Psalms 119:60 — Word Study
WLCחַ֭שְׁתִּי וְלֹ֣א הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
BSAI hurriedchûwsh■ [made haste, was eager] withoutlôʼ hesitatingmâhahh■ [delaying not, reluctance] to keepshâmar [obey, guard] Your commandmentsmitsvâh [laws, divine instructions]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| חַ֭שְׁתִּי | I have made haste | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| וְלֹ֣א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי | I have delayed | Verb, Hithpael, perfect first person common singular |
| לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר | to keep | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ | commandments your | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments. |
| KJV | I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. |
| ASV | I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments. |
| YLT | I have made haste, And delayed not, to keep Thy commands. |
| WEB | I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments. |
| BBE | I was quick to do your orders, and let no time be wasted. |
The translations agree on the urgency expressed in חַ֭שְׁתִּי — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause with two verbs connected by negation, emphasizing the psalmist's commitment to action.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחוּשׁ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 119:60
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Meditation on God's Commandmentsgenerated
Psalm 119:60 is a declaration of the psalmist's commitment to God's commandments. He reflects on his actions, stating that he has hurried to keep God's laws without delay. This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and the urgency with which the psalmist approaches his spiritual duties, as seen in the surrounding verses that highlight his dedication to God's testimonies and laws.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 95:7–8 | For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 10:6–8 | When the LORD commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, “Take fire from within the wheelwork, from among the cherubim,” the man went in and stood beside a wheel. |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:1 | Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 5 | Galatians 1:16 | to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חַ֭שְׁתִּי, Chash.tigenerated
The verb חוּשׁ (chush) means to hurry or make haste. It conveys eagerness and readiness, indicating an enthusiastic approach to fulfilling obligations. The perfect tense indicates a completed action, showing that the psalmist has already made this effort to obey.
This word is often used in contexts where promptness is essential, reflecting a sense of urgency in the psalmist's desire to align his actions with God's will.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations generally agree on the meaning of the verse, with all versions reflecting the psalmist's eagerness to keep God's commandments without delay.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of a main clause with two verbs: חַ֭שְׁתִּי (I hurried) and הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי (I have delayed), with the second verb negated by וְלֹ֣א (and not). This structure emphasizes the psalmist's decisive action and his refusal to hesitate.
The infinitive phrase לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר (to keep) serves as the purpose of the actions, indicating the goal of his haste.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חַ֭שְׁתִּי as ἡτοιμάσθην, which suggests a readiness or preparation to act. This choice reflects a similar urgency but may imply a more formal readiness than the Hebrew.
The translation of the entire verse maintains the sense of eagerness and commitment found in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 119:60 shows the psalmist declaring his eagerness to obey God's commandments. He emphasizes that he has hurried without delay to keep them, reflecting a strong commitment to following God's laws.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies a strong desire and commitment to obey God's laws without procrastination.
He emphasizes the importance of promptness in obeying God's instructions, highlighting that hesitation can lead to neglect.
You can cultivate a mindset of eagerness to follow God's guidance and act promptly on His commandments.
They include moral laws, ethical guidelines, and instructions for worship found throughout the Old Testament.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I feel a sense of urgency to obey God's commandments?
- How can I overcome hesitation in my spiritual walk?
- What practical steps can I take to ensure I am keeping God's laws?
- How does understanding God's commandments enhance my relationship with Him?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentary on this verse includes Augustine of Hippo, who reflects on the psalmist's readiness to keep God's commandments.
Lastly, when he had received this blessing of grace, he says, "I was ready, and was not disturbed, that I may keep Your commandments" [Psalms 119:60].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 119 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 119:60 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. As soon as he was sensible of his duty, he immediately complied with it; he consulted not with flesh and blood, but at once yielded a cheerful
Read John Gill on Psalms 119 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryI made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. I made haste - like Zaccheus (Luke 19:5-6), at the Lord's call. And delayed not - like Felix, Acts 24:25; and the Athenians, Acts 17:32).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 119 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBeing fully convinced of the necessity and excellency of obedience, I presently resolved upon it, and immediately put it in execution.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 119 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.Ver. 60. I made haste, and delayed not] Heb. I distracted not myself about had-I-wist, but minded the one thing necessary. Nolite tempus in nugis terere: vel cras, ut ille seria, hodie morituri protelare, saith one; Haste, haste, haste; delays are dangerous, opportunities are headlong, and once past, irrecoverable.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 119 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 60. THIRDLY. - I made haste, and delayed not] He did this with the utmost speed; and did not trifle with his convictions, nor seek to drown the voice of conscience. The original word, which we translate delayed not, is amazingly emphatical. ולא התמהמהתי velo hithmahmahti, I did not stand what-what-whating; or, as we used to express the same sentiment, shilly-shallying with myself: I was determined, and so set out. The Hebrew word, as well as the English, strongly marks indecision of mind, positive action being suspended, because the mind is so unfixed as not to be able to make a choice. Ver. 58. FOURTHLY. - Being determined in his heart, he tells us, I entreated thy favour with my…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 119 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges57–64. Chçth. The Psalmist’s devotion to Jehovah and His law.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 119 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleI made haste - This language further describes the process of conversion. There was no delay; there was no excuse offered. He acted at once under his conviction of what was right.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 119 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bibleç, Cheth.57-64. Thou art my portion—Having found in the statutes of the Lord the joy and solace mentioned in the last division, the writer now earnestly prays that, as the highest good, he may have a
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 119 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.
