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Selected Verse: Psalms 19:7 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Ps 19:7 |
Strong Concordance |
The law [08451] of the LORD [03068] is perfect [08549], converting [07725] the soul [05315]: the testimony [05715] of the LORD [03068] is sure [0539], making wise [02449] the simple [06612]. |
| |
King James |
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
| The law is described by six names, epithets, and effects. It is a rule, God's testimony for the truth, His special and general prescription of duty, fear (as its cause) and judicial decision. It is distinct and certain, reliable, right, pure, holy, and true. Hence it revives those depressed by doubts, makes wise the unskilled (Ti2 3:15), rejoices the lover of truth, strengthens the desponding (Psa 13:4; Psa 34:6), provides permanent principles of conduct, and by God's grace brings a rich reward. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
The law of the Lord - Margin, doctrine. The word used here - תורה tôrâh - is that which is commonly employed in the Old Testament with reference to the law of God, and is usually rendered "law." The word properly means "instruction," "precept," from a verb signifying "to teach." It is then used with reference to instruction or teaching in regard to conduct, and is thus applied to all that God has communicated to guide mankind. It does not here, nor does it commonly, refer exclusively to the commands of God, but it includes all that God has revealed to teach and guide us. It refers here to revealed truth as contradistinguished from the truth made known by the works of creation. Compare the note at Psa 1:2. There are six epithets used in these verses Psa 19:7-9 to describe the revealed truth of God, all referring to the same truths, but with reference to some distinct view of the truths themselves, or of their effect on the soul: to wit, law, testimony, statutes, commandment, fear, and judgments. Of the revealed truth of God, thus characterized by distinct epithets, a particular statement is first made in each case in regard to the truth itself as viewed in that special aspect, and then the effects of that revealed truth on the soul are described corresponding with that truth as so viewed. Thus, of the "law of the Lord" it is said:
(a) that it is perfect,
(b) that it converts the soul;
Of the "testimony of the Lord":
(a) that it is sure,
(b) that it makes the simple wise;
Of the "statutes of the Lord":
(a) that they are right,
(b) that they rejoice the heart;
Of the "commandment of the Lord":
(a) that it is pure,
(b) that it enlightens the eyes;
Of the "fear of the Lord":
(a) that it is clean,
(b) that it endures forever;
Of the "judgments of the Lord":
(a) that they are true and righteous,
(b) that they are more to be desired than gold, and that they are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb; that people are warned by them, and that in keeping them there is great reward.
Is perfect - On the meaning of the word used here, see the note at Job 1:1. The meaning is that it lacks nothing in order to its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be. It is complete as a revelation of divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct. As explained above, this refers not only to the law of God as the word is commonly employed now, but to the whole of divine truth as revealed. It is absolutely true; it is adapted with consummate wisdom to the wants of man; it is an unerring guide of conduct. There is nothing there which would lead men into error or sin; there is nothing essential for man to know which may not be found there.
Converting the soul - The particular illustration of the perfection of the law is seen in the fact that it "converts the soul;" that is, that it turns it from the ways of sin to holiness. The glory of the works of God - the heavens, the firmament, the sun, as described in the previous verses - is, that they convey the knowledge of God around the world, and that the world is filled with light and life under the genial warmth of the sun; the glory of the law, or the revealed truth of God, is, that it bears directly on the soul of man, turning him from the error of his ways. and leading him to pursue a life of holiness. It is not said of the "law" of God that it does this by its own power, nor can there be any design here to exclude the doctrine of the divine agency on the soul; but the statement is, that when the "law" of God is applied to the heart, or when the truth of God is made to bear on that heart, the legitimate effect is seen in turning the sinner from the error of his ways. This effect of truth is seen everywhere, where it is brought into contact with the heart of man. By placing this first, also, the psalmist may perhaps have intended to intimate that this is the primary design of the revelation which God has given to mankind; that while great and important effects are produced by the knowledge which goes forth from the works of God, converting power goes forth only from the "law" of God, or from revealed truth. It is observable that none of the effects here Psa 19:7-12 ascribed to the revealed truth of God, under the various forms in which it is contemplated, are ascribed to the knowledge which goes forth from the contemplation of his works, Psa 19:1-6. It is not scientific truth which converts men, but revealed truth.
