the Week of Christ the King / Proper 29 / Ordinary 34
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King James Version
Psalms 19:7
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The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.
The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise.
The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one's life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.
The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.
The law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.
The law of the LORD is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the LORD are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The lawe of the Lord is with out wem, and conuertith soulis; the witnessyng of the Lord is feithful, and yyueth wisdom to litle children.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people.
The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.
The law of the Lord is good, giving new life to the soul: the witness of the Lord is certain, giving wisdom to the foolish.
It rises at one side of the sky, circles around to the other side, and nothing escapes its heat.
The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple;
The Lord 's teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord 's rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise.
His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The Law of the Lord is perfect, conuerting the soule: the testimonie of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The Law of the Lord is perfect, giving new strength to the soul. The Law He has made known is sure, making the child-like wise.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
The Lawe of the Lord is perfite, conuerting the soule: the testimonie of the Lord is sure, and giueth wisedome vnto the simple.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the young men.
The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength. The commands of the Lord are trustworthy, giving wisdom to those who lack it.
The, law of Yahweh, is complete, Bringing back the soul, The, testimony of Yahweh, is confirmed, Making wise the simple;
(18-8) The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The lawe of God is perfect, conuerting the soule: the testimonie of God is sure, and geueth wisdome vnto the simple.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, instructing babes.
The instruction of the Lord is perfect,renewing one’s life;the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy,making the inexperienced wise.
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul. The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The law of Yahweh is perfect, reviving life. The testimony of Yahweh is firm, making wise the simple.
The Law of Jehovah is perfect, converting the soul. The Testimony of Jehovah is sure, making the simple wise.
The law of Jehovah [is] perfect, refreshing the soul, The testimonies of Jehovah [are] stedfast, Making wise the simple,
The lawe of the LORDE is a perfecte lawe, it quickeneth the soule. The testimony of ye LORDE is true, & geueth wisdome euen vnto babes.
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God 's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The law of Yahweh is perfect, restoring the soul;The testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple.
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
law: or, doctrine, Psalms 78:1-7, Psalms 119:72, Psalms 119:96-100, Psalms 119:105, Psalms 119:127, Psalms 119:128, Psalms 147:19, Psalms 147:20, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Deuteronomy 17:18-20, Joshua 1:8, Job 23:12, Romans 3:2, Romans 15:4
perfect: Psalms 18:30, Psalms 111:7, Deuteronomy 32:4, Romans 12:2, James 1:17
converting: or, restoring, Psalms 23:3, Psalms 119:9, James 1:21-25
testimony: Psalms 93:5, Psalms 119:14, Psalms 119:24, Psalms 119:111, Psalms 119:152, Isaiah 8:16, Isaiah 8:20, John 3:32, John 3:33, John 5:39, Acts 10:43, 2 Timothy 1:8, 1 John 5:9-12, Revelation 19:10
sure: Psalms 111:7, 2 Samuel 23:5, 2 Timothy 2:19, Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 6:19
making: Psalms 119:130, Proverbs 1:4, Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 1:23, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Reciprocal: Exodus 32:15 - the testimony Deuteronomy 4:6 - this is your Deuteronomy 4:8 - General Deuteronomy 31:12 - men 2 Samuel 16:23 - oracle of God 1 Kings 2:3 - testimonies 2 Kings 23:3 - his commandments Ezra 7:10 - the law Ezra 7:25 - the wisdom Nehemiah 9:13 - gavest Nehemiah 13:3 - when they Job 28:23 - General Job 33:27 - right Psalms 51:13 - converted Psalms 56:4 - In God I will Psalms 116:6 - preserveth Psalms 119:47 - which Psalms 119:138 - testimonies Proverbs 2:6 - out Proverbs 7:7 - the simple Proverbs 8:5 - General Proverbs 8:6 - for Proverbs 8:9 - General Proverbs 9:4 - General Isaiah 35:8 - the wayfaring Isaiah 45:19 - speak righteousness Jeremiah 8:9 - lo Ezekiel 18:9 - walked Ezekiel 20:19 - walk Hosea 14:9 - for Micah 2:7 - do not Matthew 24:35 - my Mark 13:31 - my John 6:63 - the words John 17:17 - Sanctify Acts 11:14 - words Romans 7:7 - I had Romans 7:12 - the law Romans 16:18 - the simple 2 Corinthians 3:7 - was 1 Timothy 1:8 - the law 1 Timothy 4:6 - good doctrine 2 Timothy 3:16 - and is James 1:25 - the perfect 1 Peter 2:2 - the sincere 2 Peter 1:19 - a more 1 John 5:3 - and
Cross-References
But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.
Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Gill's Notes on the Bible
The law of the Lord [is] perfect,.... By which is meant, not the law of Moses, or the ten commandments, but the "doctrine" of the Lord; as the word ת×ר×, "torah", signifies, even the whole word of God, as in Isaiah 8:20. All the Scriptures of truth, which are profitable for doctrine; for setting doctrine in a clear light, and for the vindication and establishment of it, and are the rule of doctrine both to preachers and hearers; and which are "perfect", contain the whole mind and will of God, both with respect to faith and practice; whereby the man of God is made perfect, and thoroughly furnished to all good works, 2 Timothy 3:16; and especially the Gospel part of the word of God may be designed, which both in the Old and New Testament is called "a law" or "doctrine", being eminently so; the doctrine of the Messiah, and of justification by faith in his righteousness, Isaiah 2:3 Romans 3:27. The Gospel is a perfect plan and scheme of spiritual and saving truths: it gives an account of perfect things; as of the perfect righteousness of Christ, and complete justification by it; of the full as well as free pardon of sins by the blood of Christ; and of redemption and salvation from all sin and evils by him: and it also shows where true perfection is; namely, in Christ, in whom the saints are complete, be being made to them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; see James 1:25. This character, therefore, suits better with the Gospel than with the moral law; though that, as it is to be gathered out of the whole word of God, contains the good and perfect will of God, with respect to what is to be done or avoided; nor is anything to be added to it; nor did our Lord come to add unto it, or to make it more perfect, but to fulfil it, which men could not do; nor could the law make any man or anything perfect, either perfectly sanctify, or justify, or save; whereas the bringing in of the better hope in the Gospel does, Hebrews 9:7. The effect, under a divine influence and blessing ascribed to it, is,
converting the soul; which is a further proof that the law of Moses is not intended: for though by it is the knowledge of sin, or conviction of sin, which often falls short of conversion; yet the Spirit of God, as a spirit of regeneration, conversion, and sanctification, is not received through the doctrine or preaching of the law, but through the ministration of the Gospel; which is designed to turn men from darkness to light, and from the powers of Satan to God; and which use it has when it is attended with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power; see Romans 3:20, though the words may be rendered "relieving", that is, refreshing and comforting the "soul" z as in Lamentations 1:11; Through want of bodily food, which is the case in the passage retorted to, the spirits faint and sink, the soul is almost gone, when, by the ministration of proper food, it is as it were brought back again, as the word a here used signifies, and the animal spirits are cheered and revived: and of like use is the Gospel; it is the food of the soul, by which it is refreshed and exhilarated, when ready to sink and faint away; hereby it is restored and revived, comforted and nourished;
the testimony of the Lord [is] sure; this is another name for the word of God, or the Holy Scriptures; so called because they testify of Christ, of his person, office, and grace; of what he is, was to do, and suffer, and perform for his people, and of his glory that should follow thereon, John 5:39; and particularly the doctrine of the Gospel is the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ, both which he himself testified, and which is a testimony concerning him, 2 Timothy 1:8. And this is "sure", or "to be believed" b; the whole of Scripture is true, coming from the God of truth; having for its principal subject Christ, who is truth itself, and being dictated by the Spirit of truth; and particularly the Gospel part of it, and all the truths therein contained, especially the doctrine of salvation by Christ, which is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation: the Gospel is a testimony of record which God himself has bore concerning his Son, and eternal life by him, and therefore sure and to be depended upon; for if the witness of men is received, the witness of God is greater, 1 John 5:9. The effect ascribed to the word of God, Or to the Gospel under this character, is,
making wise the simple. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, render it "babes" or "children"; and so Apollinarius; and the word פת×, here used in the Arabic language, is said to c signify such; and here it intends babes and children not in years, but in understanding, to whom God is pleased to reveal the truths of his Gospel, when he hides them from the wise and prudent: these simple ones are such who are sensible of their simplicity and folly, and of their want of understanding; who, with Agur, think themselves more foolish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man; and these, by the word of God, are made wise to know themselves, their folly, sinfulness, imperfections, and impotence; and are made wise unto salvation, to know the right way of salvation by Christ; see 2 Timothy 3:15; where the same phrase is used as here, and seems to be borrowed from hence, and is used of the Scriptures; which also make men wise in the knowledge of Gospel doctrines, the wisdom of God in a mystery, which to know is the greatest wisdom and understanding, and much more so than to be acquainted with the law only, Deuteronomy 4:6.
