Psalms 19:11 — Word Study
WLCגַּֽם־ עַ֭בְדְּךָ נִזְהָ֣ר בָּהֶ֑ם בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם עֵ֣קֶב רָֽב׃
BSA[is] greatrab [abundant, many]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גַּֽם־ | also | Adverb |
| עַ֭בְדְּךָ | servant your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| נִזְהָ֣ר | [is] warned | Verb, Niphal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| בָּהֶ֑ם | by them | Preposition, suffix |
| בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם | [is] in keeping them | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common, suffix |
| עֵ֣קֶב | consequence | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| רָֽב׃ | great | Adj |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward. |
| KJV | Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. |
| ASV | Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward. |
| YLT | Also — Thy servant is warned by them, 'In keeping them [is] a great reward.' |
| WEB | Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward. |
| BBE | By them is your servant made conscious of danger, and in keeping them there is great reward. |
Translations consistently reflect the meaning of נִזְהָ֣ר as warned.
The sentence is structured around the main action of warning, with subordinate phrases that elaborate on the conditions and outcomes.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbזָהָב
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 19:11
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 — The Value of God's Lawgenerated
Psalms 19:11 emphasizes the importance of God's commandments, portraying them as both warnings and sources of great reward for those who adhere to them. This verse highlights the dual role of divine instructions: they not only inform and caution but also promise abundant blessings. The surrounding verses reinforce this theme, illustrating the preciousness and sweetness of God's teachings, which surpass even the finest gold and honey.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 119:11 | I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 19:10 | For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt. |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:22–23 | When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 3:17–21 | “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 33:3–9 | and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 19 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עַ֭בְדְּךָ, 'Av.de.khagenerated
The verb נִזְהָ֣ר (nizhar) is a Niphal participle meaning 'to be warned' or 'to shine,' suggesting enlightenment through caution. It indicates that the servant is made aware of potential dangers through God's commandments, emphasizing the protective nature of divine guidance.
This word is used to convey the idea of being cautioned or taught, which aligns with the broader theme of the psalm regarding the value of divine instruction. The focus on warning underscores the necessity of heeding God's words to avoid pitfalls.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) for comparison.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb נִזְהָ֣ר (is warned) governs the main clause, linking it to the prepositional phrase בָּהֶ֑ם (by them) and the infinitive phrase בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם (in keeping them). This structure highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between divine warnings and the resulting rewards.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the actions of the servant, illustrating that the servant's awareness and obedience lead to the promised great reward.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the translators chose ὑπὲρ to render עַ֭בְדְּךָ, indicating a focus on the servant's role in relation to God's commandments. This choice highlights the servant's position of submission and the importance of obedience in receiving divine guidance.
The LXX reflects a similar understanding of the text, emphasizing the connection between the servant's awareness of God's instructions and the rewards that follow.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 19:11 states that God's commandments serve as warnings to His servant, and by keeping them, the servant receives great rewards. This verse emphasizes the protective nature of God's teachings and the blessings that come from obedience.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that God's commandments alert the servant to potential dangers, providing guidance and protection.
The rewards refer to the blessings and benefits that come from obeying God's commandments, which are described as valuable and desirable.
This verse connects with the preceding verses that describe the preciousness of God's law and its sweetness, reinforcing the idea that adherence to divine instruction leads to abundant rewards.
Being a servant signifies a relationship of submission and obedience to God, highlighting the importance of following His commandments to receive guidance and blessings.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced guidance through following God's commandments?
- How can I better recognize and heed the warnings found in Scripture?
- What steps can I take to ensure I am keeping God's teachings in my daily life?
- What does it mean for me to be a servant of God in today's context?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the rewards of obeying God's commandments, emphasizing the blessings that come from adherence to divine teachings.
