Today’s Word

Once Upon a Time

Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me through Your righteousness. Psalm 119:40  NASB Long – Well, it’s not exactly a hapax legomenon, but it might as well be.  tāʾeb, translated “long for,” is used only twice; once here and once in verse 174 (which we will eventually examine).  Since it is only found in this…
Read the full article Once Upon a Time

The True Foundation

Establish Your [m]word to Your servant as that which produces reverence for You.  Psalm 119:38  NASB [m]word – Notice the footnote attached to this translation.  That note is to tell you that the usual Hebrew isn’t what we have in this verse.  Instead of dābār we find ʾimrâ, both translated “word” in English so you wouldn’t…
Read the full article The True Foundation

An Empty Life

Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, and revive me in Your ways.  Psalm 119:37  NASB Worthless – “That the primary meaning of šāwʾ is ‘emptiness, vanity’ no one can challenge. It designates anything that is unsubstantial, unreal, worthless, either materially or morally. Hence, it is a word for idols (in the same way…
Read the full article An Empty Life

Money Matters

Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to dishonest gain.  Psalm 119:36  NASB Dishonest gain – What is the strategy that prevents humanity from seeking profit by unrighteous means?  Ah, the answer is simple.  History! Incline your heart to God’s testimonies.  What are those?  You’ll recall that “testimonies” is the plural of ʿēdût, a word that…
Read the full article Money Matters

Forced Joy?

Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.  Psalm 119:35  NASB Make me – What do you suppose would happen if you asked God to make you do something?  If He responded to that request, do you think there is any chance it wouldn’t happen?  Could you resist the ultimate omnipotence…
Read the full article Forced Joy?

Knowing Why

Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law and keep it with all my heart.  Psalm 119:34  NASB Understanding – Do you find this request a bit odd?  The general pattern of God’s instructions in Torah do not require explanation.  In fact, the methodology of Torah learning is not about figuring out why God asks what…
Read the full article Knowing Why

Search more than 9000 word studies here

Recent Today’s Word

Recent Comments

Archives