Psalm 119:150
ESV
They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.
NIV
Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.
NASB
Those who follow after wickedness approach; They are far from Your Law.
CSB
Those who pursue evil plans come near; they are far from your instruction.
NLT
Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions.
KJV
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
NKJV
They draw near who follow after wickedness; They are far from Your law.
What does Psalm 119:150 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 119; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 119:145–152 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter qoph. Here, the psalmist cries out for rescue. This might have been a physical danger, or a form of social or legal persecution. The psalmist declares his loyalty to the Lord and the Lord's Word. Even though danger threatens, the psalmist feels the presence of God. The writer is reassured by Scripture.
This song is composed of twenty-two stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each line in the stanza is an individual verse and each begins with the corresponding letter. The psalmist emphasizes study of God's Word in a variety of circumstances, including persecution, sadness, and rescue. Benefits of taking in the Word include a moral life, joy, wisdom, hope, peace, strength, and freedom. Those who interact with the Word of the Lord should respond with delight, careful study, and obedience.