z ×ש××ת × ×¤×© "recreans animam", Vatablus, Schmidt; "refocillat", Piscator. a "Restituens animam", Junius Tremellius, Cocceius "reducens", Gejerus, Montanus; so Ainsworth. b × ××× × "fidele", V. L. Musculus, Pagninus; "fide dignum", Piscator, Michaelis. c Shemot Rabba, s. 3. fol. 93. 2.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
The law of the Lord - Margin, doctrine. The word used here - ת××¨× toÌraÌh - is that which is commonly employed in the Old Testament with reference to the law of God, and is usually rendered âlaw.â The word properly means âinstruction,â âprecept,â from a verb signifying âto teach.â It is then used with reference to instruction or teaching in regard to conduct, and is thus applied to all that God has communicated to guide mankind. It does not here, nor does it commonly, refer exclusively to the commands of God, but it includes all that God has revealed to teach and guide us. It refers here to revealed truth as contradistinguished from the truth made known by the works of creation. Compare the note at Psalms 1:2. There are six epithets used in these verses Psalms 19:7-9 to describe the revealed truth of God, all referring to the same truths, but with reference to some distinct view of the truths themselves, or of their effect on the soul: to wit, law, testimony, statutes, commandment, fear, and judgments. Of the revealed truth of God, thus characterized by distinct epithets, a particular statement is first made in each case in regard to the truth itself as viewed in that special aspect, and then the effects of that revealed truth on the soul are described corresponding with that truth as so viewed. Thus, of the âlaw of the Lordâ it is said:
(a) that it is perfect,
(b) that it converts the soul;
Of the âtestimony of the Lordâ:
(a) that it is sure,
(b) that it makes the simple wise;
Of the âstatutes of the Lordâ:
(a) that they are right,
(b) that they rejoice the heart;
Of the âcommandment of the Lordâ:
(a) that it is pure,
(b) that it enlightens the eyes;
Of the âfear of the Lordâ:
(a) that it is clean,
(b) that it endures forever;
Of the âjudgments of the Lordâ:
(a) that they are true and righteous,
(b) that they are more to be desired than gold, and that they are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb; that people are warned by them, and that in keeping them there is great reward.
Is perfect - On the meaning of the word used here, see the note at Job 1:1. The meaning is that it lacks nothing in order to its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be. It is complete as a revelation of divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct. As explained above, this refers not only to the law of God as the word is commonly employed now, but to the whole of divine truth as revealed. It is absolutely true; it is adapted with consummate wisdom to the wants of man; it is an unerring guide of conduct. There is nothing there which would lead men into error or sin; there is nothing essential for man to know which may not be found there.
Converting the soul - The particular illustration of the perfection of the law is seen in the fact that it âconverts the soul;â that is, that it turns it from the ways of sin to holiness. The glory of the works of God - the heavens, the firmament, the sun, as described in the previous verses - is, that they convey the knowledge of God around the world, and that the world is filled with light and life under the genial warmth of the sun; the glory of the law, or the revealed truth of God, is, that it bears directly on the soul of man, turning him from the error of his ways. and leading him to pursue a life of holiness. It is not said of the âlawâ of God that it does this by its own power, nor can there be any design here to exclude the doctrine of the divine agency on the soul; but the statement is, that when the âlawâ of God is applied to the heart, or when the truth of God is made to bear on that heart, the legitimate effect is seen in turning the sinner from the error of his ways. This effect of truth is seen everywhere, where it is brought into contact with the heart of man. By placing this first, also, the psalmist may perhaps have intended to intimate that this is the primary design of the revelation which God has given to mankind; that while great and important effects are produced by the knowledge which goes forth from the works of God, converting power goes forth only from the âlawâ of God, or from revealed truth. It is observable that none of the effects here Psalms 19:7-12 ascribed to the revealed truth of God, under the various forms in which it is contemplated, are ascribed to the knowledge which goes forth from the contemplation of his works, Psalms 19:1-6. It is not scientific truth which converts men, but revealed truth.
