Psalm 119:161
ESV
Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
NIV
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
NASB
Rulers persecute me without cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your words.
CSB
Princes have persecuted me without cause, but my heart fears only your word.
NLT
Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
KJV
SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
NKJV
Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
What does Psalm 119:161 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 119; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 119:161–168 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter shin. This passage describes the psalmist's relationship to God's Word. Despite persecution, he has remained loyal to the Lord and His Word. The psalmist takes great joy and comfort in God's commands and in Scripture. This constant interaction with God's truth gives the psalmist reassurance even when powerful people rise up against him.
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.
