Psalm 119:88
ESV
In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
NIV
In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
NASB
Revive me according to Your faithfulness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
CSB
Give me life in accordance with your faithful love, and I will obey the decree you have spoken.
NLT
In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws.
KJV
Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
NKJV
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
What does Psalm 119:88 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 119; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 119:81–88 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter kaph. The psalmist is suffering at the hands of his enemies, but has not lost faith in the Lord. Prayers for rescue are combined with declarations of loyalty and obedience. The psalmist has not allowed these struggles to lead him into sin. Even when threatened with death, he wants to obey God and all that the Lord has commanded. Suffering for the sake of faith is also noted in 2 Corinthians 11:23–33 and 2 Timothy 3:12.
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.