I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.
I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.
I keep your commands eagerly and without delay.
Tyndale line
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments.
I made haste, and delayed not, to observe thy commandments.
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
I made haste and delaied not to keepe thy commandements.
Strictly literal
I have made haste, and not delayed, to keep thy commandments.
I have made haste, And delayed not, to keep Thy commands.
I have made haste, || And did not delay, to keep Your commands.
I hastened, and delayed not to observe thy commandments.
I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.
Simplified
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
I was quick to do your orders, and let no time be wasted.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads: "חַ֭שְׁתִּי וְלֹ֣א הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃" The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all five words correspond directly, although its word order and articles differ due to its translation style. The Dead Sea Scrolls (11Q5) also agree with the Masoretic Text, reading: "חשתי ולוא התמהמהתי לשמור מצוותי׳כה," which is very similar, indicating consistency among these ancient witnesses regarding this verse.
חַ֭שְׁתִּי וְלֹ֣א הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי לִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר מִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
חשתי ולוא התמהמהתי לשמור מצוותי׳כה
5 words on the leather.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 119:60
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
חוּשׁ (chush) is a Hebrew verb that primarily means to hurry or make haste. It can also imply eagerness or enjoyment. The entries indicate two main uses: one related to hastening actions and the other to feelings of enjoyment. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
חוּשׁ vb. haste, make haste
Qal make haste
Hiph.
shew haste, act quickly
transit. I will hasten it
base
[חוּשׁ] vb. feel, enjoy
base
H2363a חוּשׁ haste, make haste .make haste
. . shew haste, act quickly
. transit. I will hasten it
H2363b חוּשׁ feel, enjoy
2363 chuwsh koosh
a primitive root; to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with
excitement or enjoyment:--(make) haste(-n), ready.
חוּשׁ (chush) — to hasten.
1) to haste, make haste, hurry
1a) (Qal) to make haste
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly
חוּשׁ (chush) — to enjoy.
to feel, enjoy
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
hast (chaphaz, chush, mahar; speudo): "Haste" (from a root meaning "to pursue") implies "celerity of motion."
(1) The noun occurs as translation of mahar, "to hasten," etc. (Ex 10:16; 12:33, "in haste"); of chapaz, "to make haste" (2Ki 7:15; Ps 31:22; 116:11, "I said in my haste (the Revised Version margin "alarm"), All men are liars"); of chippazon, a "hasty flight" (Ex 12:11; De 16:3; Isa 52:12); of nachats, "to be urgent" (1Sa 21:8, "The king's business required haste").
→ In judgment, by Moses and the Israelites Nu 32:1-19; Jos 22:10-34
→ See RASHNESS
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
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)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
מָהַהּ (mahahh) primarily means to linger or tarry. It is derived from a root meaning to question or hesitate, implying a sense of reluctance or delay. The verb appears in the Hithpalpel form, which emphasizes the action of waiting or staying.
[מָהַהּ] vb. only Hithpalp. linger, tarry
base
H4102 [מָהַהּ] linger, tarry
4102 mahahh maw-hah'
apparently a denominative from 4100; properly, to question or
hesitate, i.e. (by implication) to be reluctant:--delay,
linger, stay selves, tarry.
see HEBREW for 04100
מָהַהּ (ma.hah) — to delay.
(Hithpalpel) to linger, tarry, wait, delay
V-f-Perf-1cs — Verb · Hithpael · perfect first person common singularHVtp1cs
The Hebrew word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) is a primitive root meaning to keep, guard, or observe. It encompasses a wide range of actions including protecting, waiting for, and celebrating obligations like the Sabbath. The verb appears in various forms, indicating nuances such as being on guard or refraining from certain actions. It is used extensively in the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance.
שָׁמַר 465 vb. keep, watch, preserve
Qal 425
keep, have charge of
keep, guard, captives
hence, watch for, wait for
watch, observe
keep, retain, of storing up (food)
keep within bounds, restrain
observe, celebrate
keep sabbath
of other obligations
observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
sts. י׳ subj.
keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
Niph.
36be on one's guard
keep oneself, refrain, abstain
be kept, guarded
Pi. those paying regard to false vanities
Hithp. I kept myself from
base
H8104 שָׁמַר keep, watch, preserve .. . keep, have charge of
. keep, guard, captives
. hence, watch for, wait for
. watch, observe
. . keep, retain, of storing up (food)
. keep within bounds, restrain
. . observe, celebrate
. keep sabbath
. of other obligations
. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)
. sts. י׳ subj.
. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest
. . be on one's guard
. keep oneself, refrain, abstain
. be kept, guarded
. those paying regard to false vanities
. I kept myself from
8104 shamar shaw-mar'
a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns),
i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--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).
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: obey.
: 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
שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: guard.
: guard
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)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
מִצְוָה (mitsvah) means 'commandment' and can refer to commands from both humans and God. It encompasses laws, ordinances, and precepts, indicating a range of directives within religious and moral contexts. The term is derived from a root meaning to command, linking it to the broader framework of divine law.
מִצְוָה 181 n.f. commandment
base
H4687 מִצְוָה commandment
4687 mitsvah mits-vaw'
from 6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively,
the Law):--(which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance,
precept.
see HEBREW for 06680
מִצְוָה (mits.vah) — commandment.
1) commandment
1a) commandment (of man)
1b) the commandment (of God)
1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp2ms