Psalms 119:38

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Psalms 119:38 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Establish Your word to Your servant, to produce reverence for You.

King James Version KJV

Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

American Standard Version ASV

Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which is in order unto the fear of thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Give effect to your word to your servant, in whose heart is the fear of you.

Free Bible Version FBV

Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Stablish thy promise to thy seruaunt, because he feareth thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Establish to Thy servant Thy saying, That [is] concerning Thy fear.

World English Bible WEB

Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Establish thy word to thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

Translation for Translators T4T

Because I serve you, do what you promised to do for me, which is what you also promise to do for all those who revere you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:38

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 119:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הָקֵ֣ם לְ֭/עַבְדְּ/ךָ אִמְרָתֶ֑/ךָ אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר לְ/יִרְאָתֶֽ/ךָ

הָקֵ֣ם qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

לְ֭/עַבְדְּ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-ms | Suff

אִמְרָתֶ֑/ךָ ʼimrâh H565 word N-fs | Suff

אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לְ/יִרְאָתֶֽ/ךָ yirʼâh H3374 fear Prep | N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:38

הָקֵ֣ם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

לְ֭/עַבְדְּ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

אִמְרָתֶ֑/ךָ 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.

אֲ֝שֶׁ֗ר 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.

לְ/יִרְאָתֶֽ/ךָ yirʼâh H3374 "fear" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.

Study Notes — Psalms 119:38

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 119:38 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:38
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:38
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:38
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:38
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:38
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:38
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:38
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:38
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:38
Sermons on Psalms 119:38

Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

36Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain. 37Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word.

38Establish Your word to Your servant, to produce reverence for You.

39Turn away the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good. 40How I long for Your precepts! Revive me in Your righteousness.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 32:39–41	I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul.
2	Psalms 147:11	The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.
3	Psalms 103:17	But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—
4	2 Corinthians 1:20	For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.
5	2 Samuel 7:25–29	And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house. Do as You have promised, so that Your name will be magnified forever when it is said, ‘The LORD of Hosts is God over Israel.’ And the house of Your servant David will be established before You. For You, O LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant when You said, ‘I will build a house for you.’ Therefore Your servant has found the courage to offer this prayer to You. And now, O Lord GOD, You are God! Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever.”
6	Psalms 103:13	As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
7	Psalms 103:11	For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.
8	Psalms 119:49	Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope.
9	Psalms 145:19	He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.

Psalms 119:38 Summary

[Psalms 119:38 is a prayer asking God to establish His word in our lives, so we can reverence and respect Him. This means we want God's word to be the foundation of our thoughts, actions, and decisions. As we seek to establish God's word in our lives, we can trust in His goodness and faithfulness, just like it says in Psalms 37:3-4, where we trust in Him and do good. By doing so, we can grow in our reverence for God, which is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Psalms 111:10.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'establish' God's word in our lives?

To establish God's word means to firmly settle or confirm it in our hearts, making it the foundation of our thoughts, actions, and decisions, as seen in Psalms 119:38 and supported by Psalms 138:8, where God perfects His work in us.

Why is reverence for God important?

Reverence for God is essential because it leads to a deep respect and awe for His power, wisdom, and love, which in turn guides our obedience to His will, as stated in Psalms 111:10, where fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?

We can apply Psalms 119:38 by seeking to understand and apply God's word in every situation, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-4, where we trust in Him and do good, and in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we trust in Him with all our heart.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in establishing God's word in our lives?

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in establishing God's word in our lives by guiding us into all truth, as seen in John 16:13, and helping us to understand and apply God's word, as stated in 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, where the Spirit reveals God's wisdom to us.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I intentionally seek to establish God's word in my life, making it the foundation of my thoughts and actions?
How does my reverence for God impact my relationships and decisions, and what are some areas where I need to grow in this respect?
What are some ways I can practically apply God's word in my daily life, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness?
How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's word, and what role can the Holy Spirit play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:38

Stablish thy word unto thy servant,.... Either God's word of promise, which never fails, is firm and stable in Christ; and the sense is, that God would assure him of the fulfilment of it, and give

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:38

Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Stablish thy word unto thy servants, who is devoted to thy fear - or, 'thy Word which belongs to thy fearers;' namely, to them who fear thee (Hengstenberg).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:38

Confirm and perform thy promises, as concerning the kingdom, so also for the giving of gracious assistances, directions and comforts to those that fear thee, of which number I am one.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:38

Psalms 119:38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who [is devoted] to thy fear.Ver. 38. Stablish thy word unto thy servant] i.e. Make good thy promise; we must by our prayers put the promises of God in suit, and God will perform them. Who is devoted to thy fear] And so am an heir of the promises. Or, which (word) is (given) for the fear of thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:38

(38) Who is devoted to thy fear.—This is an improbable explanation of this elliptical expression. There are two renderings, each in accordance with the general drift of the psalm: (1) Stablish to Thy servant Thy word, which leads to fear of Thee; or, more likely, (2) Stablish to Thy servant Thy promise which is to those who fear Thee, as apparently the LXX.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:38

Verse 38. Stablish thy word] Fulfil the promises thou hast made to me.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:38

38. who is devoted to thy fear] This rendering is retained in R.V. marg., but the order of the words is in favour of rendering Confirm unto thy servant thy promise Which belongeth to the fear of thee, or, Which maketh for the fear of thee. Perform for me the promises made to those who fear Thee: or, which aim at promoting and encouraging reverence for Thee. Cp. Psalms 130:4.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:38

Stablish thy word unto thy servant - Confirm it; make it seem firm and true; let not my mind be vacillating or skeptical in regard to thy truth.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:38

ä, He.33-40. Teach me… thy statutes—The trouble has passed, and entrance upon active and responsible life is contemplated. The writer sees the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.

Sermons on Psalms 119:38

	Sermon	Description
	Practical Response Resulting From Our View of God by Lou Sutera	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of God's presence in a gathering of 1,700 people. He describes moments of brokenness before God and the impact of a teenager shari
	The Primacy of Self by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon on Fear, the preacher delves into the various uses of 'phobos' in the Bible, highlighting how it can describe both positive and negative senses of fear. While fear c
	(Women) 02. What Fruit Can Be Expected From a Happy Marriage (Part1) by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter he had with a young married couple who displayed an extraordinary love and tenderness towards each other. He asks them for
	The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 3 by W.F. Kumuyi	This sermon emphasizes God's promise of transformation and renewal for His people, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in receiving His covenant of peace. It explore
	On the Blessedness of a New Heart by Thomas Reade	Thomas Reade preaches on the blessedness of a new heart, emphasizing the unity and consistency found in having 'one heart and one way' as promised by God. This promise encapsulates
	The Harmony of Christian Graces by Thomas Reade	Thomas Reade preaches about the harmony of Christian graces, emphasizing the unity and oneness of heart within the Church of God as described in the Scriptures. He highlights the i
	Awe and Respect by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of cultivating a true fear of the Lord, which encompasses awe and respect but extends beyond that to a recognition of sin and a call to hol