The testimony of the Lord - The word used here - עדות ‛êdûth - means properly that which is borne witness to, and is applied to revealed truth as that which God bears witness to. In reference to the truth of what is stated he is the witness or the voucher; it is that which he declares to be true. Hence, the term is applicable to all that is revealed as being that which he affirms to be true, and the word may be applied to historical truths; or to precepts or laws; or to statements respecting himself, respecting man, respecting the way of salvation, respecting the fallen world. On all these subjects he has borne witness in his word, pledging his veracity as to the correctness of the statements which are thus made. The word, therefore, refers to the whole of what is revealed in his word, considered as that to the truth of which he bears witness. The word is often used in this sense: Psa 81:5; Psa 119:14, Psa 119:31, Psa 119:36, Psa 119:88, Psa 119:99,Psa 119:111, Psa 119:129, Psa 119:144, Psa 119:157; Jer 44:23. It is often also applied to the two tables of the law laid up in the ark, which is hence called "the ark of the testimony:" Exo 16:34; Exo 25:16, Exo 25:21-22; Exo 26:33; Exo 30:26, et saepe.
Is sure - Established, firm. That "testimony," or that revealed truth, is not unsettled, vacillating, uncertain. It is so certain that it may be relied on; so well established, that it cannot be shaken.
Making wise the simple - The word rendered simple - פתי pethı̂y - means simplicity, folly, Pro 1:22; and then, simple in the sense of being open to persuasion, easily seduced: Pro 7:7; Pro 22:3; Pro 27:12; Psa 116:6. Then it means credulous, Pro 14:15; and inexperienced, Psa 19:7. Gesenius, Lexicon. The meaning here is evidently inexperienced in the sense of being ignorant or untaught. It refers to those who need spiritual guidance and direction, and is applicable to men as they are by nature, as untaught, or needing instruction, but with the idea that their minds are susceptible to impressions, or are open to conviction. Those who are naturally destitute of wisdom, it makes wise. The statement is, that that testimony, or revealed truth, makes them wise in the knowledge of God, or imparts to them real instruction. |
| Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78] |
(Heb.: 19:8-10) No sign is made use of to mark the transition from the one part to the other, but it is indicated by the introduction of the divine name יהוה instead of אל. The word of nature declares אל (God) to us, the word of Scripture יהוה (Jahve); the former God's power and glory, the latter also His counsel and will. Now follow twelve encomiums of the Law, of which every two are related as antecedent and consequent, rising and falling according to the caesural schema, after the manner of waves. One can discern how now the heart of the poet begins to beat with redoubled joy as he comes to speak of God's word, the revelation of His will. תּורה does not in itself mean the law, but a pointing out, instruction, doctrine or teaching, and more particularly such as is divine, and therefore positive; whence it is also used of prophecy, Isa 1:10; Isa 8:16, and prophetically of the New Testament gospel, Isa 2:3. But here no other divine revelation is meant than that given by the mediation of Moses, which is become the law, i.e., the rule of life (νόμος), of Israel; and this law, too, as a whole not merely as to its hortatory and disciplinary character, but also including the promises contained in it. The praises which the poet pronounces upon the Law, are accurate even from the standpoint of the New Testament. Even Paul says, Rom 7:12, Rom 7:14, "The Law is holy and spiritual, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." The Law merits these praises in itself; and to him who is in a state of favour, it is indeed no longer a law bringing a curse with it, but a mirror of the God merciful in holiness, into which he can look without slavish fear, and is a rule for the direction of his free and willing obedience. And how totally different is the affection of the psalmists and prophets for the Law, - an affection based upon the essence and universal morality of the commandments, and upon a spiritual realisation of the letter, and the consolation of the promises, - from the pharisaical rabbinical service of the letter and the ceremonial in the period after the Exile!
