Psalms 119:38

Afrikaans 1933/1953

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Psalm 119:38 is a prayer from someone who loves God deeply. They ask God to make sure His words are firmly established in their life because they are devoted to following God's ways. The key message is about the speaker's deep commitment to God and a desire for His word to be central in their life.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a favorite toy that you love very much. You want to keep it safe and close to you all the time. In this verse, someone is saying to God, 'Please make sure your words are always close to me because I really, really love you and want to follow you.'

Historical Background

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is a song or prayer praising God's laws. It is traditionally attributed to King David, who wrote many of the psalms. This specific verse comes from a time in ancient Israel when the law and word of God were highly esteemed. The speaker is a devout follower of God asking for strength to remain true to God's teachings.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you are starting a new job and you want to make sure you understand and follow all the rules and guidelines. You might pray to God to help you remember these rules and to make them a part of your daily work, just as the psalmist asks God to establish His word in their life.

Topics

devotionGod's wordcommitmentspiritual growthprayerobedience

Related Verses

Deuteronomy 4:2Psalm 119:11Matthew 4:4James 1:222 Timothy 3:16

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote Psalm 119?
Psalm 119 is traditionally attributed to King David, though the psalm is anonymous in the Bible. It is a long psalm that is all about God's law and commands.
What does 'devoted to thy fear' mean in this verse?
Being 'devoted to thy fear' means that the speaker is deeply committed to living according to God's will and rules, showing reverence and respect for God.
How can someone apply this verse to their daily life?
Someone can apply this verse by praying for God to help them remember and follow His word in their daily choices and actions, just like the psalmist asks.
Are there other verses like Psalm 119:38 that speak about God's word?
Yes, there are many other verses, like Psalm 119:11 and Matthew 4:4, which also emphasize the importance of God's word and the need to keep it in our hearts.
Compare Psalms 119:38 across all translations →