"For Your servant keeps them" [Psalms 19:11]. For to him who keeps them not the day of the Lord is bitter.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 19 →
In the guarding of the precepts of God there is so much reward, that “the sufferings of this time are not worth (comparing) to the future glory that will be revealed to us.”Early Church Fathers on Psalms 19 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 19:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMoreover, by them is thy servant warned,.... By whom the psalmist means himself, who was the servant of the Lord, not only in common with other saints, but as he was a king and prophet, and as such
Read John Gill on Psalms 19 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMoreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Warned - literally, enlightened [ nizhaar (H2094)]; i:e., illuminated in the right way, in cases of doubt, danger, ignorance, or sin.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 19 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThy servant; I thy servant, though a king and a prophet, and of some repute for wisdom and knowledge, yet I am daily taught by them. Warned, or, enlightened, as ; or clearly admonished, as this word signifies, , &c.; ,9. It is a faithful and excellent monitor to show me my duty in all conditions and to preserve me from falling into sin, and danger, and mischief. In keeping of them; to those that make it their great design and care to conform their whole lives to them. For he speaks not of a legal and perfect keeping of them, which no man attaineth to in this life, ; but of doing it in an evangelical sense, with the allowances which God through Christ makes for human infirmities. There is…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 19 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.Ver. 11. Moreover by them is thy servant warned] Clearly admonished, or furbished and brightened, Daniel 12:3, made circumspect. God’ s testimonies were David’ s counsellors, Psalms 119:24, better than ever was Polybius to Scipio, Agrippa to Augustus, Seneca to Nero, Anaxagoras to Themistocles, Plato to Dio, Aristotle to Alexander or Nigidius to Cicero; princes of old had their Mαημονες, Monitores, remembrancers. David desired no better than God’ s statutes for his learned counsel, and by them he resolved to be ruled; for so it followeth, And in keeping of them] Xenophon writes that in…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 19 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(11) Warned.—Better, illuminated, instructed.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 19 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 11. By them is thy servant warned] נזהר nizhar, from זהר zahar, to be clear, pellucid. By these laws, testimonies, c., thy servant is fully instructed he sees all clearly; and he discerns that in keeping of them there is great reward: every man is wise, holy, and happy, who observes them. All Christian experience confirms this truth. Reader, what says thine?
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 19 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges11. The Psalmist, as Jehovah’s servant, lets himself be warned by the law. Cp. Ezekiel 33:4 ff. great reward] Cp. Proverbs 22:4; 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:6.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 19 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMoreover by them is thy servant warned - The word used here - זהר zâhar - means, properly, to be bright, to shine; then, to cause to shine, to make light; and then, to admonish, to instruct, to warn.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 19 →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
By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.
By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward.
Tyndale line
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: In keeping them there is great reward.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: in keeping of them there is great reward.
Moreover, by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Moreouer by them is thy seruant made circumspect, and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Strictly literal
Moreover, by them is thy servant enlightened; in keeping them there is great reward.
Also — Thy servant is warned by them, 'In keeping them [is] a great reward.'
Also—Your servant is warned by them, “In keeping them [is] a great reward.”
(19:12) Moreover thy servant is admonished by them: in keeping them there is great reward.
Yes, by them your servant is warned; in obeying them there is great reward.
Simplified
They also warn your servant. By keeping them I'm richly rewarded.
By them is your servant made conscious of danger, and in keeping them there is great reward.
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 and the Septuagint largely agree in this verse, with six out of seven words matching. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the essential meaning remains consistent across both texts.
גַּֽם־ עַ֭בְדְּךָ נִזְהָ֣ר בָּהֶ֑ם בְּ֝שָׁמְרָ֗ם עֵ֣קֶב רָֽב׃
6 of the 7 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.
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 19:11
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.
גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.
גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
base
H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea
1571 gam gam
by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,
though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,
also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,
even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,
nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.
גַּם (gam) — also.
1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea
1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)
1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)
1c) even (for stress)
1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)
1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)
1f) but, yet, though (adversative)
1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)
2) (TWOT) again, alike
HD — AdverbHD
ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'
The Hebrew word עֶ֫בֶד (*ebed*) means 'slave' or 'servant' and encompasses various roles, including household servants, subjects, and worshippers of God. It can also refer to Israel as a collective servant of God and is used in polite address among equals. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to work' or 'to serve'.
עֶ֫בֶד 799 n.m. slave, servant
slave, servant of household
Subjects, of chief
Servants, worshippers of God
Servant of י׳, in a special sense
Israel as a people is servant of י׳
In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
Phrases
base
H5650 עֶ֫בֶד slave, servant . slave, servant of household
. Subjects, of chief
. Servants, worshippers of God
. Servant of י׳, in a special sense
. Israel as a people is servant of י׳
. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
. Phrases
5650 `ebed eh'-bed
from 5647; a servant:--X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant,
(man-)servant.
see HEBREW for 05647
עֶ֫בֶד (e.ved) — servant/slave.
