Psalm 119:67
ESV
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
NIV
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
NASB
Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
CSB
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
NLT
I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
KJV
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
NKJV
Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
What does Psalm 119:67 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 119; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 119:65–72 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter teth. The psalmist recognizes his hardships as loving discipline from God, meant to bring him back to the right path. This parallels comments in Hebrews 12:6–11, which uses words similar to those found in this passage. James 1:12–18 further supports this idea.
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.
