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Psalms 119:169

Psalms 119:169 in Multiple Translations

May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.

Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word.

Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me wisdom in keeping with your word.

Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.

TAV. Let my complaint come before thee, O Lord, and giue me vnderstanding, according vnto thy worde.

[Taw.] My loud cry cometh near before Thee, O Jehovah; According to Thy word cause me to understand.

Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word.

TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

Yahweh, listen while I pray for you to help me; help me to understand ◄your words/what you have told us to do►.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:169

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 119:169 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB תִּקְרַ֤ב רִנָּתִ֣/י לְ/פָנֶ֣י/ךָ יְהוָ֑ה כִּ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֥ הֲבִינֵֽ/נִי
תִּקְרַ֤ב qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
רִנָּתִ֣/י rinnâh H7440 cry N-fs | Suff
לְ/פָנֶ֣י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
כִּ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֥ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms | Suff
הֲבִינֵֽ/נִי bîyn H995 to understand V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:169

תִּקְרַ֤ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
רִנָּתִ֣/י rinnâh H7440 "cry" N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.
לְ/פָנֶ֣י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּ/דְבָרְ/ךָ֥ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms | 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.
הֲבִינֵֽ/נִי bîyn H995 "to understand" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:169

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
2 Psalms 119:144–145 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live. I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will obey Your statutes.
3 Proverbs 2:3–5 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.
4 Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.
5 2 Chronicles 1:10 Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
6 1 Chronicles 22:12 Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
7 Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
8 2 Chronicles 30:27 Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven.

Psalms 119:169 Summary

This verse means that we should humbly ask God to hear our prayers and give us understanding of His word, as the psalmist does in Psalms 119:169. We can do this by studying the Bible, like in Psalms 1:2, and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, as promised in John 16:13. When we cry out to God, we can trust that He will hear us and give us the understanding we need, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By obeying God's commands and seeking His guidance, we can have a deeper understanding of His word and live a life that honors Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to cry out to the Lord?

Crying out to the Lord means to humbly and desperately seek His help and guidance, as seen in Psalms 119:169, and is a common theme throughout the Bible, such as in Psalms 18:6 and Romans 8:15.

How can we have understanding according to God's word?

We can have understanding according to God's word by studying and meditating on Scripture, such as in Psalms 119:169, and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, as promised in John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:12-14.

Is it important to obey God's commands before seeking understanding?

Yes, obeying God's commands is crucial, as seen in the preceding verses, Psalms 119:167-168, where the psalmist declares their obedience to God's testimonies and precepts, demonstrating a humble and submissive heart, as also taught in Matthew 5:19 and James 1:22-25.

How does this verse relate to our daily lives?

This verse relates to our daily lives by reminding us to seek God's guidance and understanding in all situations, as the psalmist does in Psalms 119:169, and to trust in His promises, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to cry out to the Lord for understanding and guidance?
  2. How can I demonstrate my obedience to God's commands, like the psalmist in Psalms 119:167-168, in my daily life?
  3. What are some ways I can seek to understand God's word, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process, as seen in John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:12-14?
  4. In what ways can I trust in God's promises, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6, when faced with uncertainty or difficulty?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:169

t, TAU.--The Twenty-second and last Part. Ver. 169. TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord,.... Not "my praise", as the Syriac version; but "my prayer", put up in great distress, and with

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:169

Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:169

TAU Ver. 169. Near before thee; which at present thou seemest to shut out, as the church complained, . Understanding; whereby I may both know and perform my duty in all particulars.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:169

Psalms 119:169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.Ver. 169. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord] That is, as some will have it, let this whole preceding psalm, and all the petitions (whereof we have here a repetition) therein contained, be highly accepted in heaven.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:169

LETTER ת TAU. - Twenty-second Division Verse 169. Let my cry come near before thee] This is really a fine image; it is of frequent occurrence, and is little heeded. Here the psalmists cry for deliverance is personified; made an intelligent being, and sent up to the throne of grace to negotiate in his behalf. He pursues this prosopopoeia in the next verse, and sends his supplication in the same way. I have already had occasion to refer to a similar figure in Homer, where prayers are represented as the daughters of Jupiter. See on Psalms 88:2.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:169

169–176. Tâv. Concluding petitions for understanding and deliverance, for the grace of thankfulness, for help and guidance.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:169

Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the letter Tau (ט ṭ), corresponding to our “t,” or “th.”

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:169

ú, Tav.169-176. Let thine hand help me—Finally, the two great wants of man, strength of soul to live righteously and deliverance from outward evils, are rehearsed. The writer is persecuted for his faith.

Sermons on Psalms 119:169

SermonDescription
Timothy Williams Set a Mark Upon the Foreheads by Timothy Williams In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a love for righteousness and a grief over sin. He refers to the story in Ezekiel chapter 9 where the Lord instructs
Duncan Campbell Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa
Leonard Ravenhill Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar
Francis Chan Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl
Francis Chan Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee
Keith Daniel Book of James by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c
Zac Poonen The Danger of Pharisaism by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke chapter twelve, verse forty-five, which talks about a slave who becomes abusive towards other slaves because he believes his master wil

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