The divine Law is called תּמימה, "perfect," i.e., spotless and harmless, as being absolutely well-meaning, and altogether directed towards the well-being of man. And משׁיבת נפשׁ restoring, bringing back, i.e., imparting newness of life, quickening the soul (cf. Pil. שׁובב, Psa 23:3), to him, viz., who obeys the will of God graciously declared therein, and enters upon the divine way or rule of salvation. Then in the place of the word תורה we find עדוּת, - as the tables of the Ten Commandments (לחוּת העדוּת) are called, - from עוּד (העיד), which signifies not merely a corroborative, but also a warning and instructive testimony or attestation. The testimony of Jahve is נאמנה, made firm, sure, faithful, i.e., raised above all doubt in its declarations, and verifying itself in its threatenings and promises; and hence מחכּימת פּתי, making wise simplicity, or the simple, lit., openness, the open (root פת to spread out, open, Indo-Germ. prat, πετ, pat, pad), i.e., easily led astray; to such an one it gives a solid basis and stability, σοφίζει αὐτὸν, Ti2 3:15. The Law divides into פּקּוּדים, precepts or declarations concerning man's obligation; these are ישׁרים, straight or upright, as a norma normata, because they proceed from the upright, absolutely good will of God, and as a norma normans they lead along a straight way in the right track. They are therefore משׂמּחי לב, their educative guidance, taking one as it were by the hand, frees one from all tottering, satisfies a moral want, and preserves a joyous consciousness of being in the right way towards the right goal. מצות יהוה, Jahve's statute (from צוּה statuere), is the tenour of His commandments. The statute is a lamp - it is said in Pro 6:23 -and the law a light. So here: it is בּרה, clear, like the light of the sun (Sol 6:10), and its light is imparted to other objects: מאירת עינים, enlightening the eyes, which refers not merely to the enlightening of the understanding, but of one's whole condition; it makes the mind clear, and body as well as mind healthy and fresh, for the darkness of the eyes is sorrow, melancholy, and bewilderment. In this chain of names for the Law, יראת ה is not the fear of God as an act performed, but as a precept, it is what God's revelation demands, effects, and maintains; so that it is the revealed way in which God is to be feared (Psa 34:12) - in short, it is the religion of Jahve (cf. Pro 15:33 with Deu 17:19). This is טהורה, clean, pure, as the word which is like to pure gold, by which it is taught, Psa 12:7, cf. Job 28:19; and therefore עמדת לעד, enduring for ever in opposition to all false forms of reverencing God, which carry their own condemnation in themselves. משׁפּטי ה are the jura of the Law as a corpus juris divini, everything that is right and constitutes right according to the decision of Jahve. These judgments are אמת, truth, which endures and verifies itself; because, in distinction from most others and those outside Israel, they have an unchangeable moral foundation: צדקוּ יחדּו, i.e., they are צדיקים, in accordance with right and appropriate (Deu 4:8), altogether, because no reproach of inappositeness and sanctioned injustice or wrong clings to them. The eternal will of God has attained a relatively perfect form and development in the Law of Jahve according to the standard set up as the law of the nation. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| The law - The doctrine delivered to his church, whether by Moses, or by other prophets. Having discoursed hitherto of the glory of God shining forth in, the visible heavens, he now proceeds to another demonstration of God's glory, which he compares with and prefers before the former. Perfect - Completely discovering both the nature and will of God, and the whole duty of man, what he is to believe and practice, and whatsoever is necessary to his present and eternal happiness. Whereas the creation, although it did declare so much of God, as left all men without excuse, yet did not fully manifest the will of God, nor bring men to eternal salvation. Converting - From sin to God, from whom all men are naturally revolted. Testimony - His law, so called because it is a witness between God and man, what God requires of man, and what upon the performance of that condition, he will do for man. Sure - Heb. faithful or true, which is most necessary in a witness: it will not mislead any man, but will infallibly bring him to happiness. Simple - Even persons of the lowest capacities. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
The law of the Lord - And here are two books of Divine Revelation:
