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Psalm 119:23 Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/119.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/119.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/119.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/119.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/119.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/119.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Princes also did sit <i>and</i> speak against me: <i>but</i> thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/119.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Princes also sit <i>and</i> speak against me, <i>But</i> Your servant meditates on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/119.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even though rulers sit <i>and</i> speak against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/119.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Even though princes sit and talk against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/119.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Even though princes sit and talk against me, Thy servant meditates on Thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/119.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Even though princes sit <i>and</i> talk against me, Your slave muses on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/119.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Even though princes sit and talk to one another against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/119.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though princes sit together speaking against me, your servant will think about your statutes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/119.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though princes sit together speaking against me, Your servant will think about Your statutes; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/119.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/119.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I keep thinking about your teachings, LORD, even if rulers plot against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/119.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Princes also sat and talked against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/119.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Even though influential people plot against me, I reflect on your laws.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/119.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The rulers meet and plot against me, but I will study your teachings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/119.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Though nobles take their seat and gossip about me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/119.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/119.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Though rulers plot and slander me, your servant meditates on your statutes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/119.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/119.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/119.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/119.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Princes also sat—they spoke against me, "" Your servant meditates on Your statutes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/119.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Princes also sat -- against me they spoke, Thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/119.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Also the chiefs sat, they spake against me: thy servant will meditate in thy laws.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/119.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/119.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 118:23>For even the leaders sat and spoke against me. But your servant has been trained in your justifications.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/119.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/119.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/119.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The ungodly sat and plotted against me; but I meditated in thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/119.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The evil have been sitting and plotting against me, but I have been meditating upon your commandments.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/119.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Even though princes sit and talk against me, Thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/119.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For princes sat and spoke against me: but thy servant was meditating on thine ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/119-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=15082" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/119.htm">Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Though</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: rîm (N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">rulers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yā·šə·ḇū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">sit</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: niḏ·bā·rū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and slander</a> <a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">Your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/7878.htm" title="7878: yā·śî·aḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To muse, complain, talk (of). A primitive root; to ponder, i.e. converse or utter.">meditates</a> <a href="/hebrew/2706.htm" title="2706: bə·ḥuq·qe·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Something prescribed or owed, a statute. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence, an appointment.">on Your statutes.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Your testimonies are indeed my delight; they are my counselors.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a></span><br />keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Acts 4:25-29</a></span><br />You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a></span><br />And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. / Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” / But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">2 Timothy 3:12</a></span><br />Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a></span><br />Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Hebrews 12:3</a></span><br />Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-22.htm">Luke 6:22-23</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">2 Corinthians 12:10</a></span><br />That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a></span><br />Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-4.htm">Daniel 6:4-5</a></span><br />Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Princes also did sit and speak against me: but your servant did meditate in your statutes.</p><p class="hdg">princes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1,2</a></b></br> Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a></b></br> For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-7.htm">1 Samuel 22:7-13</a></b></br> Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, <i>and</i> make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds; … </p><p class="hdg">thy servant</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Psalm 119:15</a></b></br> I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/13-2.htm">And</a> <a href="/psalms/119-16.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/psalms/105-25.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/psalms/119-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Meditate</a> <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Meditates</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Plotting</a> <a href="/psalms/118-9.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/psalms/118-9.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/psalms/107-10.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/psalms/119-17.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/psalms/59-10.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/psalms/116-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/119-22.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/psalms/105-2.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-16.htm">Talked</a> <a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/115-13.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/2-43.htm">And</a> <a href="/psalms/119-26.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/psalms/119-150.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/psalms/119-36.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/119-50.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/psalms/119-27.htm">Meditate</a> <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Meditates</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Plotting</a> <a href="/psalms/119-161.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/psalms/119-161.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/psalms/122-5.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/psalms/119-38.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/psalms/123-1.htm">Sit</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/psalms/119-46.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/119-24.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/psalms/119-27.