The testimony of the Lord - The word used here - ×¢××ת âeÌduÌth - means properly that which is borne witness to, and is applied to revealed truth as that which God bears witness to. In reference to the truth of what is stated he is the witness or the voucher; it is that which he declares to be true. Hence, the term is applicable to all that is revealed as being that which he affirms to be true, and the word may be applied to historical truths; or to precepts or laws; or to statements respecting himself, respecting man, respecting the way of salvation, respecting the fallen world. On all these subjects he has borne witness in his word, pledging his veracity as to the correctness of the statements which are thus made. The word, therefore, refers to the whole of what is revealed in his word, considered as that to the truth of which he bears witness. The word is often used in this sense: Psalms 81:5; Psalms 119:14, Psalms 119:31, Psalms 119:36, Psalms 119:88, Psalms 119:99,Psalms 119:111, Psalms 119:129, Psalms 119:144, Psalms 119:157; Jeremiah 44:23. It is often also applied to the two tables of the law laid up in the ark, which is hence called âthe ark of the testimony:â Exodus 16:34; Exodus 25:16, Exodus 25:21-22; Exodus 26:33; Exodus 30:26, et saepe.
Is sure - Established, firm. That âtestimony,â or that revealed truth, is not unsettled, vacillating, uncertain. It is so certain that it may be relied on; so well established, that it cannot be shaken.
Making wise the simple - The word rendered simple - ×¤×ª× pethıÌy - means simplicity, folly, Proverbs 1:22; and then, simple in the sense of being open to persuasion, easily seduced: Proverbs 7:7; Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 27:12; Psalms 116:6. Then it means credulous, Proverbs 14:15; and inexperienced, Psalms 19:7. Gesenius, Lexicon. The meaning here is evidently inexperienced in the sense of being ignorant or untaught. It refers to those who need spiritual guidance and direction, and is applicable to men as they are by nature, as untaught, or needing instruction, but with the idea that their minds are susceptible to impressions, or are open to conviction. Those who are naturally destitute of wisdom, it makes wise. The statement is, that that testimony, or revealed truth, makes them wise in the knowledge of God, or imparts to them real instruction.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Psalms 19:7. The law of the Lord — And here are two books of Divine Revelation:
1. The visible HEAVENS, and the works of creation in general.
2. The BIBLE, or Divinely inspired writings contained in the Old and New Testaments.
These may all be called the LAW of the Lord; ת××¨× torah, from ××¨× yarah, to instruct, direct, put straight, guide. It is God's system of instruction, by which men are taught the knowledge of God and themselves, directed how to walk so as to please GOD, redeemed from crooked paths, and guided in the way everlasting. Some think that ת××¨× torah means the preceptive part of Revelation. Some of the primitive fathers have mentioned three LAWS given by God to man:
1. The law of nature, which teaches the knowledge of God, as to his eternal power and Deity, by the visible creation.
2. The law given to Moses and the prophets, which teaches more perfectly the knowledge of God, his nature, his will and our duty.
3. The law of grace given by Christ Jesus, which shows the doctrine of the atonement, of purification, and of the resurrection of the body.
The first is written in hieroglyphics in the heavens and the earth. The second was written on tables of stone, and in many rites and ceremonies. The third is to be written on the heart by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Is perfect — ת×××× temimah, it is perfection, it is perfect in itself as a law, and requires perfection in the hearts and lives of men. This is ITS character.
Converting the soul — Turning it back to God. Restoring it to right reason, or to a sound mind; teaching it its own interest in reference to both worlds. This is ITS use.
The testimony of the Lord — ×¢××ת eduth, from ×¢× ad, beyond, forward. The various types and appointments of the law, which refer to something beyond themselves, and point forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Some understand, the doctrinal parts of the law.
Is sure — × ××× × neemanah, are faithful; they point out the things beyond them fairly, truly, and fully, and make no vain or false report. They all bear testimony to the great atonement. This is THEIR character.
Making wise the simple. — The simple is he who has but one end in view: who is concerned about his soul, and earnestly inquires, "What shall I do to be saved?" These testimonies point to the atonement, and thus the simple-hearted is made wise unto salvation. This is THEIR use.