1. The visible Heavens, and the works of creation in general.
2. The Bible, or Divinely inspired writings contained in the Old and New Testaments.
These may all be called the Law of the Lord; תורה torah, from ירה yarah, to instruct, direct, put straight, guide. It is God's system of instruction, by which men are taught the knowledge of God and themselves, directed how to walk so as to please God, redeemed from crooked paths, and guided in the way everlasting. Some think that תורה torah means the preceptive part of Revelation. Some of the primitive fathers have mentioned three Laws given by God to man:
1. The law of nature, which teaches the knowledge of God, as to his eternal power and Deity, by the visible creation.
2. The law given to Moses and the prophets, which teaches more perfectly the knowledge of God, his nature, his will and our duty.
3. The law of grace given by Christ Jesus, which shows the doctrine of the atonement, of purification, and of the resurrection of the body.
The first is written in hieroglyphics in the heavens and the earth. The second was written on tables of stone, and in many rites and ceremonies. The third is to be written on the heart by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Is perfect - תמימה temimah, it is perfection, it is perfect in itself as a law, and requires perfection in the hearts and lives of men. This is Its character.
Converting the soul - Turning it back to God. Restoring it to right reason, or to a sound mind; teaching it its own interest in reference to both worlds. This is Its use.
The testimony of the Lord - עדות eduth, from עד ad, beyond, forward. The various types and appointments of the law, which refer to something beyond themselves, and point forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Some understand, the doctrinal parts of the law.
Is sure - נאמנה neemanah, are faithful; they point out the things beyond them fairly, truly, and fully, and make no vain or false report. They all bear testimony to the great atonement. This is Their character.
Making wise the simple - The simple is he who has but one end in view: who is concerned about his soul, and earnestly inquires, "What shall I do to be saved?" These testimonies point to the atonement, and thus the simple-hearted is made wise unto salvation. This is Their use. |
6 This poor man [06041] cried [07121], and the LORD [03068] heard [08085] him, and saved [03467] him out of all his troubles [06869].
4 Lest mine enemy [0341] say [0559], I have prevailed [03201] against him; and those that trouble [06862] me rejoice [01523] when I am moved [04131].
15 And [2532] that [3754] from [575] a child [1025] thou hast known [1492] the holy [2413] scriptures [1121], which [3588] are able [1410] to make [4679] thee [4571] wise [4679] unto [1519] salvation [4991] through [1223] faith [4102] which [3588] is in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].
7 The law [08451] of the LORD [03068] is perfect [08549], converting [07725] the soul [05315]: the testimony [05715] of the LORD [03068] is sure [0539], making wise [02449] the simple [06612].
15 The simple [06612] believeth [0539] every word [01697]: but the prudent [06175] man looketh well [0995] to his going [0838].
6 The LORD [03068] preserveth [08104] the simple [06612]: I was brought low [01809], and he helped [03467] me.
12 A prudent [06175] man foreseeth [07200] the evil [07451], and hideth [05641] himself; but the simple [06612] pass on [05674], and are punished [06064].
3 A prudent [06175] man foreseeth [07200] the evil [07451], and hideth [05641] [05641] himself: but the simple [06612] pass on [05674], and are punished [06064].
7 And beheld [07200] among the simple ones [06612], I discerned [0995] among the youths [01121], a young man [05288] void [02638] of understanding [03820],
22 How long, ye simple ones [06612], will ye love [0157] simplicity [06612]? and the scorners [03887] delight [02530] in their scorning [03944], and fools [03684] hate [08130] knowledge [01847]?
26 And thou shalt anoint [04886] the tabernacle [0168] of the congregation [04150] therewith, and the ark [0727] of the testimony [05715],
33 And thou shalt hang up [05414] the vail [06532] under the taches [07165], that thou mayest bring [0935] in thither within [01004] the vail [06532] the ark [0727] of the testimony [05715]: and the vail [06532] shall divide [0914] unto you between the holy [06944] place and the most [06944] holy [06944].
21 And thou shalt put [05414] the mercy seat [03727] above [04605] upon the ark [0727]; and in the ark [0727] thou shalt put [05414] the testimony [05715] that I shall give [05414] thee.