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-25.htm">Talked</a> <a href="/psalms/119-48.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/122-3.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 119</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-1.htm">This psalm contains various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-2.htm">Aleph.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Beth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-17.htm">Gimel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-25.htm">Daleth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-33.htm">He</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-41.htm">Waw</a></span><br><span class="reftext">49. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-49.htm">Zayin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-57.htm">Heth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">65. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-65.htm">Teth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">73. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-73.htm">Yodh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">81. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-81.htm">Kaph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">89. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-89.htm">Lamedh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">97. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-97.htm">Mem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">105. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Nun</a></span><br><span class="reftext">113. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-113.htm">Samekh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">121. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-121.htm">Ayin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">129. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-129.htm">Pe</a></span><br><span class="reftext">137. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-137.htm">Tsadhe</a></span><br><span class="reftext">145. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-145.htm">Qoph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">153. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-153.htm">Resh</a></span><br><span class="reftext">161. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-161.htm">Sin and Shin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">169. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/119-169.htm">Taw</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/119.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/119.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Though rulers sit and slander me</b><br>This phrase reflects the experience of facing opposition from those in authority. In biblical times, rulers often held significant power and could influence public opinion. The psalmist's mention of slander suggests a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation. This echoes the experiences of figures like David, who faced slander from King Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9-11</a>). The concept of rulers sitting implies a formal setting, possibly a council or court, where decisions and judgments were made. This setting underscores the seriousness of the slander, as it comes from those with the power to affect the psalmist's life significantly. The theme of unjust persecution by authorities is also seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who was falsely accused by religious leaders (<a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a>).<p><b>Your servant meditates on Your statutes</b><br>In contrast to the slander of rulers, the psalmist chooses to focus on God's statutes. The term "servant" indicates a relationship of humility and dedication to God, emphasizing loyalty and submission to His will. Meditation on God's statutes involves deep reflection and consideration of His laws and commandments. This practice is a source of strength and guidance, providing the psalmist with wisdom and comfort amidst adversity. The emphasis on meditation aligns with <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a>, where God instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night. This practice is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt commitment to live according to God's ways. The psalmist's focus on God's statutes serves as a model for believers to prioritize God's word over the opinions and accusations of others.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rulers.htm">Rulers</a></b><br>These are individuals in positions of authority or power who are depicted as sitting and slandering the psalmist. In the context of ancient Israel, this could refer to kings, princes, or other leaders who may oppose or criticize the faithful.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to King David, the psalmist represents a devout follower of God who is committed to His laws and teachings despite opposition.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_statutes.htm">God's Statutes</a></b><br>These are the laws, decrees, and commandments given by God, which the psalmist chooses to meditate on, reflecting a deep commitment to divine instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_faith.htm">Endurance in Faith</a></b><br>Despite opposition or slander from those in authority, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/meditation_on_scripture.htm">Meditation on Scripture</a></b><br>Regular meditation on God's statutes provides strength and guidance, especially when facing trials or criticism.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_slander.htm">Responding to Slander</a></b><br>Instead of retaliating against slander, believers should focus on God's truth and let His Word be their defense.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>God's statutes are a source of wisdom and comfort, offering direction and peace in the midst of adversity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_authority.htm">Role of Authority</a></b><br>While respecting authority, believers must prioritize God's commandments above human decrees when conflicts arise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_119.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 119</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_illuminati_theory.htm">What is the Illuminati conspiracy theory?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_'every_spiritual_blessing'.htm">Is Jesus the prophesied Messiah?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_ezekiel_37_24's_'david'_consistent.htm">If Ezekiel 37:24 refers to David as king, how is this consistent with a historical timeline where David's dynasty effectively ended during the exile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_fanny_crosby_and_her_hymns.htm">What is the Bible's stance on burning Bibles?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/119.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Speak.</span>--Comp. <a href="/psalms/50-20.htm" title="You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.">Psalm 50:20</a> for the same implied sense in this verb. This verse reads as if Israel, and not a mere individual, were the subject of the psalms.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/119.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Princes also did sit and speak against me</span>. The great of the earth too often take part against the righteous, and join in persecuting them and calumniating them (comp. ver. 161). <span class="cmt_word">But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. I took no heed of their calumnies - they did not trouble me. I gave myself to meditation on thy commandments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/119-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Though</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rulers</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֭רִים</span> <span class="translit">(rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sit</span><br /><span class="heb">יָֽשְׁב֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šə·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and slander me,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִדְבָּ֑רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(niḏ·bā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֝בְדְּךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·də·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">meditates</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשִׂ֥יחַ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·śî·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7878.htm">Strong's 7878: </a> </span><span class="str2">To muse, complain, talk (of)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on Your statutes;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחֻקֶּֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥuq·qe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2706.htm">Strong's 2706: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prescribed or owed, a statute</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/119-23.htm">Psalm 119:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/119-23.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 119:23 Though princes sit and slander me your (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/119-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 119:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 119:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/119-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 119:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 119:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>