Psalm 119:42
ESV
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
NIV
then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
NASB
So that I will have an answer for one who taunts me, For I trust in Your word.
CSB
Then I can answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
NLT
Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
KJV
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
NKJV
So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.
What does Psalm 119:42 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 119; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 119:41–48 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter waw. Here, the psalmist appeals to God to maintain His steady, loyal love and care. The writer promises to proclaim God to all people without being ashamed. This results in happiness as well as a passion for obedience to 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.