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)
HNcmsc/Sp2ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
זָהַר (zahar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to shine or emit light, and it also conveys the ideas of teaching and warning. It is primarily used in the Hiphil and Niphal forms, indicating actions like instructing or being admonished. The entries suggest a figurative sense of enlightenment through caution. There is an Aramaic equivalent, זְהַר, meaning 'to take heed'.
[זָהַר] vb. be light, shining
Hiph. intrans. (late) send out light, shine
base
[זָהַר] vb. only Hiph., Niph.
Hiph. instruct, teach, warn
Niph. be instructed, admonished, warned
base
H2094a זָהַר be light, shining . intrans. (late) send out light, shine
H2094b זָהַר only Hiph., Niph. . instruct, teach, warn
. be instructed, admonished, warned
2094 zahar zaw-har'
a primitive root; to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten (by
caution):--admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing).
זָהַר (za.har) — to shine.
1) to shine, send out light, be light, be shining
1a) (Hiphil) to shine, send out light (fig.)
זָהַר (za.har) — to warn.
1) to admonish, warn, teach
1a) (Niphal) to be taught, be admonished
1b) (Hiphil) to teach, warn
Aramaic equivalent: ze.har (זְהַר "to take heed" H2095)
HVNrmsa — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singularHVNrmsa
הֶם (hem) — them.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural
HR/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3mp
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)
HR/Vqcc/Sp3mp — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common · suffixHR/Vqcc/Sp3mp
עֵ֫קֶב (‘eqeb) primarily means 'consequence' and can refer to a reward or end. It is often used adverbially to indicate causation, such as 'because' or 'on account of.' The word is built from the root related to 'heel,' suggesting a figurative sense of the last or result of something.
עֵ֫קֶב n.[m.] consequence, usu. as adv. acc. as a consequence of, because (that), also reward, end
base
H6118 עֵ֫קֶב consequence, usu. as adv. acc. as a consequence of, because (that), also reward, end
6118 `eqeb ay'-keb
from 6117 in the sense of 6119; a heel, i.e. (figuratively)
the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also
result, i.e. compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or
relatively) on account of:--X because, by, end, for, if,
reward.
see HEBREW for 06117
see HEBREW for 06119
עֵ֫קֶב (e.qev) — consequence.
1) consequence
1a) consequence
1b) consequence, gain, reward
1c) end
adv
2) as a consequence, because, consequently
conj
3) as a consequence of, that, because
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
רַב (rav) means much, many, or great, often used in contrast to מְעַט (me'at). It can describe abundance in quantity or rank and is also used as a noun for chief or captain. The word conveys a range of meanings from numerous to exceedingly, and it can function as both an adjective and a noun.
רַב 429 adj. much, many, great
(oft. opp. מְעַט)
much: of substances
esp. of collectives, numerous
pl. many
רַב as subst. coll. pers.
cstr. = abounding in
מִן comp. = more numerous than
רַב = abundant, enough
as adv. much, exceedingly
less oft. great
base
רַב 49 n.m. chief
base
H7227a רַב much, many, great . (oft. opp. מְעַט) . . much: of substances
. esp. of collectives, numerous
. pl. many
. רַב as subst. coll. pers.
. cstr. = abounding in
. + מִן comp. = more numerous than
. רַב = abundant, enough
. as adv. much, exceedingly
. less oft. great
H7227b רַב chief
7227 rab rab
by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age,
number, rank, quality):--(in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly),
captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man,
one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold,
things, a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very)
much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous,
populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).
see HEBREW for 07231
רַב (rav) — many.
adj
1) much, many, great
1a) much
1b) many
1c) abounding in
1d) more numerous than
1e) abundant, enough
1f) great
1g) strong
1h) greater than
adv
1i) much, exceedingly
רַב (rav) — chief.
captain, chief
Aramaic equivalent: rav.re.van (רַבְרְבָן "noble" H7261)
רַב (rav) — (Sidon) the Great.
Combined with tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
§ captain, chief
Adj — AdjHAamsa