Psalms 119:53
Psalms 119:53 in Multiple Translations
Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
I am burning with wrath, because of the sinners who have given up your law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
Feare is come vpon mee for the wicked, that forsake thy Lawe.
Horror hath seized me, Because of the wicked forsaking Thy law.
Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
When I see that wicked people have disregarded your laws, I become very angry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 119:53
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 119:53 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זַלְעָפָ֣ה
אֲ֭חָזַתְ/נִי
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֑ים
עֹ֝זְבֵ֗י
תּוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
זַלְעָפָ֣ה
zalʻâphâh
H2152
scorching
N-fs
אֲ֭חָזַתְ/נִי
ʼâchaz
H270
to grasp
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֑ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
עֹ֝זְבֵ֗י
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal
תּוֹרָתֶֽ/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 119:53
זַלְעָפָ֣ה
zalʻâphâh
H2152
"scorching"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a scorching heat or a strong wind, and can also describe a severe famine. It is used to convey a sense of horror or something terrible. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's anger and judgment.
Definition: burning heat, raging heat
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: horrible, horror, terrible. See also: Psalms 11:6; Psalms 119:53; Lamentations 5:10.
אֲ֭חָזַתְ/נִי
ʼâchaz
H270
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֑ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
עֹ֝זְבֵ֗י
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
תּוֹרָתֶֽ/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 119:53
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 119:53 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:53
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:53
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:53
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:53
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
- Sermons on Psalms 119:53
Context — Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
51The arrogant utterly deride me, but I do not turn from Your law.
52I remember Your judgments of old, O LORD, and in them I find comfort.
53Rage has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject Your law.
54Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage. 55In the night, O LORD, I remember Your name, that I may keep Your law.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 9:3 | When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:158 | I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word. |
| 3 | Ezra 10:6 | Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. And while he stayed there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Philippians 3:18 | For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. |
| 6 | Luke 19:41–42 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:136 | My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 12:21 | I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 13:25 | I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! |
| 10 | Habakkuk 3:16 | I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us. |
Psalms 119:53 Summary
This verse shows that the psalmist is deeply troubled by those who reject God's law. He feels a strong sense of rage and frustration because he loves God and wants to see people obey Him. This is similar to how God feels, as seen in Ezekiel 33:11, where it is written that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. As Christians, we should also be grieved by sin and desire to see people come to know and obey God, as seen in Matthew 9:36-38, where Jesus has compassion on the crowds because they are like sheep without a shepherd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist feel rage towards the wicked?
The psalmist feels rage towards the wicked because they reject God's law, which is a reflection of God's character and will, as seen in Psalms 119:53 and supported by Romans 1:18-20, where it is written that those who suppress the truth of God are without excuse.
Is it right for a Christian to feel anger or rage?
While anger can be a natural response to injustice, it is essential to recognize that our anger should be tempered with love and a desire for the wicked to repent, as seen in Matthew 5:43-48, where Jesus teaches us to love our enemies.
How can we balance our emotions when we see others rejecting God's law?
We can balance our emotions by remembering God's judgments of old, as the psalmist does in Psalms 119:52, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written that we should trust in the Lord with all our heart.
What is the relationship between rage and rejection of God's law in this verse?
The rage felt by the psalmist is a direct result of the wicked rejecting God's law, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's word, as seen in Joshua 1:7-8, where it is written that we should meditate on God's law day and night to be prosperous and successful.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically stand up for God's law in my daily life, even when it is unpopular?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is grieved by sin, rather than simply being angry at those who sin?
- What are some scriptures that I can meditate on when I feel overwhelmed by the wickedness in the world?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with my call to love and forgive those who reject God's law?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 119:53
Horror hath taken hold upon me,.... Trembling, sorrow, and distress, to a great degree, like a storm, or a blustering, scorching, burning wind, as the word (h) signifies, which is very terrible;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 119:53
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law .
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
Horror; a mixed passion made up of indignation at their persons as sinful, and abhorrency of their sins, and dread and sorrow at the consideration of the judgments of God coming upon them. Because of the wicked that forsake thy law; for the dishonour which they bring to God, the scandal and mischief to others, and their own certain ruin.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
Psalms 119:53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.Ver. 53. Horror hath taken hold upon me] Horripilatio, turbo, vortex, a horrible tempest, Psalms 11:6, such as surpriseth holy Habakkuk, Habakkuk 3:16. Because of the wicked] To think of their heinous sins and horrible punishments, which they dread not, dream not off See Daniel 4:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
(53) Horror.—Rather, violent indignation, a storm of rage, hot and fierce as the simoon. For the word, see Psalms 11:6, Note.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
Verse 53. Horror hath taken hold upon me] The word זלעפה zilaphah, which we render horror, is thought to signify the pestilential burning wind called by the Arabs simoom. Here it strongly marks the idea that the psalmist had of the destructive nature of sin; it is pestilential; it is corrupting, mortal.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 119:53
53. Horror &c.] Hot indignation seizes me. It was not unmingled with sorrow, Psalms 119:136. that forsake thy law] Careless or apostate Israelites are clearly meant.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 119:53
Horror hath taken hold upon me - Has seized me; has overpowered and overwhelmed me. I shudder; I tremble; I am afraid; I am filled with distress.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 119:53
æ, Zain.49-56. The word… upon which thou hast caused me to hope—In a time of derision and apostasy the psalmist finds strength and delight in the word. Times of persecution and contempt are always times of apostasy.
Sermons on Psalms 119:53
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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Holy Shuddering! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound horror that should grip believers when witnessing the sins of others, reflecting on how true holiness stirs a deep concern for the wickedness |
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The Law of Separation by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor shares a personal experience of God speaking to him on a boat in Florida, promising to supply everything the church and his family would need if they led |
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Revival Conference Victoria 2010 by Edgar Reich | This sermon emphasizes the importance of personal revival as a precursor to seeking revival for others. Drawing from the example of Ezra in the Bible, it highlights the need for co |
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Four Men With a Vision by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker opens with a call to open the Bible to the book of Ezra. The title of the message is "Form in with a vision" with the subtitle "The recovering of the Lo |
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The Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed by Kevin Horton | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being tuned into God's kingdom and being broken by our own sin and the sin of God's people. He uses the example of a Christ |
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Compassion for the Lost by Charles Bridges | Charles Bridges preaches on the compassion of Jesus towards those who do not keep God's law, emphasizing the need for Christians to have a tender concern for the honor of God and a |