10:9. By prioritizing God's word and following His commands, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and avoid the consequences of sin, as warned in Romans 6:23. As we seek to follow God's word, we can trust that He will guide and direct us, as promised in Psalms 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to look on the faithless with loathing?

To look on the faithless with loathing means to have a strong sense of disgust or disdain towards those who do not follow God's word, as seen in Psalms 119:158, because their actions are contrary to God's will and can lead others astray, as warned in Matthew 18:6.

Is it wrong to feel this way towards the faithless?

It is not wrong to feel a sense of loathing towards the faithless if it is motivated by a desire to see people follow God's word and avoid sin, as expressed in Psalms 119:158, but it is important to balance this feeling with love and a desire to see them come to know God, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and Matthew 22:37-40.

How can I apply this verse to my own life?

You can apply this verse to your own life by being mindful of the company you keep and the influences you allow into your life, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33, and by prioritizing your relationship with God and His word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:11 and Joshua 1:8.

What is the significance of keeping God's word in this verse?

Keeping God's word is significant in this verse because it demonstrates a person's commitment to following God's will and living a life that is pleasing to Him, as taught in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can prioritize keeping God's word in my own life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
  2. How can I balance my desire to see people follow God's word with a sense of love and compassion towards those who do not?
  3. What are some potential consequences of not keeping God's word, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
  4. How can I use this verse to encourage and motivate myself to stay faithful to God's word, even when it is difficult or unpopular?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:158

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved,.... Transgressors of the law of God, profane sinners; such as among whom he dwelt in Mesech and Kedar; it grieved him when he beheld their wicked life and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:158

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:158

Ver. 158. I observed and considered their ungodly courses.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:158

Psalms 119:158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.Ver. 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved] Or, I abhorred them, or, I contended with them; not so much because they were mine as thine enemies. Because they kept not thy word] Which all men are bound not only to observe, but to preserve as much as may be.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:158

RESH. (158) Transgressors.—Better, the faithless (or, traitors).Was grieved.—The Hebrew is a far stronger word, and the sense is intensified by the rare conjugation: was filled with loathing at; sickened with disgust.“The recreants I survey, And loathing turn away.”—KEBLE.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:158

Verse 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved] Literally, I was affected with anguish.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:158

158. I have seen the treacherous dealers and felt loathing, Because they have not observed thy word. Apostate Israelites are meant, faithless to the covenant. Far from being attracted by them, he felt disgust and loathing (Psalms 139:21) as he watched them and their ways.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:158

I beheld the transgressors - Those who wronged me; those who violated the law of God. And was grieved - Or, “sickened.” The word used here means commonly to loathe, to nauseate, to sicken. Ezekiel 16:47; Psalms 95:10.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:158

ø, Resh.153-160. Plead my cause—The prayer is here as if the honour of God were involved in the deliverance of those who put their trust in him. The pleading is, for that very reason, the more earnest.

Sermons on Psalms 119:158

SermonDescription
Jason Janz Hudson Taylor: Songs on His Pilgrimage by Jason Janz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Hudson Taylor, a missionary who faced challenges in spreading the Gospel in China. Despite being bedridden and having no paid hel
Charles Finney 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
John Gill 2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights
Derek Prince Repentance - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke chapter 15. He highlights the contrast between the younger son, who repents and returns to his fat
Richard Owen Roberts God's Omnipotence - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts In this sermon, the preacher explores the concept of God's omnipresence and authority over all places. He emphasizes that while we are accustomed to things having their rightful pl
Jonathan Edwards That Religious Affections Are Very Great, or Raised Very High, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards discusses the misconception that high religious affections are always a sign of true religion, emphasizing that while true religion involves deep affections, not a
Colin Peckham The Moment of Revival by Colin Peckham Colin Peckham emphasizes the importance of prayer as the essential preparation for revival, drawing examples from historical revivals in Northern Ireland, the Hebrides, and America

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