22 And there I will meet [03259] with thee, and I will commune [01696] with thee from above the mercy seat [03727], from between [0996] the two [08147] cherubims [03742] which are upon [05921] the ark [0727] of the testimony [05715], of all things which I will give thee in commandment [06680] unto the children [01121] of Israel [03478].
16 And thou shalt put [05414] into the ark [0727] the testimony [05715] which I shall give [05414] thee.
34 As the LORD [03068] commanded [06680] Moses [04872], so Aaron [0175] laid it up [03240] before [06440] the Testimony [05715], to be kept [04931].
23 Because [06440] [0834] ye have burned incense [06999], and because ye have sinned [02398] against the LORD [03068], and have not obeyed [08085] the voice [06963] of the LORD [03068], nor walked [01980] in his law [08451], nor in his statutes [02708], nor in his testimonies [05715]; therefore this evil [07451] is happened [07122] unto you, as at this day [03117].
157 Many [07227] are my persecutors [07291] and mine enemies [06862]; yet do I not decline [05186] from thy testimonies [05715].
144 The righteousness [06664] of thy testimonies [05715] is everlasting [05769]: give me understanding [0995], and I shall live [02421].
129 PE. Thy testimonies [05715] are wonderful [06382]: therefore doth my soul [05315] keep [05341] them.
111 Thy testimonies [05715] have I taken as an heritage [05157] for ever [05769]: for they are the rejoicing [08342] of my heart [03820].
99 I have more understanding [07919] than all my teachers [03925]: for thy testimonies [05715] are my meditation [07881].
88 Quicken [02421] me after thy lovingkindness [02617]; so shall I keep [08104] the testimony [05715] of thy mouth [06310].
36 Incline [05186] my heart [03820] unto thy testimonies [05715], and not to covetousness [01215].
31 I have stuck [01692] unto thy testimonies [05715]: O LORD [03068], put me not to shame [0954].
14 I have rejoiced [07797] in the way [01870] of thy testimonies [05715], as much as in [05921] all riches [01952].
5 This he ordained [07760] in Joseph [03084] for a testimony [05715], when he went out [03318] through the land [0776] of Egypt [04714]: where I heard [08085] a language [08193] that I understood [03045] not.
1 To the chief Musician [05329], A Psalm [04210] of David [01732]. The heavens [08064] declare [05608] the glory [03519] of God [0410]; and the firmament [07549] sheweth his [05046] handywork [04639] [03027].
2 Day [03117] unto day [03117] uttereth [05042] speech [0562], and night [03915] unto night [03915] sheweth [02331] knowledge [01847].
3 There is no speech [0562] nor language [01697], where their voice [06963] is not heard [08085].
4 Their line [06957] is gone out [03318] through all the earth [0776], and their words [04405] to the end [07097] of the world [08398]. In them hath he set [07760] a tabernacle [0168] for the sun [08121],
5 Which is as a bridegroom [02860] coming out [03318] of his chamber [02646], and rejoiceth [07797] as a strong man [01368] to run [07323] a race [0734].
6 His going forth [04161] is from the end [07097] of the heaven [08064], and his circuit [08622] unto the ends [07098] of it: and there is nothing hid [05641] from the heat [02535] thereof.
7 The law [08451] of the LORD [03068] is perfect [08549], converting [07725] the soul [05315]: the testimony [05715] of the LORD [03068] is sure [0539], making wise [02449] the simple [06612].
8 The statutes [06490] of the LORD [03068] are right [03477], rejoicing [08055] the heart [03820]: the commandment [04687] of the LORD [03068] is pure [01249], enlightening [0215] the eyes [05869].
9 The fear [03374] of the LORD [03068] is clean [02889], enduring [05975] for ever [05703]: the judgments [04941] of the LORD [03068] are true [0571] and righteous [06663] altogether [03162].
10 More to be desired [02530] are they than gold [02091], yea, than much [07227] fine gold [06337]: sweeter [04966] also than honey [01706] and the honeycomb [05317] [06688].
