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Psalm 119:4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.
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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/119-3.htm" title="Psalm 119:3">◄</a> Psalm 119:4 <a href="/psalms/119-5.htm" title="Psalm 119:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/119.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/119.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/119.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/119.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded <i>us</i> to keep thy precepts diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/119.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You have commanded <i>us</i> To keep Your precepts diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/119.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, That we are to keep <i>them</i> diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/119.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/119.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep <i>them</i> diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/119.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You have commanded <i>us</i>, To keep Your precepts diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/119.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, That we should follow them with [careful] diligence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/119.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/119.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/119.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/119.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You have ordered us always to obey your teachings; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/119.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, that we should observe them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/119.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You have commanded that your guiding principles be carefully followed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/119.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />LORD, you have given us your laws and told us to obey them faithfully. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/119.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You have commanded concerning your precepts, that they be guarded with diligence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/119.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/119.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You demand that your precepts be carefully kept. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/119.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/119.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/119.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/119.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have commanded us to diligently keep Your precepts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/119.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou hast commanded us Thy precepts to keep diligently,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/119.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou didst command thy charges to be watched greatly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/119.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/119.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 118:4>You have ordered your commandments to be kept most diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/119.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You have given them the command to observe your precepts with care. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/119.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/119.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded them to keep thy precepts diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/119.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You have commanded us to keep your commandments excellently!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/119.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/119.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou hast commanded <i>us</i> diligently to keep thy precepts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/119-4.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=14979" 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">3</span>They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: ṣiw·wî·ṯāh (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">have ordained</a> <a href="/hebrew/6490.htm" title="6490: p̄iq·qu·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- A precept. Or piqqud; from paqad; properly, appointed, i.e. A mandate.">Your precepts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">that we should keep them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">diligently.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes!…<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="/deuteronomy/6-17.htm">Deuteronomy 6:17</a></span><br />You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-22.htm">Deuteronomy 11:22</a></span><br />For if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Joshua 22:5</a></span><br />But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-3.htm">1 Kings 2:3</a></span><br />And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm">2 Kings 17:13</a></span><br />Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Nehemiah 1:5</a></span><br />Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-29.htm">Nehemiah 9:29</a></span><br />You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1</a></span><br />My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-18.htm">Isaiah 48:18</a></span><br />If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/11-20.htm">Ezekiel 11:20</a></span><br />so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a></span><br />and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12</a></span><br />So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Romans 13:10</a></span><br />Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Deuteronomy 4:1,9</a></b></br> Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do <i>them</i>, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Deuteronomy 5:29-33</a></b></br> O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-17.htm">Deuteronomy 6:17</a></b></br> Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/95-7.htm">Care</a> <a href="/psalms/111-9.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/job/36-23.htm">Enjoined</a> <a href="/psalms/106-2.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/psalms/107-12.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/psalms/116-10.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/psalms/106-25.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/psalms/18-44.htm">Obeyed</a> <a href="/psalms/119-2.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/psalms/111-9.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/psalms/105-45.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Precepts</a> <a href="/job/15-19.htm">Them</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/121-7.htm">Care</a> <a href="/psalms/119-138.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/psalms/119-95.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Enjoined</a> <a href="/psalms/119-138.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/psalms/119-70.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/psalms/119-5.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/psalms/119-136.htm">Obeyed</a> <a href="/psalms/119-5.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/psalms/132-17.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/psalms/119-15.htm">Precepts</a> <a href="/psalms/119-158.htm">Them</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>You have ordained Your precepts</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of God's commandments. The term "ordained" suggests a formal establishment, indicating that these precepts are not arbitrary but are set by God Himself. In the biblical context, God's laws were given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), highlighting their divine source. The word "precepts" refers to specific instructions or rules intended to guide behavior. These are not merely suggestions but are binding commands. The idea of God ordaining His laws is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7</a>, which states, "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul." This reflects the belief that God's laws are perfect and beneficial for human life.<p><b>that we should keep them diligently</b><br>The phrase "that we should keep them" implies a responsibility on the part of believers to adhere to God's commandments. The use of "diligently" underscores the need for careful and persistent effort in observing these precepts. This is not a passive or occasional observance but an active and consistent commitment. In <a href="/deuteronomy/6-17.htm">Deuteronomy 6:17</a>, the Israelites are instructed to "diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God." This reflects a broader biblical theme of obedience as a demonstration of faith and love for God (<a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>). The diligent keeping of God's laws is seen as a path to blessing and prosperity, as indicated in <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a>, where meditating on and obeying the law is linked to success.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/psalmist.htm">Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/119.htm">Psalm 119</a>, traditionally believed to be King David, though some scholars suggest other possibilities. The psalmist is deeply devoted to God's law and seeks to live according to His commandments.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine author of the precepts mentioned in the verse. God is portrayed as the one who ordains and commands His laws for His people to follow.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the precepts were originally given. The Israelites were chosen by God to be His people and were given His laws to guide their lives.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_god's_precepts.htm">The Authority of God's Precepts</a></b><br>God's precepts are not mere suggestions but are ordained by Him, carrying divine authority and requiring our obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/diligence_in_obedience.htm">Diligence in Obedience</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "diligently" (me'od) implies an earnest and wholehearted effort. Believers are called to pursue God's commandments with intentionality and zeal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_god's_commands.htm">The Purpose of God's Commands</a></b><br>God's precepts are given for our benefit, guiding us in righteousness and helping us to live lives that are pleasing to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_spiritual_discipline.htm">Consistency in Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>Regular engagement with God's Word is essential for understanding and keeping His precepts. This involves daily reading, meditation, and application of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>While we are called to keep God's precepts diligently, it is through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that we are able to live in obedience to His commands.<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_decision_guidance_is_in_the_bible.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer for decision making?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_my_spouse_the_right_partner_for_me.htm">Is my spouse the right partner for me?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_isaiah_28_9-10_contradict_wisdom_texts.htm">In Isaiah 28:9-10, is the idea of teaching 'line upon line, precept upon precept' contradicted by other biblical texts that emphasize understanding and wisdom over rote instruction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'i_die_daily'_mean.htm">What is the longest chapter in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/119.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently</span>; rather, <span class="accented">thou hast ordained thy precepts for diligent observance</span>, or <span class="accented">for men to observe them diligently</span>. Men sometimes give precepts which they do not care to have obeyed; but God's precepts are intended for careful, diligent, and continual observance. The "thou" at the beginning (<span class="accented">attah</span>) is emphatic. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/119-4.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">You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֭תָּה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have ordained</span><br /><span class="heb">צִוִּ֥יתָה</span> <span class="translit">(ṣiw·wî·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your precepts,</span><br /><span class="heb">פִקֻּדֶ֗יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(p̄iq·qu·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6490.htm">Strong's 6490: </a> </span><span class="str2">Appointed, a mandate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that we should keep them</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">diligently.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/119-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 119:4 You have commanded your precepts that we (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/119-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 119:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 119:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/119-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 119:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 119:5" /></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>