11 Moreover by them is thy servant [05650] warned [02094]: and in keeping [08104] of them there is great [07227] reward [06118].
12 Who can understand [0995] his errors [07691]? cleanse [05352] thou me from secret [05641] faults.
1 There was a man [0376] in the land [0776] of Uz [05780], whose name [08034] was Job [0347]; and that man [0376] was perfect [08535] and upright [03477], and one that feared [03373] God [0430], and eschewed [05493] evil [07451].
7 The law [08451] of the LORD [03068] is perfect [08549], converting [07725] the soul [05315]: the testimony [05715] of the LORD [03068] is sure [0539], making wise [02449] the simple [06612].
8 The statutes [06490] of the LORD [03068] are right [03477], rejoicing [08055] the heart [03820]: the commandment [04687] of the LORD [03068] is pure [01249], enlightening [0215] the eyes [05869].
9 The fear [03374] of the LORD [03068] is clean [02889], enduring [05975] for ever [05703]: the judgments [04941] of the LORD [03068] are true [0571] and righteous [06663] altogether [03162].
2 But his delight [02656] is in the law [08451] of the LORD [03068]; and in his law [08451] doth he meditate [01897] day [03119] and night [03915].
8 And what nation [01471] is there so great [01419], that hath statutes [02706] and judgments [04941] so righteous [06662] as all this law [08451], which I set [05414] before [06440] you this day [03117]?
19 The topaz [06357] of Ethiopia [03568] shall not equal [06186] it, neither shall it be valued [05541] with pure [02889] gold [03800].
7 Thou shalt keep [08104] them, O LORD [03068], thou shalt preserve [05341] them from this [02098] generation [01755] for ever [05769].
19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read [07121] therein all the days [03117] of his life [02416]: that he may learn [03925] to fear [03372] the LORD [03068] his God [0430], to keep [08104] all the words [01697] of this law [08451] and these statutes [02706], to do [06213] them:
33 The fear [03374] of the LORD [03068] is the instruction [04148] of wisdom [02451]; and before [06440] honour [03519] is humility [06038].
12 What man [0376] is he that desireth [02655] life [02416], and loveth [0157] many days [03117], that he may see [07200] good [02896]?
10 Who is she that looketh forth [08259] as the morning [07837], fair [03303] as the moon [03842], clear [01249] as the sun [02535], and terrible [0366] as an army with banners [01713]?
23 For the commandment [04687] is a lamp [05216]; and the law [08451] is light [0216]; and reproofs [08433] of instruction [04148] are the way [01870] of life [02416]:
15 And [2532] that [3754] from [575] a child [1025] thou hast known [1492] the holy [2413] scriptures [1121], which [3588] are able [1410] to make [4679] thee [4571] wise [4679] unto [1519] salvation [4991] through [1223] faith [4102] which [3588] is in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].
3 He restoreth [07725] my soul [05315]: he leadeth [05148] me in the paths [04570] of righteousness [06664] for his name's [08034] sake.
14 For [1063] we know [1492] that [3754] the law [3551] is [2076] spiritual [4152]: but [1161] I [1473] am [1510] carnal [4559], sold [4097] under [5259] sin [266].
12 Wherefore [5620] [3303] the law [3551] is holy [40], and [2532] the commandment [1785] holy [40], and [2532] just [1342], and [2532] good [18].
3 And many [07227] people [05971] shall go [01980] and say [0559], Come [03212] ye, and let us go up [05927] to the mountain [02022] of the LORD [03068], to the house [01004] of the God [0430] of Jacob [03290]; and he will teach [03384] us of his ways [01870], and we will walk [03212] in his paths [0734]: for out of Zion [06726] shall go forth [03318] the law [08451], and the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] from Jerusalem [03389].
16 Bind up [06887] the testimony [08584], seal [02856] the law [08451] among my disciples [03928].
10 Hear [08085] the word [01697] of the LORD [03068], ye rulers [07101] of Sodom [05467]; give ear [0238] unto the law [08451] of our God [0430], ye people [05971] of Gomorrah [06017].